Arabesque – Stylised Depiction of the Ka’ba at Mecca, 15th century
Islamic Ceramic Wall Tile
Iznik, Turkey (2016)
Measurements: Matted - unframed
Matte: 15 1/2" x 22 ½
Image: 9” x 16”
Photo # 0815
 
The Ka’ba, also known as the Kaaba or the Kabah, is a cubic building located in the centre of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is considered the holiest site in Islam and is the direction that Muslims face when praying. The Ka’ba is believed by Muslims to have been built by the prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael. It has been rebuilt several times since then and is covered in a black cloth called the kiswah. The Ka’ba is the focus of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be performed at least once in their lifetime, if they are physically and financially able. 
Ceramic tiles are thin slabs of clay that have been fired in a kiln and glazed. They are used for a variety of purposes, including flooring, wall tiles, and decorative accents. Ceramic tiles are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to water.