A Sacred Craft: Behind Scenes of Kaaba’s Kiswa in Makkah
Raziq Ali Shah
Makkah: For millions of Muslims across the world, the sight of the black-draped Holy Kaaba in Makkah evokes awe, reverence, and a deep spiritual connection. But few get to witness the sacred craftsmanship that goes into producing the Kiswa—the embroidered black cloth that envelopes the Kaaba in dignity and devotion.
That veil of sanctity begins its journey far from the sacred mosque, within the dedicated walls of the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba, where tradition, technology, and faith interweave to create one of Islam’s most iconic symbols.
As part of a unique initiative by the Saudi Ministry of Media and the General Authority for Media Regulation, over 80 journalists from across the Muslim world, including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Morocco, were granted rare access to the complex that produces the Kiswa.
A Sacred Craft Unveiled
Inside the facility, the air hums not only with the soft rhythm of silk weaving and the golden shimmer of threadwork but with devotion that transcends time. Visitors move through stations where artisans, many of them working for decades, labor meticulously on every element of the Kiswa—from dyeing black silk imported from Germany and Italy, to weaving Quranic verses with gold and silver threads.
In a detailed briefing, Ahmed bin Musaed Al-Suwyhiri, Director General of Public Relations and Media at the Complex, explained that the preparation of the Kiswa takes nearly 10 months to complete. The project is fully funded by the Saudi government at a cost of 25 million Saudi Riyals, underscoring the Kingdom’s deep commitment to the care of the Guests of Allah.
“The Kiswa is replaced annually on the 1st of Muharram,” Al-Suwyhiri noted, “a moment that signifies renewal, reflection, and reverence for Muslims worldwide.”
The production involves approximately 1,000 kilograms of raw silk, dyed on-site, along with 120 kilograms of gold thread and 100 kilograms of silver thread. Once replaced, the old Kiswa is respectfully cut into smaller pieces and gifted to foreign dignitaries and Islamic institutions—symbols of honor and spirituality.
A Legacy Rooted in History
The Kingdom’s devotion to this sacred tradition is longstanding. In 1927, King Abdulaziz Al Saud established the first workshop for the Kiswa’s production. A modernized facility was inaugurated in 1977, and under the reign of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, it was renamed the King Abdulaziz Complex and brought under the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
Today, the complex stands as a living testimony to the Kingdom’s efforts to preserve Islamic heritage while embracing modern craftsmanship.
A Journey Through Faith and Heritage
Beyond the Kiswa Complex, the delegation of journalists also visited several spiritually significant sites. Stops included Jamarah, Muzdalifah, Mount Arafat, and the International Museum of the Prophet’s Biography, offering a rich immersion into Islamic history and rituals.
Another highlight was the Makkah Clock Tower Museum, located in the iconic Abraj Al Bait complex. Here, science and faith meet through exhibits on astronomy, moon sighting, and timekeeping in Islamic rituals. The museum also offers stunning panoramic views of Makkah—elevating the experience both literally and spiritually.
The tour concluded with a visit to the third phase of the Grand Mosque expansion, a monumental development project aimed at enhancing the capacity and infrastructure for millions of worshippers who perform Hajj and Umrah annually.
A Broader Vision
This visit was not only an opportunity to witness sacred traditions but also part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to showcase its national developments, particularly those related to Hajj services, the care of pilgrims, and its evolving media outreach.
Through this initiative, the Kingdom aims to strengthen its image in the global media, promote cultural and religious understanding, and highlight its continued efforts to serve as a custodian of Islamic heritage.
As the journalists departed, they carried not only stories and visuals but a profound sense of the sacred artistry, the deep-rooted history, and the Kingdom’s unwavering dedication to serving the Guests of Allah—one thread at a time.
