Ancient Quran Fragment Unveils Sicily's Deep Ties with Arab World

 A fragment from a Quranic page dating back to the 9th or 10th century AD has been uncovered at the Diocesan Archive of Trapani, Sicily. This relic, initially serving as a Quranic page, was repurposed as the cover of a marriage registry book in Calatafimi in 1542. The discovery, a testament to the enduring connection between Sicily and Arab countries, was made during the archival reorganization in 2010 by Professor Stefania La Via, the Deputy Director of the Diocesan Archive.

Historical Context:
In 1542, recycling was a sustainable practice, even applied to Quranic pages. The newfound fragment's journey began as it became the cover of a church's marriage registry book in Calatafimi. Stored within the Diocesan Archive of Trapani, home to various ancient manuscripts, the Quranic fragment went unnoticed until Professor La Via's keen eye and professional curiosity brought it to light.

Rediscovery and Examination:
In 2021, Paolo Barresi from the University of Kore in Enna and Michele Giacalone, president of the Friends of the San Rocco Museum in Trapani, led a study group that reexamined the parchment. Experts from the University of Palermo had previously analyzed it without definitive results. In a pivotal moment, Professor Giuseppe Mandalà, a specialist in the History of Islamic Countries from the University of Milan, conducted a paleographic examination. His expertise confirmed that the enigmatic inscriptions were the rhythmic prose (saj') characteristic of the Quran, written on sheepskin, as determined by studies from the University of Cambridge.

Significance and Expert Confirmation:
Described as "the oldest Islamic manuscript evidence in Sicily" by Monsignor Liborio Palmeri, the director of the archive, this discovery underscores Sicily's historical ties with the Islamic world. The meticulous examination by experts, including Professor Mandalà, provides not only an insight into the deep-rooted history of Sicily but also into the practice of repurposing religious texts in medieval times.

Cultural and Historical Reverberations:
The fragment's significance extends beyond its academic value, resonating with Sicily's multicultural past. This Quranic relic, reused centuries ago, narrates a tale of interconnectedness and cultural exchange, emphasizing Sicily's role as a melting pot of diverse influences. The revelation of this ancient Quran fragment adds a new chapter to Sicily's rich historical narrative, connecting it to the broader tapestry of Islamic heritage.