Iraqi calligrapher dedicates six years to creating world’s largest Holy Quran

Iraqi calligrapher Ali Zaman crafted the world’s largest handwritten Quran in Istanbul after six years of dedication. He hopes the manuscript, which took six years to complete, will remain in Turkiye as a tribute to the nation’s rich heritage and enduring tradition of calligraphy.

The manuscript  features pages measuring four meters in length and 1.5 meters in width, each spanning about three meters when opened.

Born in 1971 in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, Zaman developed a deep passion for Islamic calligraphy early in life. After leaving his jewellery profession in 2013, he chose to dedicate himself entirely to the sacred art form. In 2017, he relocated with his family to Istanbul’s Fatih district to pursue his dream project.

The Quran was carefully handwritten with traditional reed pens in the thuluth script, a classic and highly refined form of Islamic calligraphy known for its graceful curves and precision.

Zaman avoided the use of modern tools, carefully crafting each letter himself. Working alone in a modest room within the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque complex, he spent long hours daily on the manuscript, pausing only for prayers and meals.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency about his achievement, Zaman said, “It is a joy to create something that few people can do or attempt. Every letter reflects the soul and effort put into this work.”

The project was entirely self-funded, with Zaman persevering through serious health issues that temporarily halted his work in 2023. Despite these challenges, he completed the Quran, which now stands as a remarkable testament to his devotion and artistry.

Zaman’s mastery of calligraphy has earned him international recognition, including first prizes in thuluth and naskh scripts across Syria, Malaysia, Iraq, and Turkiye.

He also holds an ijazah (authorization) from renowned calligraphy masters and received a Distinction Award at Turkiye’s International Hilye-i Şerif Competition in 2017, presented by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.