A specialized technical team replaced the embroidered silk covering of the Kaaba in Mecca to mark the start of the new Hijri year [1].
The annual replacement is conducted to honor the Islamic lunar calendar and maintain the appearance and sanctity of the holiest site in Islam [1, 2].
The operation took place at the Masjid al-Harām in Saudi Arabia during the first of Muharram, 1445 AH, which corresponded to July 2023 [1, 2]. A team of 154 workers carried out the replacement over the course of several hours [1].
The new covering consists of 47 individual pieces [1]. According to technical data, the total weight of the new garment is approximately 1,410 kg [2]. The process involves the careful removal of the previous year's silk, and the precise installation of the new embroidered fabric.
This tradition ensures the Kaaba remains preserved against environmental wear, a necessity for a structure that serves as the focal point for millions of pilgrims annually. The technical team manages the transition to ensure the site remains accessible and its dignity is preserved during the changeover [1].
“The covering is replaced annually to honor the start of the Islamic lunar calendar.”
The annual replacement of the Kiswah is more than a maintenance task; it is a symbolic renewal that aligns the physical state of the Kaaba with the spiritual start of the Islamic year. The scale of the operation—requiring over 150 technicians and weighing more than 1.4 metric tons—underscores the logistical complexity and the high level of craftsmanship required to preserve the site's traditional aesthetic.
