Archeaometric analysis and restoration of the Qur'an-i Karim parchment from the Library of the Directorate of Religious Affairs

Archaeometry, a rapidly evolving field in Türkiye, still lacks substantial support for conservation practices related to parchment, an important category of organic cultural heritage. Parchment-focused archaeometric studies within the Turkish academic context remain extremely rare. This thesis focuses on the analysis and preservation of a rare parchment Qur'an (Inv. No. 006331), housed in the archives of the Presidency of Religious Affairs Library. Treated as a valuable cultural asset with material and spiritual importance, the manuscript was studied to ensure its transmission to future generations. The initial stage involved identifying the structural features and current condition of the parchment. A literature review revealed a limited number of comparable domestic studies. Consequently, international examples of parchment conservation and analysis were consulted to shape a roadmap for the planned archaeometric investigations and subsequent conservation processes. The project employed multiple scientific techniques: pH measurements to assess acidification, optical microscopy and SEM for physical characterization, and XRF and Raman spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The pH tests revealed advanced acidification; SEM and microscopy confirmed ox skin as the material used in production. XRF analysis identified a range of materials - iron gall ink (black), vermilion (red), lapis lazuli (blue), copper-based pigments (green), and gold. Raman spectroscopy further validated and refined these results. The conservation phase included thorough documentation, pH stabilization, surface cleaning, and structural repairs using Japanese paper. The artifact was then placed in improved storage conditions for long-term preservation. This thesis contributes to the holistic integration of theory and practice in manuscript conservation and archaeometric analysis. By establishing a methodological precedent, it serves as a valuable reference for future studies of rare parchment artifacts in Türkiye and beyond.