The Kiswa, the ornate black silk covering of the Kaaba in Mecca, is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and the use of precious materials, making it the most expensive cloth in the world. The cost of producing the Kiswa has varied over the years, reflecting changes in material costs and craftsmanship.
Cost Over the Years:
2022: The Kiswa weighed approximately 850 kilograms and cost around 25 million Saudi Riyals (over $6.5 million).
2024: The Kiswa's weight increased to 1,300 kilograms, with a production cost exceeding 20 million Saudi Riyals.
Materials and Specifications:
Silk: Approximately 670 kilograms of natural silk are used, dyed black to serve as the base of the Kiswa.
Gold and Silver Threads: The Kiswa is adorned with intricate embroidery, including Quranic verses, using about 120 kilograms of 21-karat gold thread and 100 kilograms of silver thread.
Production Process:
The Kiswa is meticulously crafted at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Manufacturing the Kaaba’s Kiswa in Mecca. A team of 200 skilled Saudi technicians handles the weaving, stitching, and embroidery processes. The cloth is assembled from 47 pieces and stitched using one of the world's largest computerized sewing machines, measuring 16 meters in length.
Ceremonial Significance:
Traditionally, the Kiswa is replaced annually during the Hajj pilgrimage. In 2022, a shift occurred, and the replacement ceremony was moved to the night of the Islamic New Year, Muharram 1, aligning with the new Islamic calendar year.
The Kiswa's opulence and the dedication involved in its creation underscore its profound significance in Islamic tradition, symbolizing reverence and devotion.
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