An Iraqi calligrapher has achieved a monumental feat, completing the world’s largest handwritten Quran in Istanbul on October 29, 2025, after years of painstaking work. The World’s Largest Handwritten Quran, measuring 2 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide, was unveiled at the historic Hagia Sophia, showcasing over 604 pages of intricate Sini calligraphy. Created by master calligrapher Hassan Al-Khafaji, the is a testament to artistic devotion, with each page taking 10 hours to craft using gold ink and special vellum.
The World’s Largest Handwritten Quran unveiling has inspired awe, with social media buzzing about its beauty. Here’s the full story on the the artist behind it, and its cultural impact.
What Led to the World’s Largest Handwritten Quran?
The World’s Largest Handwritten Quran journey began in 2018 when Al-Khafaji, a renowned Iraqi calligrapher from Baghdad, set out to break the Guinness World Record for the largest handwritten Quran. Working in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar workshop, Al-Khafaji spent 7 years on the project, inscribing all 114 surahs with Sini script, a style favored for its flowing elegance. The was completed on October 29, 2025, just in time for a special exhibition at Hagia Sophia, where it was displayed under a custom dome for protection.
Al-Khafaji, 58, drew inspiration from Ottoman calligraphers, using a goose quill pen and 23-carat gold ink on 604 sheets of calfskin vellum. The weighs 150 kilograms and stands 2 meters tall when open, surpassing the previous record held by a 1.8-meter Quran from Iran. The World’s Largest Handwritten Quran was a labor of love, with Al-Khafaji fasting during Ramadan to maintain focus.
Why the World’s Largest Handwritten Quran Matters
The World’s Largest Handwritten Quran is more than a record it’s a symbol of Islamic artistry and preservation. Calligraphy, an art form dating back to the 7th century, has been a sacred way to honor the Quran, and this massive version elevates it to new heights. The highlights the enduring relevance of the holy book, with its 77,439 words rendered in stunning detail, inspiring viewers to appreciate the text’s spiritual and aesthetic beauty.
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In a digital age, the reminds us of handmade craftsmanship, taking 4,000 hours of work. It’s a bridge between tradition and innovation, with Al-Khafaji hoping it encourages youth to learn calligraphy.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The World’s Largest Handwritten Quran unveiling wowed crowds on October 29, 2025. Visitors at Hagia Sophia snapped photos, with one saying,breathtaking!” Social media erupted, with posts like, art and faith united!” Hashtags #WorldsLargestHandwrittenQuran trended, with videos of Al-Khafaji’s work going viral. A user wrote, pride for Muslims!” X
Art lovers praised, masterpiece!” The buzz reflects admiration for the World’s Largest Handwritten Quran, blending reverence and wonder.
Challenges Amid the Creation
Creating the World’s Largest Handwritten Quran was no small feat. Al-Khafaji battled hand cramps and ink smudges on the vellum, which expanded with humidity. The required special tools, like a 50cm quill, and years of practice to maintain precision. Funding from Iraqi patrons helped, but the demanded unwavering focus.
The also faced skepticism, with some questioning its practicality. Al-Khafaji’s overcame them, proving dedication’s power.
A Glimmer of Devotion
The World’s Largest Handwritten Quran is a beacon of faith. Al-Khafaji’s dedication inspires, with one post saying, love for the Quran shines!” The fosters reflection, its pages a prayer in ink.
The unites admirers, making it a symbol of spiritual art.
What’s Next for World’s Largest Handwritten Quran?
The World’s Largest Handwritten Quran will tour mosques in Istanbul and Baghdad in 2026. Al-Khafaji plans a smaller Quran for schools. The could inspire calligraphy festivals, promoting the art.
Admirers are encouraged to visit the exhibit and learn calligraphy. The World’s Largest Handwritten Quran is a call to honor heritage. Stay tuned for updates on and its journey.
