Iran has unveiled a high-quality facsimile edition of the historic Zaferani Quran during a ceremony in Tehran. Scholars recognize the manuscript as the oldest known complete and dated Quran featuring a Persian translation. The publication represents an important milestone for preserving Islamic manuscripts and Persian literary heritage.
The National Library and Archives of Iran organized the ceremony alongside Farhang-e Siadat Publications on Tuesday. Senior academics, manuscript specialists, cultural officials, and researchers attended the event. Their participation reflected the manuscript’s exceptional historical, linguistic, and religious importance.
The original manuscript remains preserved at Tehran’s Reza Abbasi Museum. Abolfazl Zaferani copied the Quran in Rey during 546 AH, corresponding to 1151-1152 CE. Researchers consider it the earliest surviving complete Persian-translated Quran with a confirmed production date.
Experts explained that the manuscript provides valuable evidence for studying early Quran translation and Persian language development. Moreover, it offers researchers insight into medieval manuscript production and scholarly traditions. Consequently, historians regard it as one of Iran’s most valuable written treasures.
Manuscript specialist Morteza Kariminia described the extensive preparation required for producing the new edition. He explained that experts spent nearly eight years completing the project. Advanced color calibration technology ensured the published facsimile closely matches the original manuscript’s appearance.
Several scholars discussed the manuscript’s academic importance throughout the ceremony. They highlighted its role in documenting early Persian religious literature and preserving linguistic traditions. Furthermore, they emphasized its continuing value for modern historical and philological research.
Seyyed Mohammad Emadi Haeri explained that the Persian translation reflects an independent scholarly tradition. He noted that early Islamic scholars encouraged Quran translation to expand religious understanding among Persian-speaking communities. Therefore, these efforts significantly influenced Persian religious literature over subsequent centuries.
Persian linguist Ali Ashraf Sadeghi highlighted the manuscript’s linguistic significance. He explained that early Quran translations reveal important regional language differences across medieval Iran. These texts also preserved many historical Persian expressions that disappeared from modern everyday usage.
Former Culture Minister Ahmad Masjed-Jamei described the manuscript as an important symbol of Iran’s intellectual heritage. He emphasized that publishing a detailed facsimile allows researchers to study the text while protecting the fragile original. Such preservation projects also help introduce historic manuscripts to future generations.
Researchers also highlighted the manuscript’s distinctive interlinear format. The Persian translation appears between the Arabic lines using smaller script for easier scholarly reference. Experts believe the translation closely reflects interpretations associated with the eleventh-century scholar Abu Bakr Atiq Nishapuri.
Officials expect the newly published edition to expand research opportunities in Islamic studies, Persian literature, and manuscript conservation. They believe the Zaferani Quran will continue supporting international scholarship while showcasing Iran’s lasting contribution to Quranic studies and Persian cultural history.