Tehran’s Golestan Palace exhibiting rare Quran manuscripts

Iran-based Golestan Palace in the heart and historic core of Tehran has been showcasing a selection of rare manuscripts of the Holy Quran which have been calligraphed and illuminated centuries ago.

The exhibit, which is underway till May 05, 2022, is held annually during the holy month of Ramadan known as “the spring of the Quran” in Islamic countries.

Among the highlights of the exhibition are the scroll-shaped manuscripts, written in Jali Naskh Script, that are attributed to the Timurid ruler Bisonghor Mirza.

It is difficult to determine the exact date of these manuscripts because ancient copies from this period exist only in fragments which provide the only available evidence for the early development of the written recording of the Quran text.

However, experts say the earliest Quran manuscripts were produced in the mid-to-late 7th century CE.

The UNESCO-inscribed Golestan Palace complex is one of the oldest in the Iranian capital, originally built during the Safavid dynasty.

The complex consists of eight key palace structures mostly used as museums. It is a destination for domestic and international travelers.

“The complex exemplifies architectural and artistic achievements of the Qajar era including the introduction of European motifs and styles into Persian arts,” writes UNESCO official website.

More on Quran exhibitions in the holy month of Ramadan:

Niavaran complex exhibiting folios of rare Quran manuscripts

Copies of oldest Qurans on display at National Museum of Iran

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