The manuscript of the Uthmanic Mushaf preserved at the Library of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan is currently undergoing codicological examination.
This research involves a team of scholars including Shaykh Alijon Qori Fayzullah, Head of the “Qur’an and Tajwid Education” Department; Kamoliddin Mahkamov, Head of the Library Department; and Jahongir Qori Nematov, Head of the “Qur’anic Studies” Department at Tashkent Islamic Institute.
Shaykh Alijon Qori Fayzullah emphasized the importance of observing accuracy and trustworthiness when studying and reproducing the script of the Mushaf. He highlighted significant rules of orthography and recitation (qira’at) related to the original handwriting of the Uthmanic Mushaf currently kept at the “Muhi Muborak” Madrasa Museum.
The digital copy of the original Uthmanic Mushaf serves as the main object of the study. In preparing the critical text, researchers also refer to other ancient copies of the Mushaf preserved in Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Each line of the manuscript is being carefully rewritten, with verse and line numbers marked in red. Any textual discrepancies found in the 19th-century copied version are noted in the margins and explained through scholarly commentary.
With the support of the Fund for the Development of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan, both local and international experts — including Dr. Christine Rose from the University of Cambridge, French restorers Achel Delaeau and Coralie Barbe, and Nil Baydar, Head of the Istanbul Manuscripts Workshop and Archive Department — have developed a phased restoration plan to ensure the long-term preservation of the sacred manuscript.
Press Service of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan
A press conference dedicated to the “Friendship” Festival, timed to the Day of Friendship of Peoples celebrated on July 30th, was held at the National Press Center of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA.
Event was attended by the leadership of the Committee, representatives of national cultural centers, friendship societies, Brother Cities Alliance, as well as media representatives.
During the press conference, information was presented on the primary goals and objectives of the festival, as well as on the cultural, educational, scientific, practical and public events planned within its framework.
Special attention was paid to one of the key events of the festival — the First International Brother Cities Forum. It was noted that the forum will take place on July 24-25 in the ancient yet contemporary city of Samarkand. Around 100 foreign guests from nearly 30 states, including scholars, representatives of international organizations and other foreign participants, are expected to attend.
Press conference especially highlighted the significance of the festival as an important platform for strengthening interethnic harmony, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance and promoting public diplomacy in Uzbekistan.
It is worth recalling that by decision of the UN General Assembly, July 30 is designated as the Day of Friendship of Peoples. In this regard, this date is celebrated annually worldwide as International Day of Friendship.