The Door of Gold

The Gate or door of the holy Kaaba is the Muslim’s world most recognized door. Made from pure gold, with exquisite, intricate islamic geometric designs and Quranic verses, its panels are aromatically scented with musk, rose water and amber. 

For this very special issue of Ithraeyat, the beautiful door with its timeless artistic and religious sentiment was chosen as the cover in commemoration of the magazine’s two year anniversary and to pay homage to one of history’s most important doors. 
 

The Kaaba door has distinguished itself over time, a true witness to change and modernity. Through the ages, from pre-islamic to Islamic era, different rulers left their mark on the door. Initially the Kaaba had no door, then made from wood, then metals like silver, iron and copper plated with gold in 1363 AH (around 1943) during the era of the founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz al-Saud, whereby it is said it took over three years to make. Then in the year 1399 AH (around 1979) during the reign of the late King Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, it was made of pure gold weighing up to 200 kilograms, built over a span of 12 months by the jeweler Ahmed bin Ibrahim Badr.