Islamic Art • Kiswah Exhibition • Mecca Traditions • Craftsmanship of Faith

Kiswah Unveiled: The Sacred Covering of the Kaaba to Be Showcased at Islamic Arts Biennale 2025

For the first time in history, the entire Kiswah—the sacred black cloth that drapes the Kaaba in Mecca—will be displayed outside its holy site. The complete covering will be featured at the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, held at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This rare and prestigious event promises to be a landmark moment in the celebration of Islamic heritage and spirituality.

🪡 The Kiswah: A Symbol of Faith and Artistry

• The word Kiswah translates to “robe” in Arabic.
• It is handcrafted from pure black silk and adorned with elaborate Quranic verses in gold and silver thread embroidery.
• Weighing over 1,000 kilograms, the Kiswah is considered the pinnacle of Islamic textile craftsmanship.
• It holds deep spiritual, historical, and artistic significance for Muslims around the world.

🕊️ Annual Tradition: Kiswah Replacement Ceremony

• The Kiswah is ceremonially replaced each year on the first day of Muharram, marking the beginning of the Islamic new year.
• The previous Kiswah is respectfully removed, folded, and preserved in a government facility.
• Select sections may be distributed to museums, dignitaries, or religious institutions, symbolising honour and reverence.

🕰️ A Legacy Rooted in History

• Covering the Kaaba predates Islam—a Yemeni king is believed to have first fully covered it.
• After the Prophet Muhammad’s conquest of Mecca, he replaced the Kiswah with fine Yemeni fabric.
• Over centuries, various styles and colours were used—black brocade became the standard during the Abbasid Caliphate.

🧵 Inside the Making of the Kiswah

• Takes nearly 12 months to complete.
• Crafted by over 100 master artisans in a dedicated Kiswah factory in Mecca.
• Production stages include:
  • Silk washing & dyeing
  • Gold and silver thread preparation
  • Weaving intricate patterns
  • Precision embroidery of Quranic calligraphy
• Composed of four main side panels and an embroidered curtain for the Kaaba door (Al-Hizam and Sitara).

🏛️ Exhibition Goals: Bridging Tradition and Contemporary Expression

The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 aims to highlight:

• The deep spiritual and artistic legacy of Islamic civilisation.
• A unique experience where historic artifacts like the Kiswah coexist with modern Islamic-inspired art.
• The event invites visitors to reflect on the timeless beauty, symbolism, and continuity of Islamic expressions through generations.