Sources related to the preservation of the Qur’anic text have been identified – experts

Through the exhibitions at the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, visitors will have the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the developmental stages of Islamic culture and Qur’anic sciences across different historical periods. Additionally, information is expected to be presented on how Qur’anic texts have been preserved over time.

In shaping the exhibitions of this large-scale project being constructed on the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev preparing content based on modern technologies has been set as a primary objective.

To fulfill these tasks, the Center’s special headquarters held discussions on final proposals and conclusions regarding the Qur’an Hall exhibition. Topics included enriching the exhibition content, selecting and placing unique manuscripts, and presenting them to the public using advanced technologies.

The hall houses 114 unique Qur’anic manuscripts, reflecting the deep respect and reverence for the Qur’an in our country. Among these are some extremely ancient and rare copies, including:

• The “Katta Langar Qur’an” — one of the earliest Islamic manuscripts, of which very few copies remain today;
• The Qur’an of Caliph Uthman — one of the first editions of the Qur’an, recognized as a sacred source in the Islamic world.

In addition, many other rare, ornamented manuscripts written in Arabic script from various historical periods will be displayed. These manuscripts hold significant historical and religious value, and studying them allows for a deeper understanding of the stages of development of Islamic culture and Qur’anic sciences over time.

In the discussions, particular emphasis was placed on using modern approaches in organizing the Qur’an Hall not only preserving the books, but also presenting them in an interactive and comprehensible format. The following technologies are planned to be introduced:

• Interactive screens – enabling users to zoom in on each manuscript’s pages and examine the letters and decorations in detail;
• Audio guides – allowing visitors to listen to information about each exhibit in Uzbek, Arabic, and English;
• Virtual exhibitions – offering the ability to explore the Qur’an Hall remotely via the internet;
• Modern lighting and display technologies – allowing manuscripts to be exhibited without causing any damage.

Through these technologies, visitors will gain comprehensive insights into the history, period of writing, geographical origin, and artistic quality of each Qur’anic manuscript.

This hall will not only serve as an exhibition space but also as a center for scientific research. It will provide invaluable resources for orientalists, historians, philologists, calligraphers, and Islamic scholars.

Hamidulla Lutfullaev, Head of the Historical Sources Department at the Institute of Oriental Studies, stated:

– Seven manuscript copies of the Holy Qur’an, particularly from the era of Caliph Uthman, have been identified. These sources, expected to be part of the exhibition, demonstrate how the Qur’anic text has been preserved and provide a foundation for further study. The Qur’an Hall offers an opportunity for the younger generation, foreign guests, researchers, and visitors to experience religious, cultural, and scholarly richness all in one place.

This project is expected to further solidify Uzbekistan’s role in the Muslim world as a center of knowledge, spirituality, and tolerance. The Qur’an Hall will serve as one of the key steps in this direction.