Copy of Ancient Persian Quran Translation Displayed at Iran's National Library

A ceremony was held at the National Library and Archives of Iran to present a high-quality facsimile copy of the 'Zafaran Quran.' This manuscript is recognized by scholars as the oldest known complete and dated handwritten copy of the Holy Quran, accompanied by a translation into Persian.

Manuscript and Event Details

The event was jointly organized by the National Library and Archives of Iran and the Farhang-e Siadat Publications in Tehran. Prominent cultural and scientific figures attended, including Ali Ashraf Sadeghi, Seyed Mohammad Emadi Haeri, Ahmad Masjed-Jami, Mohamrez Amirhani, Head of the National Library, Mortaza Karimi, a manuscriptologist, along with other researchers and officials. A recorded presentation by the renowned scholar of Persian literature, Mohammad Jafar Yahaki, was given.

This manuscript, which was housed in the Reza Abbasi Museum in Tehran, was copied in 546 AH (1151–52 CE) by Abolfazl Zafaran in the city of Rey. Researchers consider it the earliest surviving complete and accurately dated Quran with a Persian translation, making it a vital source for studying both Quranic translation and the historical development of the Persian language.

Scholarly Significance and Preparation

Karimi detailed the years of effort required to prepare this publication. He noted that the creation process demanded exceptional care to recreate the distinctive colors and physical characteristics of the manuscript. The project took almost eight years and utilized advanced color calibration methods to produce a facsimile maximally consistent with the original.

Speakers at the ceremony emphasized the significance of the manuscript from linguistic, historical, and religious perspectives. Emadi Haeri discussed the origin of the Persian translation, describing it as an independent scholarly tradition rooted in early Iranian exegesis of the Quran. He also highlighted the role of early Islamic scholars in legitimizing the translation of the Quran into Persian, which represented an intellectual development that influenced the language's religious literature.

Linguistic and Cultural Value

Persian linguist Ali Ashraf Sadeghi focused on the manuscript's linguistic value, calling it important evidence of the evolution of classical Persian. He pointed out that the diversity of early Persian Quranic translations reflects the regional linguistic landscape of medieval Iran and demonstrates the significant role such works played in preserving and enriching the Persian language over centuries.

Sadeghi noted that achieving a perfect, one-hundred-percent translation between two languages is practically impossible, adding that a translator's skill is measured by their ability to convey the full meaning of the original text in the target language. He explained that there are many different Quranic translations because Arabic and Persian words rarely have a perfect one-to-one equivalent, and usually, a word covers only the main part of the concept.

He also stressed that it would be unfair to criticize ancient translators for their choice of specific words, as they selected the best available equivalents based on the language and time in which they lived.

Significance for Iranian Heritage

Masjed-Jami, former Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, characterized the 'Zafaran Quran' as one of the most valuable treasures of Iran's written heritage. He stated that the manuscript stands at the intersection of religious scholarship, the Persian language, and the country's long tradition of manuscripts. Masjed-Jami noted that publishing a high-quality facsimile provides scholars and the public with a rare opportunity to study one of the earliest surviving Persian translations of the Holy Quran without endangering the original.

He also insisted that such manuscripts should not be viewed merely as museum exhibits but rather as living witnesses to Iran's intellectual and cultural history. According to him, preserving, publishing, and presenting such works to new generations is vital for protecting the nation's cultural identity, as the 'Zafaran Quran' reflects centuries of scholarly effort and demonstrates the deep connection between the Persian language and Islamic sciences.

Additional Aspects of the Manuscript

In his recorded remarks, Yahaki placed the manuscript within the broader context of the history of Quranic translation in Iran, describing the sixth century AH as a golden age of Persian exegesis and Quranic translation. He emphasized that manuscripts like the 'Zafaran Quran' provide invaluable evidence of the close link between Islamic science and the growth of Persian literary culture.

Beyond its religious significance, researchers view the 'Zafaran Quran' as a rich source of early Persian vocabulary and expressions that preserve linguistic forms that have disappeared from modern use. Scholars also note that the manuscript offers valuable insight into medieval practices of translation, manuscript production, and the intellectual currents of the Seljuk period.

Another feature of the manuscript is its interlinear format, where the Persian translation is written in smaller script between the lines of the Arabic text. In the opinion of researchers, the translation is closely related to the commentary on the Quran by the 11th-century scholar Abu Bakr Atik Nishapuri (Surabadi), while the manuscript itself was copied by Zafaran, whose work became an important subject of manuscript study.

The recently published edition is expected to make one of Iran's most valuable Quranic manuscripts more accessible to specialists in Islamic studies, Persian literature, codicology, and manuscript conservation, while highlighting Iran's enduring contribution to the history of Quranic science and the Persian language.

olhardigital.com.brJuly 29, 23:35

The 6 best Spider-Man appearances in video games, covering different console generations

With the release of Spider-Man: A New Day, it is relevant to revisit the importance of this hero in video games. This list compiles the best appearances of the character, selecting a representative title for each console generation, highlighting why these games are essential for fans of the 'friendly neighborhood' hero.

The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin (1991)

The title The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin, originally released for the Mega Drive, introduced the character in an unprecedented way for its time. In this game, Spider-Man had the ability to walk on walls, swing through levels with webs, shoot webs at opponents, and use a web shield. A notable detail was the functionality to photograph enemies to accumulate funds intended for replenishing his web bar. The gameplay followed a semi-linear structure with sequential, yet extensive, phases that allowed for exploration in search of the boss.

The player had a limit of 12 hours (within the game's time) to defeat all bosses and collect the necessary keys to deactivate the bomb planted in the city by the Kingpin. Additionally, it was possible to take breaks at Peter Parker's apartment at any time to restore health and the web bar, although this consumed available time, while the supply of web cartridge refills was limited.

Spider-Man (2000)

Spider-Man marked the character's debut in 3D format, being released simultaneously for PlayStation and Nintendo 64, and later for PC and Dreamcast a year later. In all its versions, the player controlled Spider-Man through a series of expansive levels, allowing, for the first time, to observe the iconic web-swinging across urban skyscrapers in a video game. Its game mechanic was diverse, encompassing moments of combat, exploration, and pursuit, where the objective was to reach a specific location before the enemy. The game also included several fan-favorite elements, such as comics scattered throughout the environments, special appearances by Marvel universe figures like the Punisher, and narration by Stan Lee.

Spider-Man 2: The Movie (2004)

Based on the character's second movie, Spider-Man 2: The Movie constitutes the second Spider-Man game for the PlayStation 2 generation. In this iteration, web-swinging across the city became even more impressive, requiring proximity to buildings, as seen in the film, and offering numerous mysterious locations to explore throughout Manhattan. The city presented a vibrant atmosphere, filled with various types of crime and other emergencies to be resolved. Despite this vast addition of content, the main attraction lay in the character's abilities and how they integrated, giving players the feeling of experiencing the Spider-Man experience.

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (2010)

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is recognized as one of the most engaging Spider-Man titles, practically pioneering the exploration of the Marvel multiverse. The game presented various versions of the character, including Spider-Man Noir (who received a recent adaptation) and 2099. Each variation of Spider-Man has its own HUD and gameplay modifications. For example, Noir incorporates stealth elements, while his combat is significantly more tactical. Its narrative is captivating, placing it among the greatest highlights of the character's games, both in terms of quality and appeal. It is a straightforward game, focused on combat and full of personality, but remains fun and dynamic, offering four distinct worlds for the player to discover and explore.

Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018)

Initially released for the PlayStation 4, Marvel’s Spider-Man is considered by many enthusiasts to be the best title of the character. It offers a memorable experience in all its aspects, from agile and fluid combat to dynamic movement through the city's skyscrapers. The depicted New York is vast and visually spectacular, guaranteeing countless hours of gameplay for those aiming to complete 100% of the title. Another strong point lies in the large number of available suits, which unlock special abilities. A significant difference from previous games is the focus on the story. The dilemma between personal life and superhero life—a recurring theme in the character's narratives since its beginnings and one that redefined the comics—is well explored in this game. The complex decisions and their respective consequences, enhanced by the excellent voice acting, tell this story masterfully.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (2023)

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 represents the most recent Spider-Man game released to date and is also seen by many as one of the best titles of the current generation. In this game, all elements present in previous titles (including Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales) have been enhanced. The result is faster, smoother, and more dynamic gameplay, exploring the multiverse by presenting Peter Parker and Miles Morales side by side. The option to switch between the two Spider-Men maintains gameplay variety, while the inclusion of web wings offers an attractive alternative to traditional swinging. Furthermore, the hunt for Kraven and the presence of Venom inject great impact into the plot, resulting in an exciting and immersive narrative. This title establishes itself as the definitive experience for anyone who wishes to embody Spider-Man, making it indispensable for any fan of the hero.

iol.co.zaJuly 29, 23:21

Rare 1892 ZAR Proof Penny to be Offered at Bassani’s Auction House

An extremely rare 1892 ZAR Proof Penny, minted in only 25 pieces, will be the centerpiece of the Signature Auction 27, taking place at Bassani’s Auction House on Sunday, August 2. This coin marks an important moment for collectors of rare international currency.

Historical Significance of the Coin

The coin represents the beginning of official coin production for the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek under President Paul Kruger. According to the Hern catalog, its estimated value is R350,000, and it is considered a foundational artifact of South Africa's monetary identity.

Expert Commentary on Rarity

Landon Colske, Senior Numismatic Expert at Bassani’s Auction House, noted that 'the 1892 coin issue is one of South Africa's greatest numismatic rarities.' He added that while millions of pennies eventually circulated throughout South Africa, only 25 Proof 1892 specimens were produced for presentation and collection purposes, and after more than 130 years, they remain among the most hard-to-find South African coins.

Contemporary Achievements and Legacy

Auction house director Dillon Bassani emphasized that the sale covers both historical heritage and modern minting achievements. In addition to the 1892 penny, the event will feature one of the South African Mint's most ambitious contemporary works—a one-kilogram silver high-relief elephant from the African savanna.

The high-relief elephant coin, released in a limited edition of only 100 pieces, was created based on wild animal sculptures by world-renowned South African artist Dillon Lewis and transformed into a numismatic form after months of complex technical refinement to preserve all details.

History of the South African Gold Market

The auction will also showcase the growth of the South African gold market through rare early Proof Krugerrands from 1967, 1968, and 1969. Although the Krugerrand became globally known as the first modern circulating coin, these early proof issues were struck in small quantities and preserved by collectors, allowing them to be worth significantly more today than their spot gold value.

Collection Overview

Collectively, the featured lots tell the story of South African minting over more than a century—from republican origins in the 19th century to the global boom of the Krugerrand and modern high-relief works. Mr. Colske concluded that at one auction, collectors can trace the country's history from the first ZAR coins to modern masterpieces. Mr. Bassani added that this event provides collectors with rare opportunities to acquire items that are usually seen 'once in a generation.'

olhardigital.com.brJuly 29, 22:00

Selection of essential games for PS5: Wolverine, GTA VI, and Spider-Man 2

For PlayStation 5 game enthusiasts, a selection of three notable titles has been compiled, ranging from superhero adventures to one of the most anticipated releases of the current generation.

Marvel's Wolverine on PS5

The title Marvel's Wolverine, developed by Insomniac Games, offers players a vigorous action experience on the PS5, featuring the mutant known as Wolverine, one of the most resilient members of the X-Men. The package also includes a Titan Heroes collectible figure of Wolverine, making it appealing to both gamers and collectors.

GTA VI Details

GTA VI reached the PS5 as one of the most anticipated games in video game history. Rockstar Games provided an open world with a higher level of detail, presenting a new main character and a setting inspired by the state of Florida. This game is considered essential for the generation for those who appreciate rich narratives and total freedom of action in open worlds.

Spider-Man 2 and its features

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 places Peter Parker and Miles Morales on a shared journey through New York, facing the symbiote Venom as the main antagonist. The game intensely explored the capabilities of the PS5, standing out for its agile loading times, the haptic feedback of the DualSense controller, and high-quality graphics, being pointed out as one of the best console exclusives.

Game Availability

It is important to note that the stock of physical copies may show significant variations, and popular titles like these tend to sell out quickly. Therefore, if any of these games are on your wishlist, it is recommended to check availability immediately before sales conditions change.