The restoration of a rare 10th-century Quran manuscript has officially begun in Karbala, Iraq, marking a significant effort in preserving Islamic heritage.

According to Latif Abdulzahra, head of the Manuscript Restoration Department at the Center for the Preservation of Manuscripts and Documents at Al-Abbas Holy Shrine, the restoration is part of a comprehensive program for 2025. The manuscript, currently housed in the Holy Shrine’s Library, is undergoing a detailed preservation process.

Abdulzahra explained that the restoration involves several key stages, including biological and chemical assessments, repairing cracks in the manuscript, restoring its cover, and creating a specialized box for its safekeeping before it is returned to the Holy Shrine's treasury.

The initial phase of the restoration includes a thorough examination of the manuscript's paper, colors, decorations, and the inks used. “We photograph the damages and number the pages in order of the Quran before beginning any restoration,” Abdulzahra stated.

The manuscript has suffered considerable biological and chemical damage due to environmental factors and improper storage, resulting in broken pages and detached sections. Abdulzahra emphasized that the main objective of the restoration is to preserve the manuscript’s integrity, ensuring its durability and protection against future environmental conditions.

The restoration of such priceless manuscripts is vital to preserving Islamic heritage for future generations, securing their historical and religious significance.