Saudi Arabia is preparing for the annual tradition of changing the Kaaba’s kiswa, or drapery, as the new Hijri year 1445 begins. The General Presidency of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, in collaboration with the King Abdul Aziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa, has confirmed its readiness for this important task.
Amjad bin Ayed Al Hazmi, the Undersecretary-General of King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswah, stated that all preparations have been completed.
The change of the Kaaba’s drapery will follow specific operational plans to ensure timely and high-quality execution. Skilled national experts will hand-sew the new kiswa, aiming for a magnificent presentation.
Fifteen employees have undergone specialized training for this task. Fahd Al Jabiri, the Director of the Kaaba Kiswa maintenance department at the Grand Holy Mosque, stated that the rigorous training has two objectives.
The first is to familiarize the participants with the process, while the second is to enhance their capabilities and skills. The department is working diligently to expedite the completion of the task with utmost efficiency within a record timeframe.
The creation of the Kaaba’s kiswa involves a meticulous ten-stage industrial process. It highlights the significance and honor associated with this sacred duty.
The process includes desalination of silk, treatment in sweetened water, removal of the preservative wax layer, dyeing in black and green, drying, testing of silk samples for resistance and strength, automated weaving, printing of Quranic verses, embroidery with gold and silver wires, hand embroidery of Islamic motifs, and the final assembly and sewing of the dress.
The culmination of the process involves the replacement of the old Kaaba drapery with the new one. It also involves the installation of the Kaaba door curtain.
