Historic Mushaf-ı Şerif of the Taşlıcalı Hüseyin Pasha Mosque Restored
A valuable 14th-century artifact preserved by Muslims in Montenegro for centuries has been meticulously restored and reprinted in Turkey.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced that the restoration and facsimile works of the 14th-century Taşlıcalı Hüseyin Pasha Mosque Mushaf-ı Şerif, preserved by Muslims in Montenegro, have been completed.
Background of the Works
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy shared information on his social media account regarding the restoration process of the Taşlıcalı Hüseyin Pasha Mosque Mushaf-ı Şerif, which has been protected by the Muslims of Montenegro for centuries.
Ersoy stated that, upon the request of the Islamic Union of Montenegro and in accordance with the instructions of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, they have completed the facsimile of the historical Taşlıcalı Hüseyin Pasha Mosque Mushaf-ı Şerif.
Historical Significance of the Work
Identified as a 14th-century Mamluk mushaf by experts from the Presidency of Turkish Manuscripts, this rare artifact was endowed in the second half of the 16th century by Taşlıcalı Hüseyin Pasha to the mosque bearing his name.
Balkan expert Machiel Kiel drew attention to the importance of the Mushaf, describing it as one of the finest examples of Islamic calligraphy and bookmaking in the Balkans.
Transmission from Generation to Generation
Despite wars, oppressions, and migrations, the Mushaf in question was meticulously passed down from generation to generation by the Muslims of Montenegro, reaching the present day.
Despite the difficulties it faced throughout history, the artifact was preserved and became one of the important symbols of cultural heritage.
Restoration and Facsimile
Restored by the Presidency of Turkish Manuscripts upon the instructions of President Erdoğan, the work was digitized by the Department of Manuscript Mushafs and prepared for printing.
The facsimile process was successfully carried out by the Governorship of Istanbul under the coordination of the Presidency of Turkish Manuscripts.
Future Plans and Return
The first copy, which was presented to President Erdoğan, will be delivered to Montenegro in the coming days through the organization of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities and the Islamic Union of Montenegro.
With this important delivery, the centurylong trust will be reunited with its native geography.