The Manuscript of the Uthmanic Mushaf at the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan Under Scholarly Study
The manuscript of the Uthmanic Mushaf preserved at the Library of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan is currently undergoing codicological examination.
This research involves a team of scholars including Shaykh Alijon Qori Fayzullah, Head of the “Qur’an and Tajwid Education” Department; Kamoliddin Mahkamov, Head of the Library Department; and Jahongir Qori Nematov, Head of the “Qur’anic Studies” Department at Tashkent Islamic Institute.
Shaykh Alijon Qori Fayzullah emphasized the importance of observing accuracy and trustworthiness when studying and reproducing the script of the Mushaf. He highlighted significant rules of orthography and recitation (qira’at) related to the original handwriting of the Uthmanic Mushaf currently kept at the “Muhi Muborak” Madrasa Museum.
The digital copy of the original Uthmanic Mushaf serves as the main object of the study. In preparing the critical text, researchers also refer to other ancient copies of the Mushaf preserved in Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Each line of the manuscript is being carefully rewritten, with verse and line numbers marked in red. Any textual discrepancies found in the 19th-century copied version are noted in the margins and explained through scholarly commentary.
With the support of the Fund for the Development of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan, both local and international experts — including Dr. Christine Rose from the University of Cambridge, French restorers Achel Delaeau and Coralie Barbe, and Nil Baydar, Head of the Istanbul Manuscripts Workshop and Archive Department — have developed a phased restoration plan to ensure the long-term preservation of the sacred manuscript.
Press Service of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan
Attitude from Germany: Uzbekistan promotes the ideals of enlightenment, peace and religious tolerance
German Islamic scholar and Head of the “Cultur-Cooperation International e.V.” organization Kathleen Göbel, shared her impressions regarding her participation in the First International Forum of Islamic Civilization, reports Dunyo IA.
According to the scholar, this prestigious conference, which brought together leading scientists, experts, and public figures from 50 countries around the world, became a platform for mutual respect, open dialogue and solidarity among representatives of various states and academic schools.
German expert highly commended Uzbekistan's rich scientific and educational heritage, specifically recognizing the profound contributions made by great scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam at-Tirmidhi and Imam Maturidi to world civilization.
In particular, she was deeply impressed by the immense construction and development work carried out at the Imam al-Bukhari Complex, as well as the implementation of a contemporary museum featuring artificial intelligence technologies.
Kathleen Göbel placed special emphasis on the significance of the noble concept put forward by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev: “Enlightenment against ignorance”.
In her view, Center of Islamic Civilization constructed in Tashkent is a unique platform accessible not only at the national level but also to the entire region and the international community - serving to counter Islamophobia and hostility through the power of knowledge and enlightenment.
