Saudi Arabia completes annual replacement of Holy Kaaba’s Kiswa

Saudi Arabia has completed the annual replacement of the Holy Kaaba’s Kiswa, the ornate black silk covering that adorns Islam’s most sacred site in Makkah. The Kingdom describes this centuries-old tradition as a symbol of its custodianship of the Two Holy Mosques.

The exercise, coordinated by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, involves a meticulous multi-stage process. It combines traditional Islamic craftsmanship with modern manufacturing technology. Preparations included removing gold-embroidered ornaments and other embellishments from the old Kiswa. A specialized team of Saudi experts oversaw both the removal of the old covering and the installation of the new one.

The production of the new Kiswa utilizes premium raw materials. Each covering requires 825 kilograms of natural silk, 47 rolls of black silk, and 400 kilograms of raw cotton for the inner lining. The embroidery of Quranic verses and Islamic motifs demands 60 kilograms of pure silver and 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver threads.

Saudi craftsmen anchor the seven-stage process, which includes dyeing, weaving, testing, printing, embroidery, hand weaving, and final assembly. Hand weaving remains indispensable for producing specialized decorative pieces. The Saudi government states the process reflects a deliberate blend of heritage and innovation, ensuring the Kiswa remains a work of craftsmanship befitting the sanctity of the Grand Mosque. For over a century, the annual replacement has expressed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving Islamic heritage, relying on local expertise and advanced technologies.