Sharjah Museum unveils “Eternal Letters” Quranic manuscript exhibition

The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization opened the Eternal Letters: Quranic Manuscripts from the Abdulrahman Al Owais Collection exhibition on November 20, 2024. Spanning 1,300 years of history, the exhibition showcases 81 Quranic manuscripts, many displayed publicly for the first time.

The manuscripts highlight the diversity of cultural and artistic styles in Quranic production, including intricate decoration, vivid coloring, and ornate bindings. The collection, curated by Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, represents over two decades of careful acquisition.

The exhibition explores the evolution of Arabic and Islamic calligraphy, featuring rare pieces like the 7th-century Hijazi and Kufic scripts and the Blue Quran written in gold on indigo-dyed vellum. It also showcases later works from the Ottoman and Persian periods and highlights the influence of Western styles in Andalusia and North Africa.