Qur'an Manuscript, Ethiopia, Harar, late 18th century, Black and red ink on paper, On loan from the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, MSS 05330

Qur'an Manuscript, Ethiopia, Harar, late 18th century, Black and red ink on paper, On loan from the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, MSS 05330

This East African Qur'an was produced in Harar, the capital of a vibrant Islamic emirate that co-existed with the Christian and Jewish communities of Ethiopia. Harar's scribes developed a distinctive style of Arabic script that is related to bihari Indian Qur'ans, such as the 'Gwalior Qur'an' at left. The manuscript's Italian paper, with its 'three moons' (tre lune) watermark, is evidence of the important commercial and cultural ties that link the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean, and the central role of the Horn of Africa in that trade and exchange.

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Late 18th century

Photographer Credit: Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Dimensions: 33.1 x 23.8 x 6.4cm

Materials: Black and red ink on paper

Arabic

Fisher MSS 05330

Ethiopia, Harar