The Zayed National Museum (ZNM) in Abu Dhabi has brought centuries-old secrets of the Blue Quran to light, uncovering hidden text beneath its iconic gold leaf patterns.
Using cutting-edge multispectral imaging, researchers revealed concealed verses from Surah al-Nisa that had remained obscured for centuries. “Only one copy of the Blue Quran is thought to exist, and the 100 or so of its known pages have fascinated scholars for many decades. This technology sheds new light on the production of this rare copy of the Quran,” Nurul Iman Bint Rusli, curator at ZNM, emphasized.
The analysis revealed that the ornate gold patterns served not just a decorative role but also a functional one: they masked a potential error by the calligrapher. Rather than starting anew—a costly endeavor given the high value of indigo-dyed sheepskin—the craftsman chose to hide the duplicated verse under intricate gold designs.
This insight offers a rare glimpse into the practical challenges faced by early manuscript producers. As Mai Al Mansouri, Associate Curator at ZNM, noted, “These findings illustrate the manuscript’s importance as both a religious text and a historical artifact, reflecting the interconnectedness of Islamic civilizations.”
Dating back to 800–900 CE, the Blue Quran originally consisted of 600 pages, though only about 100 survive today, scattered across museums and private collections worldwide. Its exact origins remain debated, with scholars proposing North Africa, Iraq, or Andalusia as possible production sites.
The manuscript’s Kufic script—an angular, geometric style devoid of modern diacritical marks—further highlights its historical and artistic value. Though visually captivating, the script’s complexity poses challenges for interpretation, underscoring the intellectual and artistic achievements of early Islamic civilizations.
Five pages of this treasured manuscript will soon be displayed in ZNM’s Through Our Connections gallery, which celebrates the UAE’s role as a hub of cultural exchange. This gallery will explore themes such as the spread of Islam, advancements in materials and technologies, and the evolution of the Arabic language.