MAKKAH: The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque adorned the holy Kaaba with a new cover, known as the “Kiswa,” continuing an annual tradition. A team of 159 craftsmen from the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa undertook the task. They worked around the sides and roof of the Kaaba, each focusing on their specialized roles. First, they carefully removed the old Kiswa and replaced it with the new one, securing it meticulously at the corners and on the roof.
The new Kiswa, weighing 1,350 kilograms and standing 14 meters tall, consists of four separate sides and a door curtain. Each side was individually lifted and placed atop the Kaaba before being unfolded over the old covering. The craftsmen then secured each side in a systematic process, ensuring a seamless fit. This involved raising and lowering the new fabric while removing the old one, a delicate operation repeated four times for each side. Finally, the belt was meticulously aligned and sewn into place along all four sides.
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Crafting the Kiswa is a meticulous process, requiring approximately 1,000 kilograms of raw silk dyed black within the complex, alongside 120 kilograms of gold threads and 100 kilograms of silver threads. The belt alone consists of 16 pieces, with an additional seven pieces below it. The King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa employs about 200 skilled craftsmen and administrators, all trained and specialized in various aspects of the Kiswa’s production, from dyeing and weaving to sewing and assembly.
The complex also boasts advanced facilities, including the world’s largest sewing machine, spanning 16 meters and equipped with state-of-the-art computerized systems. Supporting departments ensure quality control, safety, and welfare for workers, underscoring the complex’s commitment to maintaining excellence in crafting the revered Kiswa cover for the holy Kaaba.
Source: SPA
