14th-Century Quran Manuscript Restored, Digitized in Montenegro

A rare 14th-century handwritten Quran manuscript, preserved for centuries at the Hussein Pasha Mosque in Pljevlja, Montenegro, has been professionally restored and digitized, Iqna reported.

The project was undertaken by Türkiye’s Manuscript Institution (TUYEK) at the Suleymaniye Centre in Istanbul after Montenegro’s Islamic Union sought expert intervention to address its deterioration.

Initially thought to be of more recent origin, the manuscript was reclassified as a Mamluk-era artifact following analysis of its materials, stitching, and calligraphic style. TUYEK president Coskun Yilmaz noted that prior amateur repairs had risked further damage.

Behlul Kanaqi of Montenegro’s Islamic Union hailed the manuscript as a cultural treasure, surviving wars and hardships. A high-resolution digital version has been created, with plans for a facsimile edition underway. Hafiz Osman Sahin of Türkiye’s Religious Affairs Presidency praised its intricate artistry, emphasizing its dual significance as a religious and historical document.