The Samadi Kiswa was commissioned in 950 Hijri (1543 CE) by Sultan Suleiman al-Qanuni (Suleiman the Magnificent) during his reign over the Ottoman Empire (1520–1566 CE). This Kiswa is notable for its predominant use of indigo dye, derived from the Indigo Fera tinctoria plant, giving the textile a deep blue colour that was highly prized in Ottoman textile production.
The Kiswa was coloured using natural dyes: indigo for blue, saffron for yellow, and madder root for red. All processes—weaving, dyeing, and embroidery—were performed manually, highlighting the extraordinary craftsmanship, devotion, and artistic excellence of the artisans who produced a covering worthy of the Holy Kaaba
Surah Al-Fatiha (الفاتحة) – Chapter 1
Arabic:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ (CENTER CIRCLE)
الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
(TOP SEMI CIRCLE RIGHT TO LEFT)
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
(BOTTOM SEMI CIRCLE RIGHT TO LEFT)
English Translation:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds
The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Master of the Day of Judgment
You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help
Guide us to the straight path
The path of those upon whom You have bestowed Your grace, not of those who have earned Your wrath, nor of those who go astray
