Latest news with #KingAbdulazizComplex
Miami Herald
4 hours ago
- General
- Miami Herald
On Its Centennial: The Occasion of Replacing the Kiswa of the Noble Kaaba Embodies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Enduring Care for the Two Holy Mosques
MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA, SA / ACCESS Newswire / June 26, 2025 / The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, presided over the occasion of the replacing of the Kiswa on the first day of the month of Muharram (Hijri). This took place within an integrated operational system that reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's willingness and dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques-continuing a legacy of over 100 years of care in producing the Kiswa for the Ancient House. The occasion was conducted with meticulous organisation. As the previous Kiswa was carefully prepared for removal, the new Kiswa was raised and securely fastened to all sides of the Kaaba. Additionally, the door curtain embroidered with golden embellishments, lantern-shaped pieces, the belt, and samadiyah pieces were affixed-a scene embodying high craftsmanship and precision. The King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa is the sole specialist entity responsible for the production of the Kiswa. The production stages are carried out within the complex through a precise production process that begins with the purification of water designated for dyeing, followed by automated weaving, printing, embroidery, and assembly. It concludes with quality assurance measures undertaken by 154 skilled Saudi specialists and technicians. During the production of the Kiswa-which weighs up to 1,415 kilograms-high-quality raw materials are utilised, including 825 kilograms of black-dyed natural silk and 410 kilograms of cotton. The Kiswa is embroidered with 120 kilograms of gold thread and 60 kilograms of silver thread. Additionally, it features 54 gold-coated pieces, comprising the belt, Quranic verses, the door curtain, lantern-shaped pieces, and embellishments surrounding the Mizab and corners. The Kiswa is adorned with 68 Quranic verses from 11 surahs, while the door curtain contains 763 words from the Quran. It is secured using 100 precisely positioned ropes, evenly distributed across all four sides of the Noble Kaaba. The Kiswa stands over 14 metres tall and is made up of five main parts-four of which cover each side of the Kaaba, while the fifth forms the door curtain, embroidered with Quranic verses in gold and silver threads, crafted using precise techniques and profound expertise. The occasion of replacing the Kiswa represents a continuation of the legacy established by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the time of its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud-may Allah have mercy upon him. It reaffirms the continuation of this blessed legacy under the direct care of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Deputy, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz-may Allah preserve them both. This initiative aligns with the national vision that emphasises excellence in the services provided to the visitors of the Sacred House of Allah. Source: About the Authority:An independent body overseeing the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Contact:(+966) 8254241 - (+966) 0148233610Unified Contact Centre: 1966 Contact Information The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques Makkah(+966) 0148233610 SOURCE: The General Authority for the Care of The Two Holy Mosques press release
Arab News
5 hours ago
- General
- Arab News
Replacement of Holy Kaaba's kiswa completed
RIYADH: The Grand Mosque in Makkah faced the dawn of the first day of the first month in the Islamic calendar, Muharram, with the kiswa-changing ceremony by the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa. This annual event embodies the Kingdom's commitment to serve the Two Holy Mosques — not only in organizational and administrative aspects but also on a symbolic and sacred level, given the central place the Kaaba holds in the hearts of more than a billion and a half Muslims worldwide. They installed the embroidered curtain with gold-plated threads, the hizam (belt), the samadiah (decorative elements), lantern-shaped pieces, and decorations surrounding the mizab (rainwater spout), the corners, and other adornments, creating a captivating scene infused with feelings of reverence and supplication. The occasion also highlights the pioneering role of Saudi youth, who form the backbone of production, supervision, and execution within the complex. National competencies demonstrate leadership in guiding work teams, overseeing design details, and innovative technical solutions that ensure the highest standards of precision — merging exquisite craftsmanship with modern technological aspirations. The kiswa exceeds 14 meters in height and is adorned with Quranic verses embroidered with gold-coated silver and pure silver threads, written in the Thuluth script, forming a masterpiece that demands precise engineering, care and artistic expertise to preserve its identity and quality over time. This annual event is not merely a repeated occasion but an extension of a historical legacy established by the Founding King Abdulaziz — and reinforced by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is part of the national vision centered on serving the Two Holy Mosques and enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims and other visitors. Every year, the ceremony to change the kiswa is a memorable scene in the collective memory of the Islamic nations and a living symbol of how the care for the holy sanctuaries has evolved from a responsibility into a leadership role.
Associated Press
10 hours ago
- General
- Associated Press
On Its Centennial: The Occasion of Replacing the Kiswa of the Noble Kaaba Embodies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Enduring Care for the Two Holy Mosques
MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA, SA / ACCESS Newswire / June 26, 2025 / The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, presided over the occasion of the replacing of the Kiswa on the first day of the month of Muharram (Hijri). This took place within an integrated operational system that reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's willingness and dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques-continuing a legacy of over 100 years of care in producing the Kiswa for the Ancient Kaaba The Ceremony of Changing the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba The occasion was conducted with meticulous organisation. As the previous Kiswa was carefully prepared for removal, the new Kiswa was raised and securely fastened to all sides of the Kaaba. Additionally, the door curtain embroidered with golden embellishments, lantern-shaped pieces, the belt, and samadiyah pieces were affixed-a scene embodying high craftsmanship and precision. The King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa is the sole specialist entity responsible for the production of the Kiswa. The production stages are carried out within the complex through a precise production process that begins with the purification of water designated for dyeing, followed by automated weaving, printing, embroidery, and assembly. It concludes with quality assurance measures undertaken by 154 skilled Saudi specialists and technicians. During the production of the Kiswa-which weighs up to 1,415 kilograms-high-quality raw materials are utilised, including 825 kilograms of black-dyed natural silk and 410 kilograms of cotton. The Kiswa is embroidered with 120 kilograms of gold thread and 60 kilograms of silver thread. Additionally, it features 54 gold-coated pieces, comprising the belt, Quranic verses, the door curtain, lantern-shaped pieces, and embellishments surrounding the Mizab and corners. The Kiswa is adorned with 68 Quranic verses from 11 surahs, while the door curtain contains 763 words from the Quran. It is secured using 100 precisely positioned ropes, evenly distributed across all four sides of the Noble Kaaba. The Kiswa stands over 14 metres tall and is made up of five main parts-four of which cover each side of the Kaaba, while the fifth forms the door curtain, embroidered with Quranic verses in gold and silver threads, crafted using precise techniques and profound expertise. The occasion of replacing the Kiswa represents a continuation of the legacy established by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the time of its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud-may Allah have mercy upon him. It reaffirms the continuation of this blessed legacy under the direct care of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Deputy, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz-may Allah preserve them both. This initiative aligns with the national vision that emphasises excellence in the services provided to the visitors of the Sacred House of Allah. Source: About the Authority: An independent body overseeing the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Contact: (+966) 8254241 - (+966) 0148233610 Unified Contact Centre: 1966 Contact Information The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques Makkah (+966) 0148233610 SOURCE: The General Authority for the Care of The Two Holy Mosques press release
Al Arabiya
14 hours ago
- General
- Al Arabiya
On Islamic New Year, Saudi Arabia unveils new gold-embroidered Kiswa for Kaaba
Saudi Arabia unveiled the new Kiswa, the black and gold cloth that covers the Kaaba in Mecca, on the first day of the Islamic New Year in a sacred tradition that dates back to the Prophet Mohammed. The new Kiswa is made of 670 kilograms of natural black silk and 150 kilograms of gold and silver-plated thread. It features 68 Quranic verses embroidered with 24-karat gold-plated silver, all hand-stitched by skilled artisans using traditional Islamic embroidery techniques. For more news on Saudi Arabia, visit our dedicated page. The massive textile spans 658 square meters, consists of 47 silk panels, and weighs more than a metric ton. It is produced annually at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Manufacturing of the Kaaba's Kiswa in Mecca, and its estimated cost is approximately $4.5 million (SAR 17 million). A ritual of reverence and precision The Kiswa is replaced every year on the first day of Muharram – which falls on Thursday in the lunar calendar – in a carefully coordinated operation involving over a hundred specialized technicians. The installation is carried out using electric lifts and scaffolding to ensure that no part of the Kaaba is exposed at any time. To protect the Kiswa from damage during the Hajj pilgrimage, a white cotton covering known as the 'Ihram of the Kaaba' is temporarily added to its lower portion. This barrier shields the cloth from being touched, torn, or stained as millions of pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba during the peak days of worship. What happens to the old Kiswa? Once the new Kiswa is in place, the previous year's covering is carefully removed, cleaned, and cut into approximately 56 pieces. These pieces are then distributed under royal directive to kings, heads of state, foreign ambassadors, prominent religious institutions, and international Islamic organizations. Other sections of the old cloth are preserved in government conservation facilities and archival storage centers, ensuring their protection from deterioration. These fragments are seen as symbols of spiritual and cultural heritage and are often displayed in official institutions, museums, and exhibitions. A global legacy Some of the oldest surviving pieces of the Kiswa date back to the Mamluk and Ottoman eras. Notable examples include a 1517 Kiswa displayed at the Grand Mosque of Bursa in Turkey. Other historical fragments are housed in Cairo's Islamic museums and Turkish archives, showcasing the artistic legacy of Islamic civilization through centuries of Kaaba coverings. Evolution of the Kiswa tradition The tradition of covering the Kaaba dates back to the early days of Islam. During Prophet Mohammed's time, it was customary to drape the Kaaba in Yemeni cloth. Later, under the caliphs and Islamic dynasties, Kiswas were produced in Egypt and sent annually to Mecca in elaborate ceremonial caravans. Since 1927, following a royal order from King Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia began producing the Kiswa locally. Today, the King Abdulaziz Complex employs hundreds of craftsmen and specialists who oversee the entire process – from dyeing and weaving the silk to stitching Quranic verses in gold and silver.
Asharq Al-Awsat
20 hours ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Ceremony Begins to Replace Kiswa of Holy Kaaba, Continuing a Legacy of Over 100 Years
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, through the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, officially started the annual ceremony to replace the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, a tradition that has been carried out for over a century. As part of the carefully coordinated process, the complex began by removing the gilded curtain from the Kaaba door, which measures 6.35 meters in length and 3.33 meters in width, as well as dismantling the chandeliers and decorative ornaments, reported the Saudi Press Agency. This marks the beginning of replacing the old Kiswa with a new one, crafted with exceptional precision and spiritual significance. The new Kiswa is currently en route to the Grand Mosque, accompanied by a comprehensive system of logistical and operational support that follows the highest global standards. A fully Saudi team of 154 trained craftsmen, each scientifically and practically qualified, is overseeing the process. Their duties include raising the old Kiswa, detaching the gilded elements, and installing the new Kiswa, which comprises 47 intricately embroidered black silk panels featuring 68 Quranic verses stitched with 24-karat gold-plated silver threads. The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. To create the new Kiswa, the team used 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilograms of pure silver, 825 kilograms of silk, and 410 kilograms of raw cotton. Additionally, 54 gilded pieces were produced using eight specialized weaving machines within the complex. The ceremony is a profound expression of the Kingdom's dedication to serving Islam's holiest sites. The continued renewal of the Kaaba's Kiswa stands as a majestic and enduring symbol of reverence, care, and spiritual legacy upheld by Saudi Arabia for over a century.
