Istanbul: Iraqi calligrapher Ali Zaman, a former goldsmith, has dedicated six years of his life to crafting what is believed to be the world’s largest handwritten Quran. The manuscript, produced in Istanbul, features pages that measure an impressive 4 meters by 1.5 meters.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zaman was born in 1971 in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, and developed a passion for Islamic calligraphy from an early age. After leaving his trade as a jeweler in 2013, he fully embraced his calling as a calligrapher. In pursuit of his craft, Zaman moved with his family in 2017 to the Fatih district of Istanbul, where he embarked on this monumental project.
The massive Quran, completed over six years, was meticulously written by hand using traditional reed pens in the thuluth script, a revered style of Islamic calligraphy. Each page, when opened, spans three meters. Zaman eschewed modern tools, choosing instead to craft each letter with precision and care. Working alone in a small room at Istanbul’s Mihrimah Sultan Mosque complex, Zaman dedicated his days to the manuscript, interrupting his work only for meals and prayers.
Entirely self-funded, the project faced challenges, including a temporary halt in 2023 due to Zaman’s health issues. Despite these hurdles, Zaman’s dedication to his art has earned him multiple international accolades, including first prizes in thuluth and naskh calligraphy competitions across Syria, Malaysia, Iraq, and Trkiye. He also holds an authorization (ijazah) in calligraphy from esteemed masters and was awarded ‘Distinction’ in 2017 at Trkiye’s International Hilye-i Serif Competition, presented by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Zaman expressed his joy in creating such a unique piece, stating, “It is a joy to create something that few people can do or would even attempt. Every letter reflects the soul and effort put into this work.” His son, Rekar Zaman, highlighted the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in sourcing materials but emphasized the family’s perseverance. They moved to Trkiye, recognizing the country’s appreciation for calligraphy and Islamic art.
The completed Quran surpasses the previous largest known manuscript, which measured 2.28 meters by 1.55 meters. The Zaman family plans to preserve the manuscript with care and hopes it will remain in Trkiye, honoring the nation’s rich tradition of calligraphy.