Ancient Manuscript Review 138 : Antique African Quran 18th Century CE

I acquired this illuminated Quran from Istanbul in 2014. When I first looked at this manuscript, I thought it was a Chinese manuscript due to strong and bold certain characters especially  ر &  ى

 with elongated tails. The bright handpainted floral motive also a typical Chinese manuscript characteristic.

However the more I looked at it, I realized it is not Chinese's. The are not elongated like a sword like a typical Sini khat. The way it was binded with the use of cloth to attach the bind is typical of African. A lot of African Quran using floral motive in their Quran illumination.

I am comparing this Quran with my Quran from Somalia & Etiopia. The Somalia Quran tends to highlight the word Allah in red whereas this Quran khat more resemblance to the Quran from Etiopia.

I believe this Quran originated from East Africa and it could be Etiopia. This manuscript also has a very strong odor of leather similar to my other African manuscripts. If you have a similar Quran like mine and know the origin please feel free to let me know.

 See below my Quran from Somalia & Etiopia
Somali Quran
30 volumes Etiopian Quran

Etiopian Quran Comparison

Manuscript Specs

Item : Antique Africa Quran segment 

Manuscript Content : Quran
Dim : 23 cm x 17 cm x 2 cm
Date : 18-19th century
Copyist : 

Origin : Possible Africa

Calligraphy : Sudani??
Design : Written in Sudani scripts in black
Purchased Price :US