Other meanings of Quran
Manuscripts & Rare Books
A miniature Quran is a copy of the Islamic holy book produced in an exceptionally small format, often measuring only a few centimeters in height or width. Such volumes were created as luxury objects, amulets, or portable devotional items, and they represent a remarkable intersection of calligraphy, bookbinding, and miniature painting. The tradition spans several centuries and regions, from the Ottoman Empire to Mughal India and Persia, with surviving examples held in major museum and library collections worldwide.
One of the most famous miniature Qurans is the so-called “Quran of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II,” which measures about 4.7 cm in height and is housed in the Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul. Another notable example is the miniature Quran in the British Library, which is only 2.5 cm tall and was produced in the 17th century. The Khalili Collection of Islamic Art also holds several miniature Qurans, including one with a silver case. These objects are often displayed in exhibitions of Islamic art, and they continue to fascinate scholars and the public alike for their technical virtuosity and spiritual significance.
Miniature Qurans are distinct from the standard-sized Quran and are recognized as a separate category of Islamic manuscript art.
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