Quran manuscript sold by Christie’s

LONDON – Doğan News Agency

DHA Photo

A Quran manuscript, written by Mahmut Celaleddin in the second half of the 18th century and owned by Sultan Abdulaziz, was sold for 540,000 pounds at the Islamic artworks auction, which was held on Oct. 8 in London by Christie’s.  

The Quran, found in the library of Nazime Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Abdulaziz, has been given to the Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Gillani by the Saudi Arabian king. 

Islamic artwork collector Yusuf Gezer said, “Mahmut Celaleddin was one of the most important calligraphers in the Ottoman Empire. Unlike other calligraphers, he learned calligraphy by himself without any teacher. It is very pleasing that a unique Islamic artwork found a buyer for 540,000 pounds.”

The head of the Christie’s Islamic Artworks Section, Sara Plumbly, said the Quran was one of the most important Islamic artworks and the most valuable Islamic work at the auction. 

Stating that interest in Islamic artworks was on the rise in recent years, Plumbly said they had a significant buyer profile from Turkey.