AN OFFICIAL OTTOMAN PRINTED QUR’AN, COMMISSIONED BY SULTAN ABDUL HAMID II
£3,750.00
Ottoman Empire, dated 1323 AH (1905 CE)
An official state-sanctioned edition of the Holy Qur’an, printed by the direct order of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, the 34th Ottoman Sultan and a key patron of Islamic arts and education. This edition bears the stamp, affirming its authenticity and endorsement by the Ottoman court.
Printed in a clear 15-line format, the text is accompanied by Ottoman marginal notes (tafsir), offering commentary in the scholarly tradition of the empire. The gilded leather binding, rich in tone and ornamentation, reflects the refined sensibilities of Abdul Hamid’s court. The manuscript concludes with the Dua al-Khatm, a traditional supplication upon the completion of the Qur’an.
Condition:
- Cover: Original leather, in very good condition with minimal signs of wear
- Interior: Crisp, clean, and remarkably well-preserved
- Text Block: Strong and stable, with gold embellishments intact
Description
This printed Qur’an represents not only a pivotal moment in the history of Islamic printing but also an object of high aesthetic and spiritual significance—meticulously produced under the auspices of the Ottoman state during a period of both religious revival and technological innovation.
The Qur’an printed by the order of Sultan Abdul Hamid II (reigned 1876–1909) is an important milestone in the history of Islamic printing. Sultan Abdul Hamid II, the 34th Ottoman sultan, was a advocate of modernisation while maintaining the Islamic character of the empire. One of his significant initiatives was the state-sponsored printing of the Qur’an using the latest printing technologies of the time.
Key Aspects of the Qur’an Commissioned by Abdul Hamid II
Early Opposition to Printing the Qur’an
Before the late 19th century, many in the Muslim world resisted printing the Qur’an due to concerns over preserving its accuracy and sanctity. Manuscript copies, meticulously handwritten by calligraphers, were viewed as the only legitimate form of the sacred text.
Technological Advancements & Justification
By Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s reign, advances in printing technology made mass distribution of the Qur’an more feasible, particularly for educational and missionary purposes. The sultan ensured the process was carried out with the highest reverence and precision.
Production & Printing
The first printed Ottoman Qur’an was produced at the Imperial Printing Press (Matbaa-i Amire) in Istanbul. Skilled calligraphers prepared lithographic plates to preserve the beauty of handwritten scripts, using high-quality paper and fine ink, with gold embellishments in select editions.
Distribution & Influence
Abdul Hamid II arranged for widespread distribution across the empire, Central Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, targeting mosques, schools, and missionaries to counter Western influences. This marked the beginning of the acceptance of printed Qur’ans in the Islamic world.
Legacy
The Abdul Hamid Qur’an was pivotal in transitioning from handwritten to printed texts, preserving both artistic and theological integrity. It facilitated mass production, broadening access to the Qur’an and influencing future printing practices in the Muslim world.
