Islamic artifacts dating back hundreds of years, including the cloth used to cover the Kaaba in Mecca, were showcased at Bradford City Hall in a special exhibition on February 22, 2025.

Riyaz Maniar, the organizer from Dewsbury, described the event as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“These artifacts and relics hold immense significance for the Muslim world. Even in Mecca and Medina, you can’t get this close to such items,” he said.

“Some of the pieces are from inside the Kaaba, which is extremely rare. Others are from inside the tomb of Prophet Muhammad, which is typically inaccessible unless you’re a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family,” he added.

Among the highlights of the exhibition is the Kiswa, a 29-foot-long (9-meter) cloth that drapes the Kaaba, the sacred structure at the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca. The Kaaba is considered the spiritual heart of Islam.

Crafted from pure silk and adorned with 22-carat gold and silver threads, the Kiswa is embroidered with Quranic verses. It is replaced annually on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.

The exhibition also featured artifacts from the Ottoman Empire, some over 270 years old, as well as the lock and key from the Kaaba—which is replaced every few years—and a draping from the inner wall of Prophet Muhammad’s tomb.

According to Mr. Maniar, all the pieces on display were generously donated by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

“In Medina, you can only view the external tomb from behind a grill. This exhibition offers a rare chance to see these treasures up close,” he explained.

“Many of the artifacts are made of gold, with intricate calligraphy crafted from gold threads that take a full year to complete.”

The exhibition has previously toured the UK, with stops in Birmingham and Dewsbury, and will be displayed at Batley Town Hall in April.

The event was supported by the Council of Mosques, Bradford City Council, and the restaurant Mr. T’s.

Source: BBC