Iranian calligrapher inscribing large copy of Holy Quran in Mashhad

TEHRAN,July 31(MNA) -- Iranian calligrapher Ali-Akbar Esmaeili Quchani is currently working on a large copy of the Holy Quran, which he expects to complete within the next two years. The entire Quran will be inscribed on 600 pages with dimensions of 250x175 centimeters. The Quran is divided into 30 sections each of which is called a joz, and in this copy, each joz has been inscribed on 20 pages. In addition, each joz enjoys its own specific illuminations. Each surah (chapter) of this copy of the Holy Quran also has its own unique calligraphy of bismillah. Inscription of each page requires at least 20 million rials (about $1,631). However, the 68-year-old calligrapher began the project in 1971 at his own personal expense.