12th century Christian manuscript unveiled at AQR Library in Mashhad

Event highlights preservation of Abrahamic heritage and centuries old restoration tradition at the central library of Astan Quds Razavi.

The 274th session of the “Scientific and Cultural Tuesdays” program at Astan Quds Razavi featured the unveiling of a rare 12th century Christian manuscript at the central library.
The ceremony, held on December 30, coincided with the birth anniversary of Imam Mohammad Taqi (al Javad), the start of the new year 2026, and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The manuscript, written on 93 parchment leaves in square format and bound in wooden covers, contains sacred Christian texts and prayers. It is decorated with artistic motifs and has recently been restored by expert conservators of AQR’s Manuscripts and Restoration Department.
According to Ramazanaliz Izanlou, director of manuscripts at Astan Quds Razavi, “The text is in Amharic, using the Ge’ez script, and belongs to the Orthodox Christian tradition of Ethiopia”.
“AQR’s collection holds three manuscripts in Ge’ez script, alongside a wide range of Islamic and Shia works”, he noted.
Izanlou emphasized that the library preserves not only Islamic heritage but also texts from other Abrahamic faiths, including 603 Christian manuscripts and lithographs and 178 Jewish works.
“This diversity is a foundation for interfaith dialogue, enriched by linguistic variety, artistic decoration, and historical depth”, He described.
He also drew parallels between Imam al Javad and Jesus, noting that the Imam is sometimes referred to as “the second Jesus.”
Elsewhere, Seyed Ali Tabatabaei, director of restoration, highlighted the long tradition of book conservation at AQR’s library, dating back more than five centuries.
Archival records from the Safavid, Afsharid, and Qajar eras document restoration practices and expenses.
“Since the Islamic Revolution, restoration activities have expanded to cover a wider range of cultural artifacts, now organized under a dedicated management unit”, he added.
Tabatabaei presented a detailed report on the restoration process of the unveiled manuscript and stressed the importance of safeguarding cultural treasures for future generations.
The event also included the presentation of historical documents related to Imam al Javad’s birth celebrations and the introduction of the shrine’s digital resource platform, under the theme “Beginning of 2026 with spiritual manifestations.”