A Lifelong Passion for Islamic Calligraphy
Ali Zaman, born in 1971 in the Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah, has been passionate about Islamic calligraphy since childhood. Originally a goldsmith, he abandoned his trade in 2013 to dedicate himself fully to the art of handwriting the Quran.
In 2017, he moved to Istanbul with his family to work on what would become his most ambitious project. He spent countless hours each day in a small room at Muharrem Sultan Mosque, meticulously crafting each verse by hand.
Record-Breaking Dimensions
The completed Quran’s pages measure 4 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width, making it the largest handwritten Quran in the world. For comparison, the previous record-holder measured 2.28 meters by 1.55 meters. Zaman used only a traditional reed pen for his work, avoiding modern technology entirely.
Despite health challenges in 2023 that temporarily halted his progress, Zaman persevered and fulfilled his dream after six years of tireless labor.
International Recognition
Ali Zaman has earned numerous international awards in calligraphy across Syria, Malaysia, Iraq, and Turkey. In 2017, he received the Distinction award at Turkey’s International Hilye-i Serif competition, personally presented by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Speaking about his achievement, Zaman said, Creating something like this brings a spiritual joy that very few people experience.
Preserving Islamic Artistic Heritage
Zaman’s family intends to keep the Quran in Turkey to highlight the rich tradition of Islamic calligraphy. Experts note that such monumental works serve not only as religious texts but also as cultural and artistic landmarks, inspiring both practitioners and admirers worldwide.
This extraordinary Quran symbolizes the intersection of faith, patience, and artistry, reflecting centuries of Islamic heritage in a single, monumental creation.
