The History of Islamic Manuscripts

The history of Islamic manuscripts reflects a rich tradition of scholarship and artistic expression, beginning in the 7th century with the Quran’s earliest copies. Islamic scholars preserved and expanded knowledge through calligraphy, illuminated texts, and translations of Greek, Persian, and Indian works. Major centers like Baghdad, Cairo, and Andalusia became hubs of manuscript production, fostering advancements in science, philosophy, and literature. Manuscripts were carefully copied by skilled scribes, often decorated with intricate designs. Over centuries, these manuscripts influenced both Islamic and global cultures, serving as vessels of knowledge and art that have been treasured and studied to this day.