In a solemn and symbolic ceremony, the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba was replaced on Thursday to mark the arrival of the Islamic year 1447 AH, continuing a centuries-old tradition at the heart of Islam’s holiest site in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

This annual event, overseen by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, reflects the profound reverence for the Kaaba in the Muslim world. The Kiswa—the iconic black silk covering adorned with golden Quranic calligraphy—was meticulously removed and replaced by a team of 154 skilled Saudi artisans, all specially trained in sacred textile handling and Islamic artistry.

The replacement process commenced with the removal of the gilded curtain from the Kaaba’s door, which measures approximately 6.35 meters in height and 3.33 meters in width. Once the previous Kiswa was carefully elevated and detached, the new Kiswa was unfurled and installed in its place.

Crafted at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa, the new Kiswa comprises 47 finely woven black silk panels, showcasing 68 Quranic verses embroidered with precision using gold-plated silver threads. This year’s Kiswa weighs an estimated 1,415 kilograms, incorporating 825 kg of raw silk, 60 kg of pure silver, 120 kg of gold-plated silver thread, and 410 kg of cotton.

Artisans also integrated 54 decorative gold elements, made with the help of eight specialized weaving machines, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of Islam’s most sacred site.

The replacement of the Kiswa, which traditionally occurs on the eve of the Islamic New Year, serves not just as a renewal of a sacred fabric but also as a reaffirmation of faith and unity for Muslims worldwide.