Rare 400-year-old Quran manuscript draws reverence in Iraq’s Sulaymaniyah
The Gelezerde Quran continues to inspire devotion, serving as a bridge between Iraq’s rich Islamic heritage and its living traditions
SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq (MNTV) – A meticulously preserved handwritten Quran, believed to date back four centuries, has become a focal point of cultural and religious reverence in northeastern Iraq.
The sacred manuscript, known locally as the “Gelezerde Quran,” bears the seal of the esteemed Islamic scholar Sheikh Hasan Gelezerde and is housed in his ancestral village near Sulaymaniyah.
The manuscript, displayed in a protective glass case, is prominently featured during local festivals, where it attracts large crowds, said Daily Sabah.
Its spiritual significance is such that villagers traditionally swear oaths upon it. Recently, it was exhibited at the Second Faith Festival organized by the University of Sulaymaniyah, alongside other historical Islamic texts.
Written in the elegant thuluth script, the Quran measures 24 by 40 centimeters and is 9 centimeters thick.
While its exact origins remain uncertain, a poignant note on one page—attributed to Sheikh Hasan’s mother—reads: “If there is any mistake in the writing, forgive me. One hand was on the script, the other rocking Hasan’s cradle.”
The scholar himself later contributed to its preservation, leaving his seal on the manuscript.
Restored in 2015, the manuscript remains in stable condition despite minor water damage.
Professor Adnan Hevremani of the University of Sulaymaniyah’s College of Islamic Sciences emphasized its irreplaceable value.
“This Quran is a rare treasure for our region. People swear oaths upon it, and its history is intertwined with our community’s faith”, he said.
He added that the manuscript once received a special award from Egypt’s Al-Azhar University, further cementing its scholarly importance.
Professor Hevremani concluded, “We cannot measure this Quran’s worth in material terms. It is a spiritual and historical heirloom, cherished across generations.”
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