Istanbul Conference Highlights Historical Status of Quran Manuscripts

IQNA – The Iranian Cultural Attaché in Istanbul in collaboration with the Fatih Sultan Mehmet University organized an international conference titled “Divine Heritage; Illuminated Qurans: A Manifestation of Power and Spirituality”.

Addressing the conference, Betul Belilgin, director of the university’s center for Islamic arts studies, spoke about the valuable status of Quranic manuscripts in the history of Islamic art, the techniques used in illumination and calligraphy, and the influence of rulers on the decorative styles of these Qurans.

Hassan Dideban, the Iranian cultural envoy, was another speaker at the event. He elaborated on the status of the Quran in the Islamic civilization and the importance of the art of Quran illumination.

He pointed out that the Holy Quran is the greatest divine heritage and the source of spirituality in the Islamic world.

He emphasized that the decorated and gilded copies of the Quran are not merely a visual representation of this divine word, but rather a reflection of the respect and reverence that Muslims hold for the Holy Book.

Dideban added that the illumination and calligraphy of the Quran throughout history have been more than just an art form as they have served as a means of conveying spirituality, aesthetics, and the spiritual grandeur of Islam.

Morteza Kariminia, a member of Iran’s Academy of Sciences and a researcher of handwritten Qurans, presented a paper titled “Organized and Systematic Quran Writing in Iran from the 5th to the 10th Century Hijri and Its Impact on Quran Calligraphy from the Ottoman Era to Today”.

He stated that the writing of Quranic manuscripts today possesses distinct artistic characteristics.

One of the most important features is the orderly and systematic transcription of the verses of the Quran in each section and on every page, he stated.

One of the most famous copies of the Quran written in the 20th century was transcribed in this organized manner by Hamid Aytaç, a renowned calligrapher from Turkey, he went on to say.

The participants also discussed the role of political powers in shaping various styles of Quranic illumination, the influence of indigenous arts on Quranic decorations, and the future of illumination art in the contemporary world.

The conference provided a valuable opportunity for those interested in Quranic studies and Islamic art to learn more about the historical developments, stylistic features, and challenges facing the art of Quran decoration.

The widespread enthusiasm for this program demonstrated that the art of Quranic illumination holds a significant place in both Islamic and artistic studies, not only in the past but also in contemporary times.

 4269381