Oak Knoll

First edition. A fine copy. With full color illustrations. Exhibition catalogue.

In this 1400th year since the first revelations of the Holy Book of Islam, the Qur'an, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art is hosting a very meaningful exhibition. Some of the rarest manuscripts of the Qur'an that were scribed in Islamic countries and other Ottoman lands during the historical period from the 8th to the 20th centuries, will be on display for visitors to see. Throughout history, during the Ummayad, Abbasid, Seljuk, Mameluke, Ilkhanid, Jalayirid, Timurid, Turkomen, Ottoman, Safavid and Berber Periods, these quality works, every one of which is a masterpiece in its own right, were prepared for patrons of the art by famous calligraphers, illuminators and bookbinders. The exhibition of this wide array of Qur'ans is a first in our country. The museum's collection of Qur'ans is one of only a few of its kind in the world. The important collection is composed of works of art and masterpieces which have been endowed to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art from mosques, shrines and libraries. The exhibition of this important collection in all of its magnificence, with emphasis on the seals of the sultans and the endowment registers in the Qur'ans, is very meaningful during this significant anniversary year, especially the display of Qur'ans from the Ottoman Period, carefully chosen to be read in mosques and shrines. These remarkable Qur'ans are a cultural treasure, a legacy left to us by patrons of the arts and all of the artists who worked so diligently to reproduce the Qur'an. Once again, we pay respect, commemorate their memories and thank them for the multitude and richness of this cultural heritage. I extend thanks to all of the people who worked to bring this exhibition to fruition during this significant anniversary year.