AhlulBayt News Agency: A rare handwritten Quran manuscript, believed to date back to the 14th century, has been restored and digitized following professional conservation efforts.
For centuries, the manuscript was preserved at the Hussein Pasha Mosque in Pljevlja, Montenegro. Over time, it sustained damage, requiring expert intervention to safeguard its condition.
The restoration process took place at the Suleymaniye Centre in Istanbul, carried out by Türkiye’s Manuscript Institution (TUYEK). Montenegro’s Islamic Union had sent the Quran for assessment and preservation.
In addition to restoration, specialists produced a high-resolution digital copy. A facsimile edition is also being considered to ensure wider accessibility.
Experts initially believed the manuscript to be of more recent origin. However, a detailed study of its materials, stitching, and calligraphic style led to its reclassification as a Mamluk-era artifact, likely from the 14th century.
TUYEK president Coskun Yilmaz explained that previous repair efforts had been poorly executed, further risking the manuscript’s deterioration. He emphasized the importance of proper conservation techniques.
Behlul Kanaqi, vice president of Montenegro’s Islamic Union, described the manuscript as a cultural treasure and a testament to resilience during times of war and hardship. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, he noted that while the community had preserved the Quran in its original form, expert restoration was necessary to ensure its survival for future generations.
According to Hafiz Osman Sahin, head of the Quran Review and Recitation Committee at Türkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs, the manuscript is a reflection of its era’s artistic refinement. He praised its intricate calligraphy and ornamentation, highlighting its significance as both a religious and historical document.
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