Iraqi Calligrapher Creates the World’s Largest Handwritten Quran in Istanbul

The monumental manuscript spans 4 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width, and took six years to complete.

Born in 1971 in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, Zaman developed a passion for Islamic calligraphy from a young age. In 2013, he left his profession as a jeweler to dedicate himself fully to the art of calligraphy. In 2017, he relocated with his family to Istanbul’s Fatih district to pursue his work.

The Quran was written without the use of modern tools, relying solely on traditional techniques and materials. Despite facing serious health challenges that temporarily halted the project in 2023, Zaman persevered and completed the manuscript using personal funds.
He has received numerous international awards in Thuluth and Naskh calligraphy from Syria, Malaysia, Iraq, and Turkey, and holds certification from renowned masters. In 2017, he was honored by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with an excellence award at the International Hilya Sharif Competition.
Reflecting on the project, Zaman said: “This work brings me immense joy. Creating something that few dare to attempt is a unique feeling. Every letter of this Quran carries my spirit and effort.”
With its dimensions, the manuscript surpasses the previous record-holder, which measured 2.28 meters by 1.55 meters, establishing a new global benchmark in handwritten Qurans.