MAKKAH: With the start of the new Islamic year, the Holy Kaaba was adorned with its new kiswa (Covering of the Kaaba), symbolising Saudi Arabia’s dedication to Islam’s holiest site and its mastery in preserving the tradition of Islamic craftsmanship.
The annual replacement of the kiswa is one of the most significant rituals at the Grand Mosque and marks the culmination of nearly a year of meticulous work at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa in Makkah.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, approximately 150 Saudi craftsmen spent 11 months producing the new kiswa. The cover consists of 47 panels of luxurious black silk embroidered with 30 Qur’anic verses using silver threads plated with 24-karat gold. The completed kiswa weighs about 1,410 kilograms.
The installation process included fitting the embroidered door curtain, the gold-embroidered hizam (belt), decorative samadiah elements, lantern-shaped ornaments, and embellishments surrounding the mizab (rainwater spout), corners, and other parts of the Kaaba. The result is a majestic display that reflects reverence, devotion, and exceptional artistry.
The Annual Replacement of the Holy Kaaba’s Kiswa.#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/f96sw9N2PY
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Although the kiswa appears to be a single seamless garment, it is crafted through a highly detailed production process involving several specialised fabrics, each serving a unique purpose in its structure, appearance, and durability.
Its outer layer is made from premium black silk, which gives the kiswa its distinctive appearance. Embossed black silk is used for Qur’anic inscriptions and decorative motifs, enhancing its intricate design.
The interior lining is made of off-white cotton to provide strength and longevity, while additional white cotton layers reinforce key sections for greater structural stability.
Red silk is incorporated into certain decorative features, while green silk is placed behind the Kaaba’s door curtain. Embossed green silk is also used for the inner covering.
Together, these carefully selected materials are combined through a precise and sophisticated manufacturing process, reflecting the remarkable craftsmanship and spiritual significance of the Holy Kaaba’s kiswa.
