Obscurity Shrouds National Qur'an Museum of Tehran

The National Museum of Qur'an in Tehran is not known even to many of the city's residents.

Inaugurated over a decade ago, the museum holds a rich trove of historical manuscripts of Qur'an, the holy book of Muslims, as well as related texts.  The main reason for its anonymity is attributed to its location in the midst of government buildings that are guarded by security forces, ISNA reported.

"The guards are there for security purposes and not to prevent entry," Hojjatoleslam Amir Lohrasbi, the museum's director, said.

Pointing to the recent Islamic miniature workshop run by experts from Germany, China, Russia, the US and France, the official said organizing such events in the complex helps attract more domestic and foreign tourists. He complained that no substantial restoration and maintenance works have been carried out in the museum since its opening.

"The complex requires professional lighting, security system and surveillance cameras, and some of the items on display are in dire need of restoration," he said.

Located at the junction of Imam Khomeini and Vali-e-Asr streets, it is the only specialized museum displaying religious manuscripts and artworks.  

A separate floor in the complex is dedicated to Qur'anic and religious items, which have been inscribed on the National Heritage List. The museum also houses valuable antique and contemporary paintings.

The museum is managed under the auspices of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization. Hence, Lohrasbi called on ICHHTO officials to provide more funds to remove the shortcomings and prepare the ground for attracting more visitors.

Open to public from Saturday to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the museum charges no entrance fee.