Handwritten Quran Preserves Islamic Heritage in Gunungkidul

RRI.CO.ID, Gunungkidul - A centuries-old handwritten Quran preserves a chapter of Islamic heritage in Ponjong, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. The historic manuscript is kept in Wonodoyo, Sumbergiri Village, and remains under the care of a local family.

The Quran contains around 600 handwritten pages with neat Arabic script. Its thick cover is reportedly made from animal hide, while an inscription on the opening page indicates that the manuscript dates back to the 1800s.

The manuscript is believed by the family to have been brought to Gunungkidul by Muhammad Ikhsan. He reportedly studied Islam outside Gunungkidul before returning to Ponjong with the handwritten Quran and a traditional walking stick.

According to family accounts, Muhammad Ikhsan used the Quran while spreading Islamic teachings in Ponjong and surrounding areas. He later established an Islamic boarding school and built Masjid Jami near his residence, attracting students from several regions.

The historic Quran was passed down through generations after Muhammad Ikhsan died. The family continues to preserve the manuscript, with Maryanto and other relatives currently responsible for safeguarding the cultural heritage.

The Quran was recognized as a cultural heritage by the Gunungkidul Regency Government in 2019. It was also entered in a cultural heritage competition in 2023, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

Gunungkidul reportedly has three handwritten Quran manuscripts that are more than 150 years old. Besides the manuscript in Wonodoyo, similar manuscripts are preserved in Susukan, Ponjong, and Branjang, Nglipar, although their conditions vary.

Visitors to Wonodoyo can also find other historical traces connected to the manuscript's story. A nearby Masjid Jami remains active as a place of worship, while an old traditional drum and family graves add to the site's historical atmosphere.

Surrounded by a quiet rural landscape, the heritage site offers a glimpse into the history of Islam in Gunungkidul. The preservation of the handwritten Quran highlights how religious manuscripts can become important records of local history and cultural heritage.