Handwritten Quran, Dh5 million pen case: 8 rarest items at Dubai’s book-shaped library

The lectern-shaped Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) will open to the public tomorrow, June 16. Residents are in for a world of wonder that showcases much more than just books.

The Dh1 billion project is spread over seven storeys, with nine libraries. It has a Treasure of the Library section that features some extremely rare exhibits and manuscripts, including one of the earliest copies of the Holy Quran and a pen case that has an emerald, ruby, and a diamond.

All exhibits in the section are amazing, but here are the top eight that blew our minds:

1. Manuscripts of handwritten Quran copies, 13th century

The most defining artistic achievement of the Islamic civilization in its formative stages is the development of calligraphic scripts to transcribe the Holy Quran. The driving force behind this was the impetus to transcribe the Quran in a beautiful manner.

This exhibit shows five parts of an original copy of the Quran, written in black ink and decorated by hand. These parts, from Iran, were painstakingly put together piece by piece.

2. A Dh 5 million pen case adorned with jewels, 16th century

This opulently decorated pen-case is designed to be tucked into the waist sash. Such pen cases were highly symbolic objects used in the distribution of rank and were typically given to court officials, especially viziers.

Procured at a sum of Dh 5 million, this exhibit is one of the most expensive items in the library.

3. Most popular Arabic grammar book in Europe, 17th century

The Grammatica Arabica, written by the Dutch Orientalist Thomas Erpenius (died 1624), was the first scientific grammar of Arabic written by a Western scholar. It remained unsurpassed as the most popular and influential guide to the rudiments of Arabic grammar until well into the 19th century.

This edition was printed by Erpenius' colleague, Franciscus Raphelengius (died 1597), who produced the first Arabic typeface used in Leiden.

4. Rare Ramayana manuscript, date unknown

The Ramayana, meaning Rama’s Journey, is one of the two important legends of Hinduism. It is often accompanied with detailed illustrations and almost nearly 24,000 verses.

This manuscript was a laborious undertaking as it may have been produced as a private commission for a noble patron.

5. A description of Egypt during Napoleon’s time, 19th century

The first edition of this 14-part encyclopedia was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte during his visit to Egypt. It was the first scientific survey of the whole of Egypt and the largest printed work ever produced at the time.

It was a series of publications that involved the collaboration of about 150 scholars and scientists who accompanied Napoleon Bonaparte's expedition to Egypt. It contains accounts on various subjects such as language, agriculture, music and natural history.

Over 2000 artists and engravers worked on this publication, which is housed in a mahogany cabinet inspired by 19th century Parisian cabinet maker, Charles Morel.

6. A masterpiece of the Golden Age of Dutch cartography, 17th century

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