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30 August, 2026, 17 Rabī‘ al-awwal, 1448
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Abdul Rahim Amin Bukhari: The Calligrapher Who Left His Mark on the Kaaba

27.10.2025   63596   6 min.
Abdul Rahim Amin Bukhari: The Calligrapher Who Left His Mark on the Kaaba

When millions of Muslims turn toward the Kaaba in Mecca for prayer, few may realize that the sweeping gold calligraphy on its iconic black cloth, the Kiswa, bears the legacy of a single artist — Abdul Rahim Amin Bukhari.

A master calligrapher from Mecca, Abdul Rahim Amin Bukhari dedicated his life to adorning Islam’s holiest site with words of divine beauty. His name, though not widely known outside Saudi Arabia, lives on in gold thread, etched into the sacred fabric that veils the Kaaba.

Abdul Rahim Amin Bukhari was born in 1917 in Mecca — a city pulsing with spiritual rhythm and Islamic tradition. As a boy surrounded by centuries-old mosques and devotional art, Bukhari was drawn to Arabic calligraphy early in life. What began as a childhood passion grew into a lifelong vocation.

At just 15, he joined the Kiswah Factory, newly established in 1927 by King Abdulaziz. This factory, devoted to producing the Kaaba’s annual covering, became the cradle of his artistic journey. Bukhari trained under the best, learning the subtle curves and disciplined elegance of classical scripts.

By the 1930s, he had risen to become chief technician, and eventually deputy director by the 1960s. His path was defined not only by artistic talent, but by humility and devotion.

Every year, the Kiswa is renewed — a majestic cloth of black silk, embroidered with Qur’anic verses in gold and silver thread. Its creation is a sacred task, and for decades, Bukhari was the pen behind its powerful script.

Specializing in the Thuluth script — a flowing, monumental style favored for religious inscriptions — Bukhari laid out every curve and flourish of the divine text. His designs set the standard, and to this day, artisans use his original layouts when crafting the Kiswa’s golden band (known as the hizam). His was not merely a job; it was an offering.

More than a technician, he was the soul of the Kiswa’s design. The gold lettering that millions of pilgrims see and touch was once inked by his hand on tracing paper, then embroidered stitch by stitch by a team he led and trained.

A Historic Commission: The Kaaba Door of 1944

One of the defining moments in Bukhari’s career came in 1944, when King Abdulaziz ordered the creation of a new door for the Kaaba. The old door, weathered by time, was to be replaced with a gilded masterpiece — and it was Bukhari who was asked to inscribe it with sacred text.

His calligraphy, rendered in bold Thuluth script, graced the new door’s copper and silver panels. The shahada (Islamic testimony of faith), the names of God, and select Qur’anic verses adorned its surface. These inscriptions were engraved into the metal by artisans, preserving Bukhari’s artistry in gleaming permanence.

This door, installed in 1947, became a symbol not just of royal generosity, but of spiritual craftsmanship. It was the first of two Kaaba doors Bukhari worked on — the second being the current door installed in 1979, which also features his calligraphy.

The Man Behind the Script

Though quiet and devoted, Bukhari’s work earned him respect at the highest levels. He wrote verses for early Saudi flags in the 1930s, crafted inscriptions for ceremonial mosque curtains, and even lettered the Rawdah curtain in Medina. King Faisal recognized his service by having Bukhari’s name woven into the Kiswa itself — a singular honor that continues to this day.

Visitors to Mecca who gaze upon the Kaaba’s belt will find his name hidden in gold — Abdul Rahim Amin. It is a subtle yet profound tribute to the man who helped shape the visual identity of Islam’s holiest structure.

A Living Legacy in Silk and Gold

Even after his passing in the late 1990s, Abdul Rahim Amin Bukhari’s calligraphy remains alive, literally sewn into the Kaaba each year. His templates are still used for the Kiswa’s verses, his scripts guide modern artisans, and his legacy continues to bridge art and worship in the most sacred way imaginable.

In the world of Islamic calligraphy, Bukhari stands as a pillar — not only for his mastery of pen and ink, but for how his work sanctified space. Every Muslim who looks at the Kaaba is unknowingly reading the words he shaped. Every stitch of gold thread reflects his lifelong devotion to making divine words beautiful.

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The President of Uzbekistan calls for further expansion of practical cooperation within the CIS

13.10.2025   90419   8 min.
The President of Uzbekistan calls for further expansion of practical cooperation within the CIS

On October 10, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), held in Dushanbe.

The summit, chaired by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, was attended by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, and CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev.

The agenda focused on pressing issues related to strengthening and expanding practical cooperation within the Commonwealth.

At the beginning of his address, the President of Uzbekistan noted that despite the unpredictable developments in global politics and the economy, as well as the declining role of international institutions, the CIS continues to demonstrate resilience, efficiency, and relevance.

Thanks to mechanisms and partnerships established over decades, the Commonwealth maintains close cooperation across a wide range of economic, social, and humanitarian areas.

“We are interested in further strengthening cooperation within the CIS and enhancing the effectiveness of practical interaction with countries that are our natural partners”, the President of Uzbekistan said.

The Head of State then put forward several proposals and initiatives aimed at expanding practical cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States.

The unconditional priority of the Organization was defined as the expansion of economic partnership, given the deteriorating situation in the global economy, the rise of protectionism, and emerging challenges to sustainable development.

It was noted with satisfaction that Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with CIS partners increased by 11 percent last year and continues to grow this year. Such results are attributed to the deepening of intersectoral cooperation and the growth of mutual investment flows.

To make fuller use of existing resources and maintain the achieved pace and dynamics of cooperation, the President of Uzbekistan proposed focusing joint efforts on the following priority areas.

First, the further creation of favorable conditions for expanding trade turnover.

The need to simplify procedures and requirements for the supply of certain goods, particularly agricultural products, and for access to national markets, including public procurement, was emphasized.

Attention was also drawn to the importance of launching rapid-response mechanisms within the CIS Economic Council to adapt to changes in external market conditions and redirect trade flows. The President underscored the need to accelerate the coordination of draft agreements on technical barriers to trade and mutual recognition of conformity assessment documents.

Second, the deepening of cooperation in the field of transport was identified as a key priority.

It was noted that bottlenecks persist in the CIS transport network, reducing the efficiency of existing corridors. In this regard, the establishment of information and logistics centers integrated across all modes of transport was deemed essential.

Considering the importance of attracting private investment for the modernization of freight transport infrastructure, the President proposed to hold a conference in Uzbekistan on expanding public–private partnership in the transport sector.

Third, stimulating mutual investment growth and supporting cooperation projects.

In this regard, it was proposed to develop a roadmap for supporting the development of special economic and industrial zones, as well as establishing a CIS Venture Platform to deepen cooperation and promote innovative startups with private sector participation. It was also suggested to hold an Innovation Industry Forum in Tashkent next year as part of the INNOPROM exhibition.

Fourth, enhancing energy cooperation.

The President of Uzbekistan noted that several major strategic projects are currently being implemented jointly with CIS partners in the field of traditional and alternative energy, including the construction of a nuclear power plant.

He called for the development and implementation of a long-term Program for the Innovative Development of the Energy Sector across CIS countries.

Fifth, cooperation in the field of digitalization.

The President of Uzbekistan noted that the International Forum “Development of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in the CIS”, held in Samarkand this August, demonstrated the growing mutual interest and potential for cooperation among member states. In this regard, he proposed developing a multilateral Action Plan to deepen practical cooperation in this field.

The Head of State also emphasized the importance of expanding joint projects and programs in the fields of science, education, culture, and the arts.

“Considering the dynamic development of the education sector and labor markets in our countries, we propose drafting a new Interstate Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Diplomas, Qualifications, and Academic Programs, as well as introducing a Mechanism for the Harmonization of Professional Standards and Qualification Requirements”, the President said.

Uzbekistan also expressed its readiness to host the CIS Youth Forum in Khiva next year, with the agenda to include the establishment of a Youth Innovation Lab aimed at fostering an innovative ecosystem and supporting the creative and intellectual potential of the younger generation.

Addressing issues of regional security, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized the importance of maintaining systematic and close contacts between the foreign ministries and special services. The situation in Afghanistan requires particular attention.

“Uzbekistan remains firmly committed to ensuring long-term peace, stability, and sustainable development in Afghanistan. In this regard, we propose exploring opportunities for joint participation in major investment and infrastructure projects in this country”, the President stated.

In conclusion, Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his support for the reappointment of Sergey Lebedev as Secretary-General of the CIS and extended best wishes to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on assuming the chairmanship of the Organization.

During the meeting, heads of delegations from other CIS member states also delivered their remarks.

The summit concluded with the signing of a package of agreements and decisions aimed at strengthening cooperation across the priority areas within the Commonwealth of Independent States.

UzA