Kaaba's Keys

Here are the keys of the Kaaba.

The Kaaba is the holy building in Mecca. Muslims all over the world turn toward it when they pray.

These locks and keys were made with gold and silver gilding. They were ordered by the Ottoman sultans. These sultans were also caliphs. A caliph was seen as a leader and protector of the Muslim world.

The keys were not only useful objects. They were also signs of honor and care for the holy place.

On the locks and keys, there are fine writings. A verse from the Quran is engraved on them. The name of the sultan is also written there. The date is written too.

So each key tells a small story. It tells us which sultan ordered it. And it shows the deep respect given to the Kaaba.