Every year, the holy Kaaba receives a new cover, known as the “Kiswa,” as part of an annual tradition. This year, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque oversaw the installation of the new Kiswa by a team of 159 craftsmen from the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa. The team meticulously carried out the replacement, dismantling the old Kiswa and installing the new one piece by piece. The newly installed Kiswa weighs 1,350 kilograms and stands 14 meters high, consisting of four separate sides and a door curtain.
The process of replacing the Kiswa involved carefully raising each side of the new cover to the top of the Kaaba and fixing them in place before lowering the old Kiswa down. The craftsmen repeated this process for each side until the entire Kiswa was securely in place. The Kiswa is made from approximately 1,000 kilograms of raw silk, dyed black within the complex, and adorned with 120 kilograms of gold threads and 100 kilograms of silver threads. The belt of the Kiswa consists of 16 pieces, with an additional seven pieces below the belt.
The King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa plays a crucial role in the production and installation of the Kiswa each year. The complex employs around 200 craftsmen and administrators, all of whom are trained, qualified, and specialized citizens. The complex houses various departments for dyeing, weaving, printing, gilding, sewing, and assembly of the Kiswa. Additionally, it boasts the world’s largest sewing machine, measuring 16 meters in length and operating with computerized systems.
In addition to the main production departments, the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa also includes supporting departments such as a laboratory, administrative services, quality control, public relations, health services for workers, and occupational safety measures. This ensures that the production of the Kiswa is carried out with precision, quality, and attention to detail. Every step of the process, from dyeing the silk to sewing the final pieces together, is meticulously executed by the skilled craftsmen at the complex.
The installation of the new Kiswa on the holy Kaaba is a significant event that marks the continuing tradition of adorning the most sacred site in Islam. The meticulous craftsmanship and dedication of the team of craftsmen from the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa ensures that the new cover is installed with precision and care, honoring the sanctity of the Kaaba. The Kiswa serves as a symbol of reverence and respect for the holiest site in Islam, and its annual replacement is a testament to the ongoing commitment to maintaining its purity and beauty.
Overall, the process of replacing the Kiswa on the holy Kaaba is a detailed and intricate undertaking that requires the skill and expertise of a dedicated team of craftsmen. The King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa plays a central role in this process, employing trained professionals and utilizing advanced technology to ensure that the Kiswa is produced and installed with the utmost care and precision. As the new cover adorns the Kaaba, it serves as a visual representation of the reverence and devotion that Muslims around the world hold for the sacred site.
