It hosts a collection of at least 22 ancient mushafs (Quran manuscripts), including the oldest one in the Southeast Asian country.

North Sumatra Governor Edy Rahmayadi said the province kept many ancient Quranic mushafs, including in Barus district in Central Tapanuli regency, where Islam first entered North Sumatra, and in Simalungun regency.

"After exploring some regions in North Sumatra, we found several ancient Qurans that are more than 250 years old. All of them are now on display at the Quran History Museum," Edy said during the museum’s opening on Sunday, adding that he hoped the public could help preserve the mushafs and educate the younger generations.

Edy, in particular, expressed his appreciation toward historian Ichwan Azhari who discovered the mushafs and initiated the museum.

"There are still many mushafs available in North Sumatra; we have to look for them alongside the expert team. [The administration will] provide the budget; we must preserve the history and icon of our province," Edy said.

Ichwan said the oldest mushaf displayed at the museum was created in the year 1660.

"North Sumatra has [many] Quranic mushafs that serve as historical records of the development of Islam [in Indonesia]. Many of these mushafs haven't been found, so we will look for them," Ichwan said.

Source: The Jakarta Post