Prophet Turning his Head to the Sky - Change in Qiblah - Ramadan Reflections 16

Every faith tradition has a focus or direction which they hold sacred and important. For the Muslims, this is Mecca and the Sacred Ka’bah. However it was not always the direction of prayer. For the entire period of life in Mecca, the Muslims would turn towards Jerusalem when they engaged in their acts of worship. However, once they established themselves in Medina, the order was given to now turn towards Mecca and the Ka’bah. HOW did this shift occur? WHY did it happen? WHEN did it transpire?