A handwritten Quran bound in gazelle leather dating back to A.D. 1090, with exquisite calligraphy, is displayed in Türkiye's Kütahya, at a public library as experts state that the artifact is one of the most valuable artistic treasures of the Islamic world.
Süleyman Kızıltoprak, president of Kütahya Dumlupınar University, announced that the Zeytinoğlu Library in the city houses more than 2,540 handwritten works in Arabic, Persian and Ottoman Turkish, and also includes rare examples of traditional Turkish art. He emphasized that the library's most precious piece is the Quran, accompanied by a Persian translation. Kızıltoprak also highlighted the university's contributions to bringing this artifact to light.
Kızıltoprak underlined that the Turks who won the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071 not only conquered these lands through military strength but also with science and art. He emphasized the importance given to the Quran in Turkish Islamic civilization and stated that this artifact is a testament to that respect. Kızıltoprak pointed out that the Quran in the Zeytinoğlu Library is in excellent condition in terms of its binding and paper, and it serves as a valuable document proving Anatolia's status as a historical homeland of the Turks.
He also remarked on the exceptional beauty of this Quran, both with the captivating quality of its leather and paper and the adornments on its cover. He added that it is one of the most significant pieces of evidence demonstrat.