A rare 17th-century German translation of the Holy Quran is drawing attention in Saudi Arabia, as a 1623 copy goes on display at a museum in Makkah, offering visitors a glimpse into early European engagement with Islamic scripture.
Printed in 1623 in Nuremberg, the historic manuscript is part of the museum’s collection that traces the evolution of the Qur’an and its translations across different eras.
The report described the copy as a significant historical example of early efforts to translate the Holy Quran into European languages.
It played an important role in helping non-Arabic speakers better understand the text and highlights the strong interest in Quranic studies in early modern Europe.
The manuscript belongs to the King Fahd National Library, which focuses on preserving cultural and scholarly heritage.
The library has made the rare piece accessible to researchers and visitors, supporting Saudi Arabia’s cultural outreach both regionally and globally.
The exhibition aligns with the museum’s broader mission to provide an enriching visitor experience by showcasing rare and historically significant Quranic artifacts.
