KABE-I SERIF
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It is the direction which the Muslims turns during praying. It is located at the Middle of Harem-i Serif Mosque, in Mecca. The construction date of the structure is uncertain. It is known that it was constructed by the order of Hz. İbrahim. Before the Islam came, there used to be lots of idols in the Kabe-i Serif which is considered holy by the Arabs. After conquest of Mecca, all the idols were thrown away by Mohammed and it was reconstructed (630).

Walls of the Kabe-i Serif is made of black stone. It is erected on a 25 cm high marble basement. These walls are covered with a black cover down to base level and it is attached to the base with copper rings. The cover is renewed every year, and is made up of one piece except the parts on the doors and the gutter pipe on the roof. The cover is silk and Kelime-i Sahadet (the oath of Islam) is written on it. The parts on the roof are golden woven and it is in the shape of an arch. On these parts of the cover verses from Koran are written. To reach the door there is specially made stairs with wheels so that the door can be opened. Inside of Kabe-i Serif there is stairs and 3 wooden columns to reach the ceiling. Inside walls and basement is covered with marble. Golden and silver candles hang from the ceiling. Nearby the door Hacer-i Esved is placed and surrounded by a silver circle. Just the opposite of Hacer-i Esved there is the building in which there is Zemzem (holy water) spring. The place for ceremony of going round Kabe-i Şerif is covered with marble.

The Kabe-i Serif, whose ceiling was reconstructed by Kanuni Sultan Suleyman, have had the 5threconstruction during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. After the flood in the reign of Sultan Murad IV 3 walls of Kabe-i Serif has collapsed and have had restored.

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