Saudi Arabia replaces Holy Kaaba's Kiswa for the year

Saudi Arabia has finished replacing the Holy Kaaba’s Kiswa. This black silk covering is important for Islam’s holiest site in Makkah. The Kingdom sees this tradition as a sign of its care for the Two Holy Mosques.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque managed the replacement. They worked with the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa. The process combines traditional Islamic skills with modern manufacturing.

Before the new Kiswa went on, workers removed gold-embroidered decorations, lamps, and other items from the old covering. They also lowered the curtain that covers the Kaaba’s door.

The new Kiswa was taken from the King Abdulaziz Complex to the Grand Mosque. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said this move followed international standards.

A special team of Saudi experts managed the removal and installation of the Kiswa. They ensured everything was done correctly.

Making the new Kiswa needs high-quality materials. Each covering uses 825 kilograms of natural silk, 47 rolls of black silk for the outside, and 400 kilograms of raw cotton for the inside.

The embroidery includes Quranic verses and Islamic designs. This work requires 60 kilograms of pure silver and 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver threads. In total, 180 kilograms of precious metals are used.

Before production starts, all materials go through strict testing in the lab. This checks quality and durability for different weather conditions. Quranic verses and designs are printed on the fabric before workers embroider them with gold and silver threads using modern methods.

The Kiswa is made through a seven-stage process. This includes dyeing, weaving, testing, printing, embroidery, hand weaving, and final assembly. Saudi artisans are key to this process, especially in hand weaving special decorative pieces that need great accuracy.

When everything is ready, the finished Kiswa is installed on the Holy Kaaba.

The Saudi government says this process mixes tradition and new ideas. This ensures the Kiswa is a masterpiece that honors the Grand Mosque.

For more than a hundred years, replacing the Kiswa each year shows Saudi Arabia’s dedication to preserving Islamic culture. The Kingdom uses local talent and modern technology to keep this tradition alive.