Istanbul Artist Creates World’s Largest Handwritten Quran After Leaving Iraq Out of Passion

Ali Zaman, an Iraqi calligrapher born in 1971 in Sulaymaniyah, moved to Istanbul in 2017 to pursue his passion for calligraphy. After completing a 30-page Quran project, he embarked on an even greater challenge: creating the world’s largest handwritten Quran. Each page measures 4 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, spanning 3 meters when opened. Using the Thuluth script and no modern tools, Zaman worked meticulously every morning, writing each letter and verse by hand. Despite severe health issues, including a weight drop from 83 kg to 58 kg, he completed the project alone. Internationally acclaimed, he has won awards in Syria, Malaysia, Iraq, and Turkey, and received Ijazah from renowned masters. Visitors were awestruck by the Quran, and his family plans to preserve it for display and education. Zaman hopes his work remains in Turkey, celebrating the country’s rich calligraphic heritage and honoring the sacred Quran.