Evaluation of Two Qur'an Manuscript Sections at Kastamonu Manuscripts Library in Regard to their Illuminations

Abstract

Manuscripts in libraries, museums, and collections of private institutions and individuals in Turkey and around the world are of great importance as they have a close connection with science, culture, and art circles of Turkish Islamic Civilization and other civilizations. Although the research and review of manuscripts has increased in recent years, the desired progress has not yet been achieved. This study aims to review and introduce, in terms of the art of illumination, two manuscriptes Juz' of the Qur'an in the Kastamonu Manuscript Library with the inventory numbers 2161 and 2163. These works in the library are remarkable in terms of their illumination characteristics. Similar examples of illuminations seen in the Juz' are seen in illuminations in 16thcentury manuscripts. Among the illuminations seen in the manuscripts, those at the beginning of Suras and on colophons occupy an important place. In this context, it is seen that the juzs in Kastamonu have a very high quality of artistic illuminations and they have not been subject to any research. In this article, the characteristics of the period will be revealed by examining the Juz' in terms of illumination.