ISTANBUL — In a remarkable feat of faith and craftsmanship, an Iraqi calligrapher living in Türkiye has completed what is believed to be the world’s largest handwritten Quran a monumental manuscript that took six years of meticulous labor and unwavering dedication.
Ali Zaman, a 53-year-old calligrapher originally from Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, began working on the project shortly after moving to Istanbul’s historic Fatih district in 2017. Once a goldsmith by trade, Zaman left his profession over a decade ago to devote his life to Islamic calligraphy a passion that began in his childhood and grew into a lifelong calling.
The result of that devotion now stands as an extraordinary work of art: a handwritten Quran with pages measuring 4 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width. When opened, each page spans a striking three meters across. Zaman wrote the entire manuscript by hand using traditional reed pens and thuluth script, one of the most intricate and elegant forms of Arabic calligraphy.
Working alone in a small room inside the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque complex, Zaman followed a disciplined daily routine writing by day, pausing only for prayers and meals, and often continuing late into the night. The project was completely self-funded, relying solely on his personal resources and patience.
The journey was not without hardship. In 2023, Zaman faced severe health challenges that temporarily halted his progress, yet he returned to the task with renewed determination. “This Quran is not just a manuscript it’s a reflection of years of prayer, patience, and love for the divine word,” he told Anadolu Agency. “Every letter carries a part of my soul.”
Over the years, Zaman’s mastery of calligraphy has earned him multiple international awards, including top honors in Syria, Malaysia, Iraq, and Türkiye. He also holds an ijazah (formal authorization) from renowned calligraphic masters, and in 2017, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan personally presented him a “Distinction Award” at Türkiye’s prestigious International Hilye-i Sharif Competition.
His son, Rekar Zaman, who assisted him throughout the process, said the family relocated to Türkiye because the country has a deep respect and appreciation for Islamic art. He recalled how sourcing suitable materials during the COVID-19 pandemic was among their toughest challenges but giving up was never an option.
The manuscript now surpasses the previous record-holder, which measured 2.28 meters by 1.55 meters, setting a new benchmark in the world of sacred art. The family intends to preserve the Quran in Türkiye, a country long recognized as a global center of Islamic calligraphy and devotion.
“This is our humble gift to the world,” Rekar said softly, standing beside the giant pages that now define his father’s legacy. “We hope it remains here, where calligraphy is not just an art it’s a form of worship.”
