Holy Kaaba adorned with new Kiswa

The holiest shrine in Islam, the Holy Kaaba in Mecca, received its new Kiswa (cover) on Tuesday, marking the first day of Muharram and the beginning of the Islamic year 1448 AH. The annual tradition of replacing the old covering with a new one was a grand ceremony, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to the sacred site.

This year's Kiswa is a testament to Saudi excellence and mastery in Islamic art. It was meticulously crafted over 11 months by 150 Saudi artisans at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa. The process involved seven precise stages: water desalination, silk washing, weaving, printing, embroidery, assembly, and inspection.

The new covering weighs 1,410 kilograms and is made from premium materials. It includes 825 kilograms of natural silk, 47 rolls of black silk for the exterior, 400 kilograms of raw cotton for the inner lining, 60 kilograms of pure silver for embroidery, and 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver used to embroider 30 Qur’anic verses and decorative motifs.

The production process combined specialized expertise, advanced techniques, and meticulous attention to detail, representing a harmonious blend of authentic Islamic art and modern Saudi craftsmanship. Arabic calligraphy, particularly the Thuluth Jali script, adorns the Kiswa with Qur’anic verses and expressions of faith, showcasing a refined tradition of Islamic visual culture.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque oversaw the replacement, which involved carefully removing ornaments, decorative elements, and lowering the Kaaba's door curtain in accordance with custom. The finished Kiswa was transported on a special trailer to the Mataf courtyard in the Grand Mosque.