The Art of the Qu'ran: Treasures from the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts will open at the Freer|Sackler, part of the Smithsonian’s museums of Asian art from October 15, 2016 to February 20, 2017.

The historic exhibition marks the first of its kind in the United States and will include over 60 Qu'ran manuscripts, chronicling 1,000 years of history from Turkey and Iran to Syria and Afghanistan, ranging from the eight to the 17th century. The ornate manuscripts were once owned by the ruling elite of the Islamic world and subsequently provided as gifts to reinforce political partnerships and donated to public and religious organisations, demonstrating one's devotion to Islam.

Massumeh Farhad, Chief Curator of Islamic Art at Freer|Sackler, highlights what visitors can experience from the showcase of sacred manuscripts. She says,

“This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see Qu'rans of different origins, formats and styles and begin to appreciate the power and beauty of the calligraphy as well as intricacy of the illuminated decoration”

The collection is organised in collaboration with the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts and will be featured alongside the permanent collection of Qu'rans at the Freer|Sackler. In addition, an international seminar illustrating the art of the Qu'ran will be held from December 1, 2016 to December 3, 2016.

‘The Art of the Qu'ran: Treasures from the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts’ will take place from October 15, 2016 to February 20, 2017. For further information on the Freer|Sackler visit: asia.si.edu