After Six Years of Devotion, Iraqi Calligrapher Completes Monumental Handwritten Quran in Istanbul

ISTANBUL (AP) — In the hushed, reverent atmosphere of Istanbul's Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, the final stroke of ink has dried. After 2,190 days of dawn-to-dusk labor, Iraqi calligrapher Ali Zaman has completed a work of staggering scale and devotion: a handwritten Quran spanning 302 scrolls, each measuring 4 meters in length.

The 54-year-old artist's magnum opus, six years in the making, is more than a religious text. It is a physical testament to the Islamic artistic tradition of hat (calligraphy), where the written word becomes a form of worship. The custom-made sheets, crafted from a blend of eggs, corn starch, and alum to resemble heavy parchment, bear witness to a painstaking process that Zaman describes as a divine gift.

"Whenever I contemplate this Quran, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude," Zaman told The Associated Press, his eyes resting on the stacked scrolls. "The Almighty granted me the life and perseverance to complete this journey. The feeling is one of immense pride and spiritual fulfillment."

Islamic calligraphy, historically central to artistic expression due to traditions restricting figurative depiction, found fertile ground in the Ottoman Empire. State-supported artists developed distinctive styles, a legacy that endures with Istanbul remaining a global hub for the craft. For experts like Umit Coskunsu, Zaman's work transcends artistry.

"Hat is not merely beautiful writing," Coskunsu explained. "It is a devotional act, a medium through which the artist seeks closeness to God. Zaman's project embodies this principle in its most monumental form."

Born in Iraq's Kurdish region, Zaman relocated his family to Istanbul in 2017 specifically to undertake this project, drawn by Turkey's deep cultural valuation of the art form. Working in a small room provided by the mosque, his life became synonymous with the scrolls. His son, Rekar, recalls the sacrifice: "We only saw him when we brought food or when he returned late to sleep. Now, thank God, we have him back."

While yet to be officially certified, the manuscript is touted as the world's largest handwritten Quran. It now awaits a permanent home. Zaman's hope is for a buyer—a museum or institution—that will place it on public display, allowing the world to appreciate its craft and spiritual significance.

Voices & Perspectives:

• Dr. Leyla Aydin, Art Historian at Bogazici University: "Zaman's work is a bridge between centuries. It employs ancient techniques on a colossal scale, reminding us that in our digital age, the hand-crafted sacred text retains unparalleled power and beauty. It's a cultural treasure."
• Mehmet Yilmaz, Istanbul Shopkeeper & Mosque Regular: "To see such dedication in our time is humbling. It brings honor to our mosque and to our city. This isn't just art; it's a legacy for future generations of Muslims and art lovers alike."
• Sarah Chen, Cultural Critic: "The craftsmanship is undeniable, but one must question the resources and isolation required. Six years in a secluded room? While beautiful, it also speaks to a potentially anachronistic and grueling model of artistic production that few can afford to emulate. Is it preservation or a relic of a bygone patronage system?"
• Imam Hassan Firati, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque: "Hosting this endeavor has been a blessing. Zaman's quiet dedication has been an inspiration to our community. His work proves that faith and art are inseparable, each elevating the other."

Associated Press writer Suzan Fraser contributed from Ankara.