Holy Kaaba’s Kiswah Is On Display In Islamic Arts Biennale 2025
Holy Kaaba’s kiswah is on display in Islamic Arts Biennale 2025
The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 at King Abdul Aziz International Airport’s Western Haj Terminal in Jeddah, is showcasing a unique event where the entire Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba is being displayed outsideMakkahfor the first time.The Diriyah Biennale Foundation is hosting the unprecedented event at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, titled “And All That Is In Between.”
This remarkable experience allows visitors to engage closely with and admire the intricate beauty of Islamic craftsmanship, evident in the delicate details of the Kiswah fabric, as well as its embroidery embellished with gold and silver threads.
The Kiswah on display is the same one that adorned the Holy Kaaba last year.
Since 1927, the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa has been producing decorative embroidered clothes for the Holy Kaaba, which is replaced annually.
The Diriyah Biennale Foundation said that the Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba, with its distinctive inscriptions and ornamentations, is “considered the highest form of creative production in Islamic arts” and holds significance in the lives of Muslims worldwide.
The exhibition will highlight Saudi Arabia’s key role in serving Islam and Muslims over the decades and showcase the exceptional skills and craftsmanship of the Kiswah Factory of the Holy Kaaba.
Alongside the Kiswah display, the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will exhibit a collection of historical Islamic artifacts and contemporary artworks. The organizers aim to surpass the 600,000 visitors who attended the 2023 event.
The event also aims to enhance pilgrims’ religious and cultural experiences while preserving the Kingdom’s Islamic heritage as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Running until May 25, the display aims to highlight the cultural importance of Islamic arts and deepen understanding of their rich heritage, as reported by theSaudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Biennale offers an immersive journey into the Kiswah production process, starting from the selection of the finest natural silk, progressing through the stages of hand weaving, and embroidery with gold and silver threads, and culminating in its final processing stages.
In addition to the Kiswah, the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 also showcases an impressive collection of historical Islamic artifacts and contemporary artworks, offering an enriching experience for all attendees.
About the Kiswah
The Kiswah is not only a masterpiece of craftsmanship but also steeped in religious significance:
- It is made from 670 kilograms (kg) of raw silk.
- Verses from the Quran are woven using 120kg of gold and 100kg of silver threads.
- The fabric features the names and attributes of Allah.
- The Kaaba door includes five curtains with Quranic verses and complete surahs like Al-Fatiha, Al-Falaq, An Nas, and Quraysh.
- While traditionally changed on the ninth or tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the Kiswah was moved to the first day of Muharram in 2022.
Reference- Siasat news and Arab News
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