Kiswa care crews work around the clock

MAKKAH — The Kiswa Factory has dedicated a number of teams to clean and monitor the kiswa (the black cloth that covers the Kaaba) around the clock. Kiswa Factory General Director Mohammad Bajoudah said the factory has dedicated four, two-member teams to carry out the task. “The members of the group have the responsibility of being present at the mataf (where pilgrims circumambulate around the Kaaba) to ensure that the kiswa is undamaged and always clean,” Bajoudah told the Makkah daily. If the members spot any loose frills, blemishes on the fabric or a cut as a result of pilgrims coming in aggressive contact with it, the group members report the flaw and tailors and cleaners nearby will rush in to immediately amend the flaw. “The group will fix the flaw within 15 to 20 minutes depending on what the flaw is. The group will also closely monitor the Black Stone and the Yamani Corner to ensure they are always clean and undamaged. The tailors in the mataf have over 20 years of experience,” said Bajoudah. He said the teams are present at the mataf around the clock and they are ready to tackle any problems immediately. “In addition, the factory has a program to thoroughly clean the kiswa once every week — on Saturdays. The cleaning staff has special equipment enabling them to clean and wash the kiswa efficiently and in a short amount of time,” said Bajoudah, adding that cleaning crews mostly clean dust from the kiswa and pigeon excrement found on the roof of the Kaaba. “All staff members at the Kiswa Factory are Saudi except for the in-house doctor, who is a Pakistani national. The factory plans to replace him with a Saudi doctor. The people working for the factory have been in the kiswa care business for a very long time. It is a special career field that not anyone can join,” said Bajoudah.