Every year on the 1st of Muharram, the Kaaba’s covering (Kiswa) is replaced through a meticulous process involving 159 technicians. The old Kiswa is removed and replaced with a new one, consisting of four sides and a door curtain, which is raised piece-by-piece to the top, unfolded, and secured in place, after which the ropes of the previous covering are loosened – an important annual Islamic tradition.
The King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa employs over 200 skilled workers, including craftsmen and administrators. The complex houses several specialized departments, such as those responsible for dyeing, automatic weaving, hand-weaving, printing, belts, gold-plating, and the sewing and assembling of the Kaaba’s covering, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa employs over 200 staff and houses specialized departments for dyeing, weaving, printing, belts, gold-plating, and sewing the Kaaba’s covering. The sewing department uses the world’s largest, 16
-meter-long sewing machine run by computer. The complex also includes support departments like a lab, administration, quality control, and worker health and safety. The Kiswa requires 1,000 kg of black-dyed silk, 120 kg of gold wire, and 100 kg of silver wire.
Source: Bahrain News Agency