Analysis of the Ottoman Kiswa and the Saudi Kiswa Designs (A Comparative Study)

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Noha Mohammed Alsharif

Abstract

This article presents an analytical study of the Kaaba Dressing (Kiswa) design. This is a wonderful, creative fabric in the
Sacred House of God, located in Mecca Al-Mukarramah, that represents various artistic aspects with beautiful decorations. The
Kaaba Dressing (Kiswa) is a cloth curtain embroidered with gold, silver, green, and red threads. It covers the entire Kaaba; it is
renewed every year as an Islamic tradition that was established in ancient times. The design changes according to social, cul tural,
and religious contexts as it reflects the period in which it is designed. This study aims to analyse three patterns of the Kaaba
Dressing (Kiswa) during the Ottoman Turkish period and one in the Saudi period in terms of design. The Kaaba Dressing (Kiswa)
is an ever-changing archaeological woven fabric and reflects a wide range of influences and issues related to artistic care, the Hajj
season, and political authority.

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