Makkah's Sacred Kiswah Unveiled at Jeddah Biennale
The Biennale features a range of themed zones, showcasing loans from international museums and networks of Saudi artists, and offers a unique insight into the production process of the Kiswah, highlighting the intricate beauty of Islamic craftsmanship and the cultural importance of Islamic arts.
The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has officially opened, featuring a stunning display of the Holy Kaaba's traditional cloth covering, known as the Kiswah, outside of Makkah for the first time, showcasing the intricate embroidery with gold and silver threads that highlight Islamic craftsmanship.
The event, which runs until May 25, 2025, is a culmination of collaboration between the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and international museums, as well as networks of Saudi artists, spread across 110,000 square meters of display space. The exhibition features 144 display cases designed and installed by Goppion, including a 6-meter-long table display case with a glass hood, created in collaboration with exhibition designer Colin Morris.
The display of the Kiswah is a significant aspect of the Biennale, as it provides a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Islamic arts. The Kiswah, made from 670 kg of raw silk, features 120 kg of gold and 100 kg of silver threads with Quranic verses, including the names and attributes of Allah. The intricate embroidery and craftsmanship that go into creating the Kiswah are a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans involved in its production.
The production process of the Kiswah is a complex and meticulous one, involving over 200 artisans and staff at the King Abdulaziz Complex. The Kiswah is annually replaced on the first day of the Islamic lunar Hijri Year, and its creation incorporates 1,000kg of silk, 120kg of gold threads, and 100kg of silver threads. The Biennale offers an immersive experience into this process, highlighting the beauty and significance of Islamic craftsmanship.
The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 is a significant event that aims to promote Islamic arts and cultural heritage, and the display of the Kiswah is a major highlight of the exhibition. As the event runs until May 25, it is expected to attract a large number of visitors from around the world, providing a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Islamic arts.
