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Four Corners of One Cloth

Textiles from the Islamic World

Four Corners of One Cloth: Textiles from the Islamic World

From Syria, Iraq, Turkey and Yemen – the four corners of the Ka’bah – textiles from our collection will be brought together, extending to the widest reaches of influence of the Islamic world.

A section of a Kiswa will form the heart of the exhibition. The Kiswa cloth covers the Ka’bah and is replaced each year during Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). Positioned in the direction of Mecca, it will be seen from the very front of the Whitworth, drawing visitors in.

Burnished indigo, silk embroidered robes, tent hangings and Dervish hats stitched with script will surround the Kiswa. From Syria, Iraq, Turkey and Yemen – the four corners of the Ka’bah –textiles from the Whitworth’s collection will be brought together, extending to the widest reaches of influence of the Islamic world.

23 June 2018-2019


Turkish embroidered napkin, 1750 - 1850.
The Whitworth, The University of Manchester