RIYADH: The annual ceremony to replace the kiswa, the embroidered, black-and-gold silk cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, began on Wednesday evening. It is a tradition that dates back more than a century.
The carefully coordinated process began with the removal of a section of the cloth measuring 6.35 meters by 3.33 meters that covered the Kaaba door.
The new kiswa is on its way to the Grand Mosque, accompanied by a comprehensive system of logistical and operational support, the Saudi Press Agency reported. A team of 154 skilled Saudi craftsmen will remove the old kiswa, detach its gilded elements, and install its replacement.
The cover is made up of 47 black-silk panels, intricately embroidered with 68 Quranic verses using 24-karat gold-plated silver threads. It weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms.
A total of 825 kilograms of silk, 410 kilograms of raw cotton, 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread and 60 kilograms of pure silver were used in the creation of the new kiswa. In addition, 54 gilded pieces were produced using eight specialized weaving machines at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa.
