Rare 19th-Century Panel Displayed at Red Sea Museum Features Complete Quranic Text

A rare 19th-century Quranic calligraphy panel is on display at the Red Sea Museum in Historic Jeddah. Created around 1859–1860 CE by Ghouth Mahboob Ghalib in Mysore, India, the single-page artwork features the entire text of the Holy Quran arranged within a detailed illustration of the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

 Written in Diwani script using black ink and gilding, the manuscript places the Kaaba at its center. The meticulously crafted script begins with Surah Al-Fatihah at the top, weaves through the architectural details of the mosque, and concludes with Surah An-Nas.

 The artifact highlights the historical and spiritual journeys of pilgrims who traveled across the Red Sea to Makkah, carrying works of art that documented the cultural heritage and history of the Hajj.