One of the Oldest Qurans, the Topkapi Quran, on Display at Sharjah International Book Fair
The 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is currently hosting a rare and significant artifact – a copy of the Topkapi Quran dating back to the second century of the Islamic Hijri calendar or early-to-mid 8th century of the Gregorian calendar. Housed at the Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, this manuscript is traditionally credited to the third caliphate, Uthman Ibn Affan (656 AD), according to Taha Zahid Ozdemir from the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA) in Turkey. Ozdemir revealed that this particular Quran represents one of the oldest versions and is of high quality, being a copy from the original one. Notably, this Quran is sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
Historically, Mehmed Ali Pasha, Governor of Egypt, gifted this manuscript to the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II in the 19th century. Similar illuminations can be found in various Umayyad structures around the world. The Topkapı Mushaf, as it is referred to, was penned using an evolved Kufic script and features meticulous vowel marks added in red ink, following a method introduced by Abu al-Aswad al-Du’ali sometime after Caliph Uthman’s era.
This rare and invaluable Quran is available for purchase at close to Dh13,000, according to Ozdemir, who added that one of the limited edition copies has already been sold. Those interested in acquiring this piece have the option to do so online, as well. Ozdemir also mentioned the possibility of taking back the second copy to the IRCICA center in Istanbul if it remains unsold. He revealed that the exhibit has garnered interest from various museums and libraries. Don’t miss out on the chance to see this exceptionally significant artifact at the Sharjah Book Fair and stay updated on the latest news with Khaleej Times.
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