World's Largest Handmade Quran in Afghanistan

World's Largest Handmade Quran
Material	Cloth, paper, leather (from 21 goats), gold script, and colorful decoration
Size	Over 7 feet tall, 5 feet wide
Weight	1,102 pounds
Created	September 2004 - September 2009
Present location	Hakim Nasir Khusraw Balkhi Cultural Center, Kabul, Afghanistan
Culture	Islamic, Afghan

The World's Largest Handmade Quran was unveiled in Kabul, Afghanistan, representing a noteworthy contribution to Islamic art and highlighting Afghanistan's cultural resilience. Crafted by Afghan calligrapher Mohammed Sabeer Khedri Hussani and his team, this Quran is distinguished by its size and the craftsmanship it embodies, underscoring the country's artistic traditions and historical perseverance.

Overview

Afghan calligrapher Mohammed Sabeer Khedri Hussani, alongside nine student apprentices, spent five years creating what is considered the world's largest Quran. Measuring over seven feet tall and five feet wide, and weighing 1,102 pounds, this Quran consists of 218 pages, each meticulously bound in an embossed leather cover sourced from 21 goats. This endeavor showcases the elaborate art of Quranic calligraphy and Islamic decoration.

History

The project, sponsored by the Afghanistan Ismaili leadership, Sayed Mansur Naderi, aimed to manifest Afghanistan's enduring cultural heritage and Islamic scholarship. Initiated in September 2004 and completed in September 2009, the unveiling took place in January 2012, amid ceremonies attended by government officials, religious leaders, and the public. This period of creation and eventual unveiling highlights the collaborative effort and dedication involved. According to Arabian Business, Farkhunda Zahra Naderi, the sponsor's daughter, also played a crucial role in the project, particularly in the renovation of the library that houses the Quran. Her management of the library's renovation project was instrumental in facilitating the completion of this monumental undertaking.

Significance

The Quran's creation serves multiple purposes: as a remarkable piece of art, it illustrates the high level of craftsmanship in Afghanistan; as a cultural symbol, it reflects the country's commitment to its Islamic heritage. Furthermore, housing this Quran at the Hakim Nasir Khusraw Balkhi Cultural Center symbolizes a broader effort to preserve and celebrate Afghan culture. This initiative demonstrates that despite historical challenges, Afghanistan's rich cultural and artistic traditions continue to thrive.

Cultural Impact

Acknowledged as a significant achievement by Afghan society and the wider Muslim community, the world's largest handmade Quran has garnered accolades and recognition. Government representatives, religious leaders, and civil society have praised this project for enhancing Afghanistan's cultural landscape and offering a source of national pride. This initiative underscores the potential for cultural and artistic endeavors to foster unity and resilience among communities.