Sharjah Ruler Opens ‘Eternal Letters’ Quran Manuscripts Exhibition

Quranic manuscripts have endured through centuries as eternal witnesses to Islamic heritage and artistic brilliance. The House of Wisdom welcomed its most important cultural milestone when His Highness Sheik Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, opened the ‘Eternal Letters’ exhibition. The showcase features precious Quran manuscripts from the Abdul Rahman Al Qwais Collection.

Visitors can experience a unique blend of spiritual meaning and artistic excellence at this exhibition. The House of Wisdom displays centuries-old Islamic calligraphy and preserved manuscripts that are now available to scholars, art enthusiasts, and the public. This effort reflects Sharjah’s commitment to preserve and showcase Islamic cultural heritage.

Historic Opening Ceremony

His Highness Dr. Sheik Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the ‘Eternal Letters’ exhibition at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization on Wednesday morning. This remarkable showcase features Qur’an manuscripts from the Abdul Rahman Al Qwais Collection.

The ceremony attracted prominent dignitaries including Saqr Ghobash, President of the Federal National Council, and Sheik Salem Bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office. Leaders from local government departments joined intellectual and cultural figures from the region to witness this momentous occasion.

Visitors can now experience an extraordinary collection of 81 Quranic manuscripts on public display for the first time. His Highness explored the exhibition’s seven carefully curated sections that highlight different historical periods through diverse sizes, scripts, and Islamic ornamentation. These thematic sections include:

• “From Text to Art: The Early Islamic Centuries”
• “The Art of Writing in an Era of Change: 10th to 13th Centuries”
• “Andalusia and North Africa: The Western Tradition”
• “Imperial Designs: Iran, India, and Turkey”

The event reached its pinnacle when Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammed Al Owais presented a commemorative gift to Sheik Sultan, highlighting Sharjah’s steadfast dedication to preserving Islamic heritage.

Exhibition Highlights

This stunning exhibition brings to life 1,300 years of religious and artistic heritage through Islamic calligraphy. The showcase features 81 precious Quranic manuscripts from Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais’s private collection. These treasures represent cultural traditions that stretch from China to Andalusia.

The Blue Quran stands out as a masterpiece among the exhibits. Its text appears in gold on indigo-dyed parchment and represents the finest achievement in medieval Islamic manuscript art. The collection has various calligraphic styles including:

• Traditional scripts: Muhaqqaq, Ta’liq, Naskh, Ruq’ah
• Regional variations: Moroccan, Rayhan, and Thuluth styles

Rare folios from the 7th century showcase Hijazi and Kufic scripts among gilded pages from Ottoman, Persian, and Andalusian periods. The exhibition’s seven distinct sections take visitors through the rise of Islamic calligraphy, from its earliest forms to sophisticated imperial designs.

Central Asian early Qur’ans in cursive script hold special significance as they show artistic development across Islamic regions. Manuscripts from the Mamluk, Safavid, and Ottoman empires add depth to the collection and highlight the rich cultural exchange of these historical periods.

Cultural Impact

The ‘Eternal Letters’ exhibition marks a major achievement in Sharjah’s dedication to preserving and promoting Islamic cultural heritage. His Highness Sheik Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has led the emirate to become a leading center for Islamic art and manuscript preservation.

Six specialized international organizations at the Center have helped the exhibition’s influence grow beyond its cultural importance:

• ICCROM Center – Sharjah
• Middle East and North Africa Regional Center of IOV
• International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals
• Olymias Traditional Games (MENA Office)
• Chinese Center for Cultural Exchange
• National Institute of Archeology and Heritage

These institutions work together to protect both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. They create and apply strategic policies that save valuable artifacts from extinction. The Center’s creation matches Sharjah’s vision to become an incubator for world heritage while encouraging cultural exchange and preservation initiatives.

The exhibition plays a vital role in showcasing Islamic art globally. Visitors learn about the remarkable esthetic tradition that defines Islamic civilization through these manuscripts. The collection shows how Islamic art kept its distinctive identity while adapting to regional influences. This created a unique artistic language that goes beyond geographical boundaries.

These manuscripts serve as vital educational resources for scholars, artists, and cultural enthusiasts. Their display helps people understand Islamic artistic traditions better and shows their relevance in today’s cultural discussions.

The ‘Eternal Letters’ exhibition shows evidence of Sharjah’s commitment to preserving Islamic cultural heritage. Visitors can explore an extraordinary collection of 81 Quranic manuscripts that span 1,300 years. These works showcase a mixture of Islamic calligraphy and artistic excellence. Sheik Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi’s vision has revolutionized Sharjah into a cultural preservation hub. Ancient manuscripts now tell compelling stories about artistic progress in various Islamic regions.

These invaluable manuscripts play multiple roles as historical artifacts, artistic masterpieces, and educational resources. Their careful preservation will give future generations opportunities to study and appreciate the sophisticated techniques that master calligraphers developed throughout Islamic history. Global efforts to protect and promote Islamic cultural heritage have strengthened through collaborative efforts between international organizations at the Center.

The exhibition’s impact clearly shows how traditional Islamic art stays relevant while connecting different historical periods and geographical boundaries. This celebration of sacred manuscripts honors the past and shapes our understanding of Islamic artistic traditions for generations to come.