ISLAMIC CIVILIZATION DRIVEN TOWARDS CULTURAL EXPRESSION
POSSIBLY EARLIEST ILLUMINATED QURAN IN EXISTENCE 680-720 AD

Aesthetics came into Islam very early and research continues on same. Discovery of host of earliest Islamic manuscripts in the Great Mosque of Sanaa in 1972 and restoration project started by the Germans. One such discovery of fragments of a Quran in a mosque in Sanna in 1972, revealed that from around 680 to 720 AD (carbon dated) the illumination of Quran in text had already started, and obviously this Quran was not meant for every body, and is probably remnants of a Royal Quran linked to the Caliphs themselves. Huge in size of 20 inches by 18 inches, there would be a volume of 500 plus pages, and it is all covered with paintings. As more research goes on, enjoy the sight of such an early naqashi on a Quran, with arch, pillars as well as a mehrab. And multiple storeys of same, reflects the architectural developments in those days. Hanging burning lights from the ceiling tell us the kind of mosques prevalent in those days. The architecture of buildings such as mosques and palaces was very much on and we will talk about it elsewhere. Till then enjoy!