Detail, Folio from a Qur'an; sura 45:9–13; attributed to Omar Aqta'; historic Iran, present-day Uzbekistan, probably Samarqand, Timurid period, ca. 1400; ink, color, and gold on paper; lent by the Art and History Collection, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, LTS1995.2.16.1
For Kids: Bigger was Better
Suras 45:9–13, 45:13–16
What is it made of? Ink, color, and gold on paper
When was it made? Around 1400
Where was it made? Historic Iran, present-day Uzbekistan
These two pages belong to the largest and one of the most impressive Qur'ans ever produced! Their original borders have been lost, but each page must have measured about 5.5 x 3.25 feet.
We think these pages were created for the founder of the Timurid dynasty, known as Timur or Tamerlane, who lived more than six hundred years ago. He established one of the largest and most powerful dynasties of the Islamic world. Timur ordered his craftsmen to construct large buildings, many of which have since collapsed because they had to be built quickly. He also liked big objects and manuscripts, such as this Qur'an.
These pages may be part of a Qur'an written by a calligrapher known as Omar Aqta'. The story goes that he copied a Qur'an that was so small, it fit into a ring. Timur was unimpressed by the work. So, Omar Aqta' made a new copy so large that it had to be carried by a wheelbarrow! This time, Timur was extremely pleased and showered Omar Aqta' with praise and royal favors.
Creating these huge sheets of paper must have been a difficult job. The papermaker may have used a ladle to scoop smaller pieces of the wet paper into floating molds that stuck together. Another possibility is that he made paper strips that he then pasted together. To this day, no one knows for sure.
Write a letter or postcard about a time when you had a difficult task to overcome. Think back to Omar Atqa' and his challenge for inspiration. What choice did you make to get through the challenge? What was the outcome? Share your story with your friends and family.
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