The deep longing felt for the Kaaba, the heart of the Islamic world, is being satisfied by a very special exhibition opening in Esenler. The rare pieces collected by collector Bekir Kantarcı from around the world over more than 30 years take visitors on a spiritual journey under the title “Kaaba Coverings and Memories on the Road to the Kaaba.”
30 Years of Accumulation, Centuries-Old Treasures
Offering solace for the longing brought on by the pandemic, the exhibition opened its doors at the Dr. Kadir Topbaş Culture and Arts Center. The collection includes not only Kaaba coverings, but also mementos from old pilgrimages, Surre procession chests, and century-old documents. One of the most striking pieces in the exhibition is the historic Kaaba covering, which dates back to the 1600s and is being displayed for the first time.
The deep longing felt for the Kaaba, the heart of the Islamic world, is being satisfied by a very special exhibition opening in Esenler. The rare pieces collected by collector Bekir Kantarcı from around the world over more than 30 years take visitors on a spiritual journey under the name “Kaaba Coverings and Memories on the Road to the Kaaba.”
30 Years of Accumulation, Centuries-Old Treasures
Offering solace for the longing brought on by the pandemic, the exhibition opened its doors at the Dr. Kadir Topbaş Culture and Arts Center. The collection includes not only Kaaba coverings, but also mementos from old pilgrimages, Surre procession chests, and century-old documents. One of the most striking pieces in the exhibition is the historic Kaaba covering, which dates back to the 1600s and is being displayed for the first time.
What Awaits You at the Exhibition?
In this spiritual atmosphere, featuring over 300 pieces, you can feel the Ottoman Empire’s reverence for the holy lands at every step:
-
Rare Coverings: A wide selection ranging from dark green pieces from the 17th century Ottoman period to navy blue coverings from the 1850s.
-
Memories of the Ravza-i Mutahhara: The 350-year-old green Ravza coverings that adorn the sacred tomb of our Prophet (SAW).
-
Pilgrimage Objects: Hijaz railway medals, old zemzem bottles, rosewater bottles, and certificates of martyrdom.
-
Artworks: Glass-bottomed paintings, oil paintings depicting the Kaaba, and wooden hilyas.
“This is a Responsibility”
The owner of the collection, Bekir Kantarcı, states that bringing these works together is more than a pleasure for him; it is a social responsibility. Having lived in Mecca and Jeddah for many years, Kantarcı summarizes the intense interest in the exhibition with these words: “There are people who stand in front of the works and cry for hours, people who don’t want to leave. It is an opportunity for contemplation and union.”
Carrying the Spiritual Legacy into the Future
From the gifts sent by the people of Istanbul to Mecca and Medina to the details of the Surre procession ceremony, each piece is a symbol of our ancestors’ love for the holy lands. Open for visitors throughout the month of Ramadan, this exhibition takes visitors not only to the past, but also to the spirit of the holy lands.
