Russian-made Golden Koran to be exhibited in Iran

Moscow, Sept 4 (UNI) A Russian copy of the Koran, etched on 162 sheets of 99.9 percent pure gold, worth 5.9 million dollars, will be shown at an exhibition to be held from September 22 to October 2 in Iranian capital Tehran.

Fourteen pages of the book have already been sent to Tehran for an exhibition of sacred Islamic texts, Vladimir Prusakov, the head of the company that ordered the Golden Koran project, told RIA Novosti news agency.

The book is a faithful copy of the Uthman Koran, considered to be the world's oldest surviving copy of Islam's holy book.

The golden version even replicates the stain of blood from the assassination of the third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, which is still visible on the original.

The Golden Koran was made by the Moscow Mint, over a period of 18 months.

Although Russia is predominantly Orthodox Christian, the country has a significant Muslim minority.

UNI