Hidden Text Unveiled in Ancient Blue Qur'an at Zayed National Museum

Advanced imaging technology has revealed new insights into the Blue Qur'an, one of the world’s most renowned Islamic manuscripts, held at the Zayed National Museum (ZNM) in Abu Dhabi. The manuscript, dating back to the 9th or 10th century, contains verses previously hidden beneath layers of intricate gold leaf. Researchers used multispectral imaging to uncover these concealed details, shedding light on the production process of this rare Qur'an.

The Blue Qur'an, famous for its distinctive blue or indigo pages with silver and gold calligraphy, was written in Kufic script, a challenging form of Arabic calligraphy. Only about 100 pages of the original manuscript, once composed of around 600 pages, are known to exist today. The origins of the manuscript are uncertain, with possible locations including North Africa, Iraq, and Andalusia in Spain.

The newly uncovered text hints at a correction by the original calligrapher, who may have used gold leaf patterns to cover up an error, rather than starting over with a new page due to the high cost of the materials.

The Blue Qur'an is expected to be displayed at ZNM once the museum opens, offering visitors a unique glimpse into a significant piece of Islamic history. This groundbreaking research highlights the importance of preserving and studying ancient manuscripts, providing a deeper understanding of their creation and the cultural significance they hold.