Latest news with #craftsmen
Asharq Al-Awsat
a day 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.
Arab News
a day ago
- General
- Arab News
Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba is replaced
RIYADH: The annual ceremony to replace the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, a tradition that has been carried out for over a century, started on Wednesday. The Kiswa refers to the black silk embroidered cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba. As part of a carefully coordinated process, the gilded curtain from the Kaaba door, which measures 6.35 meters in length and 3.33 meters in width, was removed first. The new Kiswa is currently en route to the Grand Mosque, accompanied by a comprehensive system of logistical and operational support, Saudi Press Agency reported. A Saudi team of 154 trained craftsmen is overseeing the process and their duties include raising the old Kiswa, detaching the gilded elements, and installing the new Kiswa. The new Kiswa 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 King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa.
