The Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi

The History of The Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi
The Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi, which has been so far entitled,"The Sacred Library of Astan Moqaddasah","The Library of Mashhad-ar-Reza", "the Sacred Library of Rozeh Mardhiyah Razaviyyah," The Sacred Library of Razaviyyah" and "The Library of Astan Quds Razavi", is one of the most ancient and largest Islamic libraries, that has still remained firm as a precious and grand heritage passed on from the ancient centuries to the Muslim people of Iran.
And also there is an endowment deed end endorsed on one of the glorious Qurans preserved in the treasury of the library related to the year 421 A.H.exactly one thousand years ago.
This endowment deed recommends: This glorious Quran is dedicated, may this holy tradition remain eternal over the years and centuries. The writer of this endowment deed-Abul Barakat-devoted the mentioned holy Quran to Mashhad-e-Imam Abul Hasan Ali Ibn Musa-ar-Reza(A.S.) on the condition that authorities do not take it away from the hall of the Holy Zarih (burial chamber).
This glorious Quran was granted to Ali Ibn Husoolah, who was apparently the custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, in the original form on the holy month of Ramadhan in 421 A.H."
This manuscript of the glorious Quran is secured in the Library of Astan Quds Razavi under the No. 1501.
Owing to the lack of documents, it is impossible to clearly mention the history of the beginning and the establishment of the Library of Astan Quds Razavi. The history that has been briefly mentioned in this research, is in fact the record which has been confirmed by the previous researchers.
Some of the researchers believe that the history of establishing the Quran Khanah (Quran Room) and the Library of Astana is exactly the same date when the most ancient manuscript of the glorious Quran was dedicated to the Holy Shrine by "Abul Hasan Ali ibn Naser-ud-Dawlah Abul Hasan Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ibn Simjoor", in 363 A.H.
According to some researches, there have been obtained a few works related to the period of "Seljuk" dynasty in the library of Astan Quds in which the history of establishing the library has been stated to be the fifth century of Hijrah.From the essay entitled "The Part of Iranians in Establishing Islamic Libraries" - written by Dr Ismail Hakimi in the periodical of the "Seminar" entitled "Book and Librarianship", in 1402 A.H.
According to an endorsment of a copy, which dates back to the ninth century of Hijrah, and preserved in the library entitled "the Commentary of Shaykh Abul Futooh-e-Razi", It has been stated that the devotee has written and recommended in his endowment deed.":
((Owing to this reason that there were many copies of the glorious Quran in the Holy Shrine, and there was not an absolute commentary to be helpful to explain all of the Quranic meanings, so the mentioned devotee has endowed this copy of the commentary accompanied with other three ones, to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.) in 861 A.H.))"
It is deduced from the contents of the mentioned endowment deed that the library of Astane-ye-Moqaddase-ye-Razavi has been in running order, and being used by public since 841 A.H.
Furthermore, it enjoyed various kinds of the glorious copies of the Quran, commentaries, encyclopedias and the like.
In the latter years of the eighth century, and the beginning of the ninth century of Hijrah (in the reign of "Shahrokh,the Timurid monarch"), when the mosques, seminaries and religious assemblies were brisk, the library of Astanah has been of great importance.
The glorious copies of the Quran, and religious books including commentaries and prayer-books, and other scientific books of the library were increased in the course of time. Mashhad - as a large religious fortress - was gradually developed and expanded; consequently, the library of Astanah was taken into consideration even more than before. The title of "Khazanat-al-Ketab" (treasury of book) which has been recorded in the context of the endowment deed of a book entitiled"Ghayat-al-Wosool" compiled by "Jamal-ud-Din Hasan Ibn Motahhar-e-Helli (Allamah Helli)", is the main proof of the importance and elevation of the library. So, this proves that there has been an important library, adjacent to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.), at that time.
The attacks and invasions of the Uzbek to Khorasan which happened on the latter years of the tenth century, and the beginning of the eleventh century of Hijrah, are among the destructive events and damages caused to the library. The library of "Astanaye Moqaddasah" was encroached by "Abdul Moamen Khan-e- Uzbek".
According to a narrative from the history of "Alam Aara-e-Abbasi" during Safavid era, while explaining the events of 998 A.H., the historian narrates:"
((Among the glorious copies of the Quran, those manuscripts which have been ascribed to the holy hand writings of the Immaculate Imams (A.S.), and the distinguished professors in calligraphy including: "Yaqut-e-Motasami", and other competent figures of Persian and scientific books being innumerable, were looted and plundered by the Uzbeks. They bargained that precious and valuable pearl among each other as a worthless potsherd.))"
The compiler of the book entitled "Mashhad-e-Toos", writes in his research; "The library of Astan Quds, just like the endowed lands of Astanah, has been exposed to change quantitatively and qualitatively for the reason of unexpected calamities and ruinous invasion on the land of the Shining Sun"Khorasan".
And, owing to this reason that the manuscripts are among the movable properties, they were looted and plundered by the aggressors, even more thant the endowed lands. These movable properties were plundered for several times during the history by pillagers and looters. It means that at one time, the affairs of the library, its office and lists, being started from the "A" letter, and developed increasingly point again by an unexpected accident. and commenced once again from "A' letter. These swinging conditions have occurred to all of the organizations of Astanah, including the library, for several times in the course of time.
In short, the remainder of books, the copies of the glorious Quran and other books plundered by Uzbeks, were restored to the library of Astanah by Shah Abbas (monarch of Safavid dynasty) after repelling the invasion of the Uzbeks. In addition to these plundered books, other distinguished copies of the glorious Quran, and precious and uniqe books devoted to the Holy Zarih (burial chamber) by Shah Abbas (monarch of Safavid dynasty)and "Allamah Shaykh Bahauddin Ameli", were added to the list of the library's books. Furthermore, some of other books looted, and sold in India, were gathered and restored to the library of Astanah.
There is an explanation about this event in the book entitled "Shams-ush-Shumus" which states, (("Qadhi Noorullah Shushtari" himself has endorsed a book entitiled "Mokhtasar-ul-Bayan" preserved in the library of Astanah under the No. 198'. He has written: "Mashhad-e-Moqaddase Moallah" is one of the books of the library of His excellency Faydh Athar which was plundered by the Uzbeks tribe. This book was taken to India and sold to your humble servant- "Noor-ud-Din Sharif-ul-Husaini-al-Marashi-al-Shushtari" who needs the holy grains of dust of the foot steps of worshippers. And I have sent it, accompanied with other books which have been obtained through the endowment of the Holy Imam, to the holy city of Mashhad, with the view to win Allah's favours.

The Library During the Last Seventy years
The library of Astan Quds safeguarded its importance and credibility, and developed during this period. Even, from time to time, some of the deputies of the custodian like the late "Mohammad Wali Khan Asadi" who undertook and brought about basic reforms or the late "Sayyed Fakhrudin Shademan" and "Sayyed Jalaludin Tehrani" who had basic knowledge more than the others, and also some of the authorities of the library, all of them granted services to the library quantitatively and qualitatively, despite the conditions which ruled over during those periods.''
One of the affairs accomplished in these period, is in fact the process of printing and publishing the index of the library's books by the order of "Mohammad Wali Kahn Asadi" - the deputy of the then custodian.
Subsequently, the authorities of the library, continued printing and publishing the following copies of the mentioned index. Some of the steps taken by the library of Astan Quds Razavi in the field of publications, are as follows:
1. The foundation of the Quranic Encyclopedia through the efforts of the late "Dr Ahmad Ali Rajai'i Bukhara'i", during the recent years.
2. Printing and publishing of the Persian text related to the fourth century of Hijrah, entitled "The Introduction of the manuscript of the glorious Quran-Motarjam No.4".
3. A sample of the glorious Quran written in the form of Thulth script of the Iranian writing art-translated into the old Persian No.1
4. Printing and publishing the poetical work of "Hafez Shirazi", rectified by "Dr Sayyid Mohammad Reza Jalali Naini" and "Dr Nazir Ahmad." The original text has been written in 824 A.H., in other words, about 33 years after the death of Hafez (one of the most distinguished poets in the history of the Iranian Literature).
In order to become acquainted with the kind of affairs and activities and the organization of the library of Astan Quds Razavi run in the beginning of the 14th century of H.S(Solar Hijrah) (about 70 years ago), we have provided our reders with some samples of the statistics related to the organization of this library.
The statistics, and report of the affairs and activities accomplished in Astanah on 15th. Esfand. 1309 till the end of Bahman.1310 H.S:
1. Purchased Books:329 copies.
2. Presented Books (Gifts): 326 Copies.
3. Books written in the Library:1 copy
4. Books in trust: 662 copies
5. Documents, lease contracts and endowment deeds registered n the library:118 leaves
6. Inlaid book-rack granted to the library: 2 book-racks
During the years befor 1310 (H.S), the library of Astan Quds Razavi enjoyed a constitution. The original text is mentioned below as following:
Home Mashhad Astan Quds Razavi The Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi

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The Constitution Astan Quds Razavi Library
Article No. 1: The library of Astaneye Moqaddasah will be managed and supervised by the manager of the library, and sufficient numbers of librarians, secretaries and filers.
Article No.2: The members of the library are accountable before the manager of the library.
Article No.3: The manager of the library must clearly submit a complete report to the grand custodian once per three months about the affairs run in the library, as follows: Standing affairs of the library, reforms, purchasing necessary books, registering the books entered, and taken out of the library.
Article No.4: Paying a visit to the library is necessary at the end of the year.
Article No.5: The library must have the following books:1) Ledger of the glorious Quran 2) Ledger of books 3) Indicator 4) Register of receipts 5) Notebook.
Article No.6: The Ledger is a book in which all of the copies of the glorious Qurans, and books with mentioning their number, place, subject, name of devotee (date of endowment), name of compiler, and the year of writing the books must be registered.
Article No.7: Indicator is a book which enjoys number and name. All of the applicants, who want to take and borrow every kind of books must observe their book's characteristics in that indicator.
Article No.8: The register of receipts is a kind of ledger in which the personnel must register the receipt related to a printed book that is to be borrowed from the library.

Different Units And Departments of the Central Library And Center of Documentations of Astan Quds Razavi
The Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi is one of the precious treasuries of the recorded culture in Iran, and the world of Islam. The high knowledge, mysticism, art, faith, literature, love, wisdom and endeavours of thousands of the most virtuous and righteous people of Iran have been gathered in the course of successive centuries in this place of descending angels from the heaven.
Euch one of the distinguished specialities of this culturul complex has exactly played a role in the reputation of this center.
Some of these specialities are mentioned in the following items:
1: This complex belongs to the Astan Quds Razavi-Astan Quds Razavi, in fact belongs to Imam Reza(A.S.)-.
2: Many of the manuscripts, art works and museum pieces preserved in the library have a long history. Some of them have a life over one thousand years.
3: Numerous manuscripts of the glorious Quran, and other precious copies.
4: Various and wide collections of printed copies in different fields of the Islamic and Human sciences.
5: The glorious and magnificent building of the library which is one of the matchless Islamic architecture art works, still remaining firm, has been constructed during the glorious era of Imam Khomeini(R.A.) - the late founder of the Islamic Revoulution-.
6: Modern and advanced equipment, prepared to increase the quality and quantity of services rendered by the library, preserve and secure documents, manuscripts and precious objects kept in the library.
These specifications and many of the other attributes of the library including: variety of services, high capacity, lack of limitations and obstacles on the way of granting services, etc, have caused many of the scholars, students, students of Islamic learnings and other distinguished erudites and educated scientists of the Islamic society, to refer to this holy cultural center.
We are to acquaint you, the respected, briefly with this grand cultural center.
The history of this library has been unified with different historical ups and downs in Khorasan province, and the holy city of Mashhad.
The first steps for establishing this sacred manifestation have been taken by the benevolence, and true faith of the unknown sincere devotees and dedicators about six centuries ago. Then some other factors including: Paying attention to the religious learning's students residing in the holy city of Mashhad, the wise and far-sighted pilgrims and also the auspices of the servants and lovers of Holy Shrine of Imam Reza(A.S.), have caused the library to be flourished and expanded during these centuries.
Although the place of the library's building has been changed several times but it has always been situated in the adjacent to the Holy Shrine, and just inside the area of the sacred places of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza(A.S.).
A special place was allocated to the library since 1150 (A.H.) to the 14th century. But, the serious attention to the place and organization of the library, dates back to the beginning of the 14th century of Hijri Shamsi. This factor is actually the most important reason caused to expedite the development process of the library. Ever-increasing the numbers of scholars and book readers who paid attention to this center is another motive.
The first independent and grand building of the library was constructed in 1370 A.H, in the north east of Imam Khomeini courtyard (Museum courtyard).
The library was then transfered to a newer and broader building situated in the upstair of Museum of A.Q.R, placed in the east side of the previous courtyard. This library had been situated in this courtyard till 1415 A.H.
The project of constructing the present magnificent monument was commenced by the order of Ayatullah Wais Tabasi - the respected representative of Wali Faqih (Paramount leader)in Khorasan province, and the grand custodian of Astan Quds Razavi- in 1402 A.H, and ended in 1414 A.H. in an area of about 30000 square meters. This building came into use in the second half of 1415 A.H. Finally, the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi was inaugurated during a glorious ceremony attended by Hojjatul Islam Wal Moslemin Hashemi Rafsanjani - the then president of the Islamic Republic of Iran -, and a large number of the cultural persons, researchers and a few numbers of librarians on 22nd. Bahman Mah 1374 Hijri Shamsi, coinciding with the holy birthday of the Eighth Imam of Shi'ite Muslims (A.S.).

Public Relations Department
The Organization of the library contains a Public Relations Department - supervised directly by the director general - and seven offices, as follows:
1: Manuscripts Office
2: Deeds Office
3: Public Library Office
4: Affiliated Libraries Office
5: Librarian Services Office
6: Public Affairs Office
7: Museums Office
Manuscripts Office
When one enters the treasury of the manuscripts and previous objects of this library it seems as if he - she has stood in front of a mirror which reflects a clear picture of one thousand - years history of the mental efforts of patrons of art and science who have been living in this country.
Every copy of the glorious Quran and sample of precious objects in this complex is exactly indicative of the splendour of sacrifice and genuineness of artists and knowledge lovers who have devoted their life to granting services in the Holy domain of Islam and the Holy Quran, and have created wonderful works, and left them as a memorial.
Until 1399 A.H, the number of the manuscripts preserved in the library, were totally 12000 copies. But, at the present time, about 26400 copies of hand - written books, 2820 copies of the manuscripts of the glorious Quran, 1500 photo books, 443 copies of handwritten works, are preserved and secured in the treasury of the manuscripts.
Furthermore, about 2300 microfilms of the manuscripts have been provided in and out of the country, and added to the other precious resources.

Duties of the Manuscripts Office
This office, with the object of gathering, securing and preserving the manuscripts of the glorious Quran and other manuscripts, epistles, photo (picture) copies, and valuable handwritings, is a department responsible for granting services to the Iranian and non-Iranian researching society.
Sub-Departments of this office are as follows:

1: Manuscripts Department
This department has been organized to provide and record manuscripts, make ready, register indexes, make collections, expertly estimate the manuscripts, provide lists and grant services to the applicants and researchers.

2: Filmteck Department (Photo and Microfilm services):
This section endeavours in the fields of taking picture, providing microfilms from manuscripts and documents, preserving and securing photos and microfilms through modern scientific principles, copying the present microfilms, transmitting the pictures of the manuscripts to the computer and storing it, exchanging microfilm with other important libraries in Iran and abroad, and also granting services to the applicants and researchers.

3: Department of Preserving and Repairing Books and Documents:
The most important activities of this department are as follows:
Doing pesticide, repairing and binding the damaged, or exposed to damage books including valuable printed books or manuscripts and documents, by applying both traditional and modern methods.

4: Department of Book Decoration and Art Affairs:
The artists of the library are engaged in gilding books, doing calligraphy, painting, designing and restoring damaged oil covers in this section.

Public Relations Office
The resopnsiblities of the Public Relations of the Central Library of the Astan Quds Razavi, enjoy unique and particular specifications. Introducing this center to all of addressees throughout the country, and to the cultural centres of other countries, Islamic countries in particular, in order to expand the services granted by this large scientific and information - couveying institution, to the world is the main target of the Public Relations of the Central Library.
The most important activities run by the Public Relations Department are as follows:
1: Continuous supporting the communications of the organization of the libraries, with various cultural, and scientific centers in Iran including Khorasan province, Mashhad and other parts of the world.
2: Programming to strengthen friendly relations of the management of the library with the personnel, and the respected applicants, according to the newest scientific methods and innovations in this field.
3: Providing suitable catalogues, essays, periodicals, books, photos, albums, films, and CD, in order to introduce the library to different classes of society.
4: Continuous communication with mass media (newspapers, T.V, and Radio), in order to make the library known to the cultural society better than before, and also make use of the modern facilities and technologies including, Internet, etc., for obtaining the above-mentioned targets.
5: Holding different fairs to acquaint the applicants with the resources preserved in the treasuries of the library and museums of the A.Q.R.
6: Holding scientific meetings in the library to speak about different subjects including: Librarianship, bookreading, bibliology, criticizing book contents, research and information - conveying, by inviting the distinguished scientists, professors and researchers of the country.
7: Guiding Iranian, and non-Iranian visitors to the Library, and desirable reflection of these visits through media.
8: Providing the statistics of the activities accomplished in the library and also estimating public opinions in different seasons, and presenting the results to the management of the library.
Manuscripts Office has so far published 16 volumes of its detailed descriptive indexes of the present copies, regarding a praticular subject, to introuduce and grant information services.
Starting point of the publication affairs of the library dates back to 1344 A.H. About 13000 copies of different books have been introduced in these volumes. (("The Brief Alphabetical Index of the Manuscripts" is one ot the other works published by the library in which 15550 copies of the manuscripts have been introduced to researchers. Furthermore, some other indexes have been printed and published by this office as follows.
1: The Index of the Precious Copies of the Glorious Quran, which contains the introduction of 214 precious copies of the glorious Quran.
2: The Index of the Translated Copies of the Glorious Quran, which contains the introduction of 336 copoes of the glorious Quran translated into Persian language.
3: The Index of 1500 copies of Manuscripts granted by the Paramount Leader of the Islamic Revolution.
Five other volumes of the series of the detailed descriptive indexes in the fields of Fiqh (religious jurisprudence), Fiqh principles, Literature, Mathematics, and Chemistry will soon be printed and published by this office.
In addition to these works, some of the senior experts of librarianship and information unit in the Central Library, have compiled their M.A. theses about different specifications of the manuscript works secured in the Library of Astan Quds which are exactly remarkable works. Some of these works are as follows:
1: A Review of the Specifications of the Painted Stone Printed Books, preserved in the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi by: Sayyed Mohammad Reza Fadhel Hashemi.
2: A Review of the Specifications of Different Kinds of Manuscripts of the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi / by: Barat Ali Gholami Moqaddam.
3: A Review of the Calligraphy theses In Persian Language / by: Fadhlullah Fadhel Neishaboori.
4: Comparing the Applied Methods in the Famous Indexes of the Manuscripts of Iran, And Discovering Common Samples / By: Mohammad Wafadar Moradi.
5: Copy-writing, Translating, and Book-decorating in the Field of Roba (one/fourth) Rashidi / by Gohlam Reza Parandeh.
6: A Review of the Endorsements of the Manuscripts endowed to the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi by Women / by: Hamid Reza Abdullahi.
7: How to Recognize the Kind of paper Applied in the Manuscripts of the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi Through Laboratory, till the period of the Safavid dynasty / by: Ali Asghare Thabete Hejazi.
Some of the other activities accomplished by Manuscripts Office, are as follows:
_ Establishing the Precious Objects Council to recognize, evaluate, and introduce the precious collection of the library.
_ Computerizing all of the bibliology information of the present manuscripts.
_ Setting up constant fair of the copies of the glorious Quran, manuscripts, and selected precious objects.
_ Travelling of experts of the library abroad in order to visit the manuscripts, and precious objects of important and famous libraries, for exchanging microfilms, or provide manuscripts.

The Deeds and Documents Office
The Deeds and Documents Office of the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi commenced its activity in its present form in 1997. Some of the most important duties of this office are as follows:
Gathering, preserving, securing, classifying and publishing deeds and documents including: Pictures, printings and manuscripts deeds, cassettes, maps, cliches and seals etc, granting information services about these resources to the researchers, providing and accomplishing research plans regarding the deeds and documents secured in the treasuries, supplying, preserving, classifying and granting services related to the old and new newspapers, magazines and periodicals.

Departments of the Deeds Office
1) Dead Records Department:
Gathering documents from different centers of dead records of the Astan Quds Razavi's Institution, receiving granted or purchased deeds, evaluating, preserving and securing these deeds, providing detailed certification, registering and storing received information in the computer are among the important duties undertaken by this department.

2) Archives and Indexing Department of Deeds:
This department has the following units:
A: The Treasury of Deeds
B: Indexing documents and photos which accelerate the job of adjusting and classifying the certification of deeds and photos to access them fast and accurately.
C: The Archives of Oral History undertakes to gather, classify, preserve and secure audio-visual documents. The subject of these documents are almost about the review of the contemporary history of Iran.
D: The Archives of Seals and Signatures.
E: Information Bank of Newspapers and Deeds.
F: The Archives of Official Publications.

3) The Press Archives Department:
This department was independently established in 1980. At present it enjoys a treasury, two reading rooms, an administrative section, and a preparing section.
At the present time, more than 21000 series of bound newspapers and magazines including 4300 titles of old and new magazines in 18 current languages of the world in various subjects are preserved and secured in the treasury.
The number of current newspapers amount up to 1300 titles. The "Waqaye Ettefaqiyyeh" newspaper is the oldest one preserved in this section.
The first issue of this newspaper was published in 1267 A.H, entitled "the Akhbare Dar-ul-Khelafheye Tehran " (The News of Capital City of Tehran). The oldest magazine is an Arabic one entitled" the Al Moqtataf," published in 1293 A.H/ 1876 A.D.

4)Research Department
It carries out research based on the documents available in this section.

The Public Office of the Library
This office grants services to about 5000 visitors who come to this library everyday to aquire knowledge. It is the most important office in the grand complex of the Central Library and Center of Deeds and Documents of Astan Quds Razavi. The Public Office of the Library is an active member of the cultural society which supplies different and wide services 12 hours a day i.e, from 7.30 A.M, till 19.30 PM. This office grants its services to all classes of the society including: professors of university and of Islamic seminary, teachers, students of universities and Islamic seminaries, pre-university students (High-school's, Secondary School's, and Primary school's students)and researchers of knowledge.
The sources of granting services in this office are as follows:
Printing books, booklets, non-printing materials including; Audio and video cassettes, slides, and MP3 discs etc.,
Information affair is accomplished in all sections through computer by experienced and skilled experts of the library.
The units of this office are as follows:

1: The Section of Printing Books Treasury:
It is actually a treasury with an area of about 2000 square meters and a capacity of 700000 books. At present, about 300000 printed books - old and new ones -in different languages - Persian, Arabic, and English in particular - are preserved in this treasury. The section of treasury undertakes to preserve and secure printed books, and grant sevices to the applicants through men's and women's closed bookcase auditoria, and researchers auditoria and source auditoria by the mechanized and advanced system of book transmission.

2: Section of Book Circulation-Men &Women-.
All members who have membership cards of the library, can borrow their needed books according to particular regulations for a determined time. The number of members of this section till the beginning of 1999 was totally 30000 people.
About 70000 printed books are preserved in the men's treasury of this section. Women can borrow thier needed books through the related open treasury.

3: The Auditoria of Open Treasuries (Men-Women):
The applicants can directly take their optional books from the shelves in the open treasury system. In this method, the role of librarians or book holders is in fact to guide them and grant information. Because, it has been proved by experience that the method of open treasury is the best method of expanding and flourishing the book-reading behaviour and culture, the library of Astan Quds Razavi has paid attention to developing and expanding this method after the victory of the Islamic Revolution in the new building and organization of the library in particular. At the present condition, six grand auditoria of the library are being exploited in the form of open treasury as follows: Two auditoria alloted to men, two auditoria alloted to women, and two auditoria for teenagers (girls and boys separately).

4: Teenager's Auditioria (men & women):
Teenaged applicants who study in high school, and secondary school, are among applicants of this section. In addition to granting sevices in the form of open treasury, those members who have membership cards and select and borrow their requested books according to regulations.
Different and various lateral teaching programmes are held in these auditoria, about the importance of books, library, book-reading, and propagating the spirit of thinking, researching, and increasing the interest of teenagers in reading and researching.

5: The Reading Auditoria of the Closed Treasury (men &women):
In the system of closed treasury, applicants guiding by leaf-boxes, computer of librarians, write firstly complete specifications of their requested books on special forms, and give them to the book-holders who access to the printed books treasury. Then they are delivered their books on the condition of rendering their membership cards, or a creditable certificate.
After reading the books, they will deliver them to the authorities. Owing to the extraordinary width of the Printed Books Treasury, the Central Library applies Tele-lift system to accelerate its book-rendering duty. So the stations of rendering book placed insided this large treasury undertakes to render books to the applicants. The terminal of rails of this electric transmitted leads to two auditoria (the closed treasury auditorium of men and woman).

6: Source Auditorium:
This unit has been established for researchers to access to the basic sources including encyclopedias, bibliologies, dictionaries, lexicons, guide-books and dictionaries of different sciences, and other main research sources.
The method of rendering sources in this unit, is a combination of the closed and open methods. It means that in case of lack of a book in the shelves of the auditorium, applicants can request their book from the treasury, and borrow it.

7: Reseachers Auditorium (men & Women):
There are two auditoria for researchers and writers, adjacent to the Printed Books Treasury, to request their needed sources from the Book-holders of the Printed Book Tresury. These researchers, applying desirable facilities and space, and accessing to the sources of this unit, can research, and compile their books.

8: Audio-visual Auditorium (men & women):
Nowadays propagating knowledge and publishing information is no more accoplished through books or other written sources. On the contrary, some of non-printing tools, audio-visual tools in particular, including films, cassettes, slides, and electronic pages, records, store and publish information and knowledge similar to book and other publications. Therefore, owing to the ever increasing of the applicants who use these tools, two auditoria have been allocated to men and women., who enjoy 55 T.V sets, 55 video sets and lateral facilities to render audio-visual sevices. The applicants, and fixed members can easily make use of the classified films and cassettes, in a desirable space predicted in the men's audio-visual auditorium, which enjoy advanced facilities, under the supervision of experts of this section. At present, audio-visual auditoria are daily granting services to 300 applicants (men & women).

Affiliated Libraries Office
Astan Quds Razavi has endeavoured in the way of developing and expanding its cultural activities.
Therefore, Astan Quds Razavi by establishing one of the most glorious and magnificant libraries of the world of Islam, adjacent to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza(A.S.), has taken important steps to develop and expand the branches of this sacred tree throughout the holy city of Mashhad, and the farthermost parts of the Islamic country of Iran. Paying special attention to the large cultural mission, and also firm faith of the servants of the Astan Quds Razavi regarding the importance and greatness of this divine duty, has encouraged its managers to resolve on obtaining and attaining higher objects.
Nowadays, in the course of two decades of the Islamic Revolution, constructing 32 libraries in Mashhad, 4 affiliated libraries in several cities of Khorasan province, 9 other affiliated libraries in other parts of our country-Iran-, and a library in Lucknow, India, are exactly considered clear evidences for the favorable auspices of the reverend custodianship of Astan Quds Razavi to the constructive and development role of book and library among the youth and researchers class of the Islamic society.
Affiliated Libraries Office enjoying the whole facilities of the Central Library, was established at the outset to accelerate and simplify grant services to applicants, save on their time, develop research and studying spaces, and expand activites of the centre to different regions of the holy city of Mashhad. The management center of this library has been placed in the Central Library.
Each library has an independent management system which accomplishes its duties according to the policies and programmes of the Central Library.
The services rendered by this office, are not limited to this extent. In 1998, owing to the ever increasing needs of the society in the deprived regions in particular Mobile Library Project was implemented. This last unit renders its services through four methods to differnt classes of the society which can not dierctly access to the services of the libraries of Astan Quds Razavi. The units related to this office, are as follows:

1: The Unit of Urban Services:
This unit supports and encourages the libraries of important educational centres in the city of Mashhad.

2: The unit of Non-Urban Services:
This unit renders services to the villages around the city of Mashhad.

3: The Unit of Book-Rendering by Telephone:
The respected families of Martyrs, invalids, professors of universities and Islamic seminaries, and distinguished persons who cannot directly refer to the library, can use the facilities of this unit by obtaining the membership cards in this unit. Then, announcing their request by phone, they can receive their needed book at their house door, or in the place of their job.

4: The Unit of Granting Book:
A part of the books preserved in the library of Astan Quds Razavi which can be exploited in other far and near regions related to Astan Quds Razavi, are exposed to the people to use them by borrowing. Or even in some cases, after reseaching or reveiwing the applications by the related experts, these books will be granted to the applicants by obtaining the permission of the director general of the library.
This job causes to increase better exploitation from the complex of books preserved in the libraries of Astan Quds Razavi. Of course, the Unit of Granting Books, enjoys an independant budget, which is spent for purchasing books and granting them to the determined centers.

Librarian Services Office
This office, enjoys experienced and specialized staff, undertakes to order, provide, organize, and render information of the complex of the Central Library and its affiliated libraries. At present, this unit has been formed of three sections:

1) The Section of Ordering, Providing and Making Ready Book (Materials):
The differnt processes of ordering, providing and making ready the articles of the Central Library, and affiliated libraries of the Astan Quds Razavi are accomplished and centered in this section. Providing articles is accomplished through three ways:
Purchasing, dedicating and granting.

A: Purchasing:
Before ordering and purchasing the sources, samples of the newly-published titles, despatched to this section by agents, are delivered to the members of the selection committe consisting of the representatives of interior departments of the Central Library and affiliated libraries to determine their requirements.
Then, this section will purchase books according to the requirements of this committe.

B: Granting:
Many of the books preserved in the Central Library, have been granted by the compilers, generous people (different classes of society), the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, and other governmental, and non-governmental organizations.
After comparing this kind of books with the index of the present collection, it is decided to allocate them to the libraries or to other departments which need books.
If the granted books are repetitive ones, and the Central Library and related centers do not need them, they would be granted to the cultural institutions which need books.

C: Dedicating
In the case of endowed books, basis for action depends on the recommendation of devotees. Therefore, considering the endowment deeds related to these books, the Organization of the Library of Astan Quds Razavi exploits from these books in the best way according to its regulations. All the books received are despatched to the index section after being registered.

2) Index Section:
This section, enjoying specialized experts in the fields of Persian, Arabic, English, and other current languages of the world, undertakes to organize and classify books according to the system of D.U.E decimal classification, in order to accede the applicants easily and rapidly to the requested sources. Because of the computer facilities, traditional method of indexing has been abandoned and substituted by the advanced automatic system. This substitution has accelerated accomplishing the affairs, and has increased the amount of carefulness.

3) Mechanical Services Section:
The main activities of this section, are accomplished through two units, as follows:
A) The Unit of Supporting the Library Net
B) Information Unit:
Granting information services to the applicants (including the information of the library complex), and also through CDs is the main duty of this unit. At present the system of the library under the Novell Net, is active through its 137 stations, and almost covers all other sections of the library.
Information Unit of the Library, provides and gathers various CDs in the fields of Islamic learnings and sciences, reference books including various dictionaries and encyclopedias, and Iranology sources, is granting services to the researchers and students of universities.

Public Affairs Office
The most important duties of this office are as follows:
Looking after and investigating financial matters, staff (personnel) and equipment affairs of the offices supervised by the general office, and physical guarding the large complex of the library.
Office of Public Affairs enjoys 5 sections:
1) Secretariat Section
2) Personnel Account and Supply Section
3) Services, Immunity and Safe-guarding Section
4) The Section of Installations, and Preserving The Building
5) Auditorium Section The above-mentioned auditorium is one of the mose glorious Islamic art-works, constructed after the victory of the Islamic Revolution. Providing and making ready a suitable space for holding national and international congregations, seminars and meetings according to the international principles and standards, has been the main reason to construct such a kind of glorious monument, This auditorium has been constructed in an area of about 600 square meters.
This auditorum, equipped with audio-visual systems and some other apparatus for simultaneous translation, enjoys 767 comfortable chairs. The walls of the mentioned auditorium has been decorated with holy verses of the Glorious Qur'an, Holy Prophet of Islam's traditions, and those ascribed to the Immaculate Shi'ite Imams(A.S). All these have been plastered and illuminated skillfully by the distinguished artists of the Astan Quds Razavi. These art-works have actually bestowed particular attractions, spirituality and splendour to the space of the auditorium.

The Most Ancient Magazines Preserved In The Library
1- Almoqtataf, printed in Cairo, in 1876.
2- Habl Ul Matin, printed in Cairo
3- Almena, printed in Cairo, in 1315 A.H.
4- Moaref, printed in Tehran, in 1316 A.H.
5- Almoqtabas, printed in Cairo, in 1324 A.H.
6- Kaweh, printed in Berlin, in 1334 A.H.
7- Falahat Wa Tejarat, (Agriculture and Business), printed in Tehran, in 1339 A.H.
8- Qoshoon, printed in Tehran, in 1342 A.H.

The Most Ancient Newspapers Preserved In The Library
The first newspaper printed and published in Iran, was Waqaye Ettefaqiyyeh. A copy of this newspaper is preserved in the Library of Astan Quds Razavi.
1: The first number of Waqaye Ettefaqiyyeh, newspaper has been published, on fifth Rabi-Uth-Thani. 1267 A.H. in Tehran, The last number of this newspaper dates back to Jamadi-Uth-Thani month in 1269 A.H. This newspatper, then changed into the title of "Iran Newspaper".
2: Iran News, printed in Tehran, in 1278 A.H.
3: Farhang, (Culture) News. printed in Esfahan, in 1297-98 A.H.
4: Falahat News, printed in Tehran, in 1298-99 A.H.
5: Marat Us Satar Wa Meshkat Ul Hazar News, printed in Tehran, in 1288 A.H.

Historical Documents
Thousands of hand-written documents related to the orders, scrolls, and handwriting ascribed to the scientists, and religious clergy (Ulema), and letters of rulers and politicians, and also thousand restored documents of Astan Quds, collections, albums and historical deeds endowed by devotees, are preserved and secured in the Section of Deeds. This section has commenced to review, classify and index the documents. This section, gathering the collections of documents, statistics, maps, handwritten papers, and historical photos of the cities of Khorasan province has taken preliminary steps to form the archive of the history of Khorasan.

The New Building of the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi
The glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and, developing and propagating the research culture in the Islamic society, necessitated developing and expanding the Central Library of the Astan Quds Razavi. Owing to this reason, the new building of the Central Library has been constructed under the wise guidance and auspices of the Paramount Leader of the Islamic Revolution, and special management and supervision of the reverend representative of Wali Faqih (Paramount Leader) in Khorasan province, who is also the grand reverend custodian of Astan Quds Razavi. This monument, constructed by efforts of the skilled engineers, architects, artists and workers, has been situated between the sanctuaries of Shaykh Toosi, and Shaykh Tabarsi, adjacent to the sacred buildings of the Holy Shrine. It is a three storeyed building, constructed in an area of about 11000 square meters, and covered infrastructure of 28000 square meters.
A complete combination of the traditional Iranian-Islamic architecture applied in the construction of the sacred buildings of Astan Quds Razavi, together with the changes arising from the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this field, and also exerting the latest modern international standards pertaining to the librarianship have created a glorious complex which is exactly unique in the world.
In this complex, the spaces, inspired by the Islamic architecture art and its physical connections, have provided and created a new revolution and innovation in the architecture art suitable for the library buildings. It is actually perfect. For this reason, each storey of this building has been separated for special practical applications, to be used by many applicants.
Owing to the environment conditions of Mashhad, the least necessity of the public to access, the first floor has been alloted to the stores and treasuries of manuscripts and printed books.
Separate reading-rooms for men and woman have been placed in the ground floor. Owing to the adjacency of these reading-rooms to the treasuries of the first floor, there are provided maximum facilities in this floor to render services. The book circulation hall (book-deposit), administrative department of the library, assembly hall, the worship room, and the other lateral spaces, and necessary services have been predicted in the ground floor. Each of these places has been explained as the following.
The assembly hall of the library contains two sections including a waiting room, and a main hall.
The waiting room (hall) covers an area of about 330 square meters, and has a capacity of about 600 people in a standing posture. The ceiling of this hall has been divided into eight parts, of which four have been decorated with coloured plaster work, in the corners.
The Blessed Tradition of Holy Prophet of Islam (S.A.W.) about Imam Ali (A.S.) has been decorated with plaster works, on their margins. (("Those whose master I am, Ali(A.S.) will be their master too")).
A design of an arched building decorated with paintings and gold-coated plasters can be observed on the other four corners. The most glorious and magnificant plaster art-works, full of sinuous designs (having many curves and twists), have been applied in this bulding, in the traditional form. The arabesque designs have gloriously been accomplished on the four corners of the ceiling.
Owing to applying coloured plasters in a depth of 10 m.m, no change will be appeared in the plaster works of this hall in the course of time. This style of plaster work applied in the traditional monuments of Iran, is a new style with no past records. There are several show-cases in the walls of this hall that can be used as an exhibition.
The main hall (Amphitheatre), furnished with 761 chairs, covers an infrastructure of about 1100 square meters. This hall contains an auditorium, a stage and a monitor room.
Subsequent to the main cover, the ceiling of the assembly hall (amphitheatre) has been decorated with the arabesque designs in the traditional style. 777 decorated orifices, in which a design of plaster art work has been applied, have been constructed on the ceiling which is exactly a kind of suspended one. The lateral walls, as high as 110 cm have been decorated with a design of glazed tiles and stone, The revetment are riprapped to prevent any echo produced in the assembpy hall, according to the measurement of the voice rebound. Above these decorative gazed-tiles and stone, 22 spires have been constructed between the pillars, in the lateral walls. The surface around these spires, have been decorated with gold-coated plaster works. Some Holy Verses of the glorious Quran, and blessed traditions of the Immaculate Imams can be observed on the decorative plaster mouldings of the walls. The famous holy tradition of Silsilatol Zahab has been gloriously imprinted on the stage of the assembly hall. 761 chairs fixed in this hall, have been equipped with the system of simultaneous translation in three foreign languages. Two rows of chairs enjoy microphones.
The mentioned hall has also been equipped with the system of video projection, and facilities of showing film (36 m.m film) controlled by Monitoring Room.
The Worship Room
The Worship Room covers an area of about 120 square meters.
The lattice ceiling and structure of this room have been made of wood. Its wooden networks have been constructed similar to the lattice designs applied on the sacred tombs. There is a date-palm model made of wood, in the center of the Worship Room, reminding the pillars of the first mosque of Islam constructed by the Holy Prophet of Islam (S.A.W) in Qoba near the holy city of Madinah. This palm-like tree has been fixed in the hall as a pillar.
Wooden pieces, in the form of small and big leaves, have been arranged in a particular order on the ceiling. The Holy Names of the Immaculate Shi'ite Imams (A.S.), and the Holy Names of Allah-the Exalted - have been engraved on the surface of the wooden leaves proportionally. The famous tradition of the Holy Prophet of Islam(S.A.W.) "Those whose master I am, Ali(A.S.) will be their master too" has been inlaid repetitively with wood around the mentioned ceiling. The lights of the ceiling are handmade which have been done in the form of a circle design, on which the holy word of "Ya Khaleqe Noor" (O the Creator of Light) has been engraved. The holy verse of the Glorious Quran
i-e"Allah, the Exalted, is the Light of the Universe " has been engraved on the glassed suface of the lamps placed on the corners of the ceiling. The structure of the worship room has been totally made of wooden frames. The arabesque designs inlaid with wood have been fixed in these frames.
Among these frames, two frames 2 m by 2 m have been constructed in the form of a 32 sided frame with particular designs. The holy name of Imam Ali(A.S.) has been written in the center of one of these two frames. 32 traditions from the Holy Prophet of Islam(S.A.W.) selected from the Sunnah sources have been engraved around the mentioned frame. The designs have been arranged in such a way that the holy name of Ali(A.S.), and the holy traditions written on the left side, begins with the holy name of Imam Ali(A.S.). The holy name of Hadrat Fatemah(A.S.) - the holy daughter of the Holy Prophet of Islam (S.A.W.)- , has been written in the centre of the second frame. This one has been also decorated in a similar way to the first one. 32 traditions from the Holy Prophet of Islam(S.A.W.) related to the high rank and dignity of Hazrat Fatemah (A.S.), selected from the sunnah sources, have been written on the upper part of the frame, just around the mentioned holy name.
The Entrance of the Library
Two stone frames have been constructed in the ground floor, and installed on the walls of this entrance placed at the sanctury of Shaykh Toosi.
The stone inscriptions installed on the mentioned stone frames illustrate the history of the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi, and about the new building (date of inauguration and working). These inscriptions have been sculptured in stone, and gilded by the artists of Astan Quds Razavi. One of these inscriptions is in Persian language with Nastaliq script (A style of the Persian calligraphy). And the other one is in Arabic language with Riqa script (a style of Arabic calligraphy).
There are four stone inscriptions inlaid and sculptured in a new and unique style, beside the stairs. Four texts ascribed to the speeches of the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Paramount Leader have been written and gilded in Persian language with Nastaliq script (a Persian style in writing).
The Deposit Rooms of the applicants have been situated in the front part of the stairs. The ceiling of these rooms have been decorated with coloured plaster mouldings. A golden stripe on the margins can be observed on the ceiling. The walls of this part have been coated with white stone and ultra-marine glazed tiles joints. The visitors can clearly read the divine phrase of "There is no God bu Allah - the Exalted" - from the joined seams of the ultra-marine glazed- tiles. The main public stairs of the floors have been situated in the entrance hall, adjacent to the mentioned space. The final ceiling has been also decorated with various coloured plaster mouldings, have been constructed in the form of a pendant. These plaster chandliers together with the beautiful and artistic laticed plaster work applied around it, have been constructed to provide the natural light of the hall.
The portrait of the Late Founder of the Islamic Revolution, and that of the Paramount Leader have been gilded and decorated with plaster mouldings, in another part of the mentioned entrance. The margins of this portrait have been beautifully painted.
The Holy Verse of "Obey Allah - the Exalted - the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), and the Immaculate Imams (A.S.)." been has been imprinted on the other part of this portrait. The Deposit Book Section has been situated in the right side of this entrance, to render services to the applicants, without referring to the other parts of the library. The applicants can also borrow or give back borrowed books in this entrance, and leave the library.
The left side wall of this entrance has been decorated with plaster frames in three sections. Some holy verses of the Glorious Quran have been imprinted on the tableaux 2m by 5m installed on each section. There are two yards 20m by 33 m at the middle of the building in the ground floor. These yards have been constructed and decorated according to the traditional architectural style.
Several porches, constructed around the yard, provide natural light for the halls. These porches can be used in the floors through the halls. The facade of these yards is in fact a combination of tiles and bricks, decorated with Chinese brick layer works. The ceiling of these yards have been decorated with plaster mouldings. The corners of these eight porches have been connected together-two by two - and decorated with plaster works. 50 sentences related to Khorasan have been handwritten, and inlaid on the wooden door of these yards.
The chapter from the Holy Qur'an "Noon Wal Qalam" has been written on the four portals. There is stony fountain at the middle of one of these yards, under which an emergency water reservoir has been constructed for extinguishing fire. There are four little gardens in the four corners. Stone bases. together with coach like lanterns have been installed in the middle of each of these little gardens.
There is a stone skylight in the middle of the other yards which diffuses light in the basement. A model of the Glorious Qur'an has been installed above the mentioned stone skylight, around which some stony books can be observed. Various holy names from the Glorious Quran, and Islamic books have been carved on these stony books.
There is a large hall in the basement, in the lower part of the library.This hall, equipped with sufficient equipments renders services in the form of self-service. Open book-shelf auditoria for men, women and children, audio-visual auditoria, the archive of Khorasan and Toos, archives of the press and documents, the center of computer, and archives department have been situated in this basement. There is also a book castle in the basement equipped with technical and administrative facilities, and an engine room. The capacity of this castle is 120 cubic meters.
The heating installation system is totally an air-conditioning system, together with air-handling units. Two separated air-handing units have been installed in the library to keep immunity and environmental principles. These units, using the central heating system separated from the air blown in the public space of the library, have been installed for the treasuries placed in the first floor.
The fire-alarm system, controlled by central room placed in the monitoring section, have been equipped with different boards, proportionate to the practical usages, in each of the spaces of the library. This system has been applied in three different methods. The Halon 1301 is used in the archives, and book treasuries to put out fire.
A Water system, to extinguish fire, has been applied in the corridors, amphitheatre, and main sections. And fire-extinguisher is used in the engine-room, air-handling units, kitchen and self-service hall.
A completely modern system of telelift has been applied in the library to transser books from the treasuries to the determined places to prevent wasting time. Furthermore, two eight-passenger elevators have been installed here to transfer people. Two other modern systems, applied in the library, are the audio system of pitching and the computer system to render information related to more than one million copies of books preserved in the treasuries.

Rarities And Marvels of The Library
1: A rice grain engraved with the Holy Verse of "Ayatul Korsi" by "Zaker Hossein Dehlawi", and written by "Raqam Fadhlur Rahman Dehlawi". This precious piece has been granted by Dr Khajeh Piri based in New Delhi,India.
2: A rice grain engraved with the "Holy Chapter of Tawhid".
3: A page from "Qotai, and Nakhoni scripts.
4: 40 papers of the Glorious Quran 177cm by 101 cm, handwritten by "Baysonqor Ibn Shahorkh Gorkani" on "Khanbalgh" paper. This kind of calligraphy is among the rarites of calligraphy in the world.
5: The Glorious Quran No. 50 with "Baburi" script, ascribed to "Zahiruddin Mohammad Baber" who was the founder of Timurid dynasty in India.
6: The Glorious Quran No.134. Its pages are made of wood, and its margin is paper (ie its wood has been so carved that it seems to be paper). This Glorious Quran, handwritten by "Yaqut Mostasami", and granted to the library by "Maqsud Beg"
.
7: The Glorious Quran No.1525 imprinted on cotton.
8: Copies of the Glorious Quran No.1582, and 1541 of very small size, written with the hair of horse tail.
8: A leaf from the Glorious Quran in the form of a crossword text book. A component of the Glorious Quran has been imprinted on each of the squres of the mentioned crossword. It is said that it has been imprinted during the Safavid dynasty.
10: A dotless commentary entitled "Sawateol Alham" compiled by "Shaykh Abul Faydh Hindi (Dakhani)". This is a complete commentary of the Glorious Quran. The compilation of this commentary dates back to 1002 A.H.
11: A portrait of Imam Khomeini(R.A.) - the Late Leader of the Islamic Revolution and, the Great Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran - painted in India. The original photo decorated with wooden pieces.
12: A book in Latin, which is apparently a commentary on one of the Gospels.This book has been printed and published at the time of Gutenberg - the inventor of printing machine.
13: The manuscript of the Glorious Quran No.1529, known as 11- line Glorious Quran: The scribe has written the holy pages of this Glorious Quran, in such a way that first letter of the first line conforms with the first letter of the last line in all pages. And so, the first letters of the line second to the line fifth conform with the first letters of the line seventh to the line tenth. The sixth line in all pages is single.
Some handwriting-ascribed to the Immaculate Shi'ite Imams (A.S.), and to some distinguished Islamic Ulema, and religious authorities, are preserved in the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi. These handwritings are as follows:
1: The holy handwriting ascribed to "Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Taleb (A.S.), "entitled" Katabahoo Ali Ibn Abi Taleb" which dates to the first century of Hijrah.
2: The handwriting, ascribed to "Imam Hasan Ibn Ali (A.S.) "entitled" Katabahoo Hasan Ibn Abi Taleb", which dates back to the first century of Hijrah.
3: The handwriting, ascribed to "Imam Ali Ibn Al Husain(A.S.) "entiteld" Katabahoo Husain Ibn Abi Taleb", which dates back to the first century of Hijrah.
The Glorious Quran No.17 in Kufic script. An hexagonal citron cobult-blue sheet on which the following sentence has been imprinted with white lead in Thulth script, can be observed in the second sheet of this manuscript.
(The hand writing of the Glorious Quran is ascribed to "Imam Jafar Ibn Mohammad Al-Sadeq)"
4: The handwriting, ascribed to "Imam Musa Ibn Jafar"(A.S.), which dates back to the second century of Hijrah.
5: The handwriting, ascribed to "Imam Ali Ibn Musa Ar Reza(A.S.)", entitled "((Katabahoo Ali Ibn Musa")) which dates back to the second century of Hijrah.
6: The handwriting, ascribed to "Mansoor Ibn Mohammad Ibn Kathir" - the historian in 393 A.H - , which dates back to the fourth century of Hijrah.
7: The handwriting, ascribed to "Abul Barakat Razi" - the historian in 420 A.H-, which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah.
8: The handwriting, ascribed to "Mohammad Ibn Ali Ibn Hosoolah" - the hisrorian in 421 A.H-, which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah.
9: The handwriting, ascribed to "Hassan Ibn Yusof Ibn Al Motahhar Al Helli, known as" Allamah Helli (726 A.H)", which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah.
10: The handwriting, ascribed to "((Fakhrul Mohaqqeqin Mohammad Ibn Al Motahhar Al Heli")) - son of Allamah Helli-, which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah.
11: The handwriting, ascribed to "Ghiyathuddin Jamshid Kashani" the historian in 868 A.H-, which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah.
12: The handwriting, ascribed to "Mulla Ali Qushchi Alem Riyadhi"The historian in 868 A.H-, which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah.
13: The handwriting, ascribed to "Sayyed Ahmad Ibn Zainulabedin Amoli" - the compiler of "Kashful Haqayeq' "(discovering facts)", which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah.
14: The handwriting, ascribed to "Mohammad Ibn Moadhen Amoli" which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah.
15: The handwriting, ascribed to "Ibn Abi Jomhoor - Mohammad Ibn Ali Ibn Ebrahim Al Ahsaii" - The historian in 895 A.H. - which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah.
16: The handwriting, ascribed to "Taqiuddin Ebrahim Ibn Ali" - known as "Shaykh Kafami", the historian in 895 A.H,- which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah.
17: The handwriting, ascribed to "Molla Fathullah Kashani", - The compiler of the commentary of "Minhaj Ul Sadeqin"- which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah. He was a famous historian in 988 A.H.
18: The handwriting, ascribed to "Qazi Noorullah Shushtari" - the hisrotian in 956 A.H-, which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah.
19: The handwriting, ascribed to "Sayyed Hashem Bahrani" -, which dates back back to the fourth century of Hijrah.

Some of The Oldest Manuscripts in The Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi
1: A commentary of the poetical work of "Tamim Ibn Moqbel", one of the poets of "Makhtharm" (died in 37 A.H)-, which dates back to the month of Safar in 380 A.H. This book has been written by "Ali Ibn Abi Talib Al Abbas Ibn Mohammad Ibn Ahmad Ibn Jaafar Ibn Mohammad Ibn Al Imam Zaid Ibn Ali Ibn Al Hossain Ibn Ali Ibn Abi Talib."
2: The precis of "Kitab Al Ain", compiled by "Abul Abbas Mohammad Ibn Al Husain Ibn Ahmad Ibn Mohammad Ibn Farrash" about etymology. The mentioned precis has been driven and summarized by "Abu Abdullah Mohammad Ibn Abdullah Al Khatib" with the old "Naskh" script, imprinted in the month of "Rabia al-Thani" in 383 A.H.
3: "Sahifah Sajjadiyah", a prayer book related to the prayers of Imam Sajjad (A.S.), enclosed with the book collection of "Fi Qawarea Ul Qur'an", compiled by "Imam Ali Ibn Al Husain (A.S.)", and written by "Hasan Ibn Ibrahim Ibn Mohammad Elzami Al Heysami", in the month of Shawwal in 415 A.H.
4: "Nahjul Balaghah", compiled by Sayyed Razi, and written by "Mohammad Ibn Mohammad Ibn Ahmad Al Naqib" in 544 A.H.
5: "Ways Leading To Madinah", No. 575. This book is about the situation and condition of the Mosque of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), together with some of the signatures of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), and some narratives about the distinguished religious persons who resided in the mentioned regions, and also about the ways which leads to the city of Madinah. This book has been written in about the fifth century of Hijrah.
6: "Nasr ud Dor" which is the last volume of this book. This book is about notary offices, admonitions, drolleries, rarities and reports of some of the poets, literary men, and elegants. This book has been compiled by "Abu Saad Mansoor Ibn Al Husain Al Abi", entitled "the grand vizier- Zelmoali Zayn Al Kefah - , minister of "Majd ud-Dawlah Abu Talib Rostam Ibn Fakhr ud-Dawlah Ibn Ruknuddin Ibn Buyeh". He has also compiled the books entitled" Nozhat Ul Adib" and "The History of Ray". This volume contains 20 chapters, and its writer is "Ahmad Ibn Ali Al Katib Al Baghdadi", and dates back to 565 A.H.
7: The translation of "Tarikh Tabari (History of Tabari), known a "Tarikh Balami": This book, translated by" Abu Ali Mohammad Ibn Mohammad Balami - minister of Mansoor Ibn Nuh Samani (one of the monarch of the Samanid dynasty)" - has been written in "Naskh" script. "Fakhruddin Abul Muzaffar Bahram Shah Ibn Dawood" - one of the kings of Mangoojak Dynasty in Arzanjan (center of Seljuqids in Asia Minor)- undertook financial factors related to translating this book. The writer of this book is "Issac Ibn Muhammad Ibn Amir Ibn Muhammad Sherwan". It dates back to 586 A.H (Moharram month), in Arzanjan.
8: "Sannat Ul Jabr (Lemasael Al Adadiyyah)": It is a mathematics book, 6 copies of which are preserved in the distinguished libraries of the world. This book, compiled by "Dufentoos Eskandarani" from Greek, has been translated from Greek into Arabic by "Qusta Ibn Loqa Al Baalbaki" in 595 A.H. The writer was "Muhammad Ibn Abu Bakr Ibn Jagir Al Monajjem".
9: "Khawas Ul Ashjar or Mofradat" or Five Essays (properties of trees): This book, compiled by "Disquridoos" - distinguished physician and botanist of the first century A.D-, is in Greek language, translated into Syriac. Later, "Disquridoos" added two essays to this collection, and increased it to 7 essays. These latter two essays were translated into Syriac by "Hunain Ibn Issac" - distinguished translator and scientist of the world of Islam. Two translated copies of this book have been found till now. The first copy has been translated into Arabic by "Salem Maliti" with the order of "Qotleq Inanj" - the ruler of "Diyar Bakr" -, and the second one was translated from Syriac into Arabic by "Mehran Ibn Mansoor". This last one, preserved in the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi, dates back to the sixth century of Hijrah. It is worth mentioning that, the first five essays, and the second two essays of this book. in original Syriac, are preserved in one of the not very so mush famous preserved in one of the famous libraries of the world. The present copy of the "Khawas Ul Ashjar" (properties of trees) is about herbs and the method of planting them throughout the world.
10: "Makhrutat (Conical Shapes)": This book, compiled by "Hakim Ablotius" is about mathematics. This book under the title of "Story of Qafti", was translated from Greek into Arabic. The compiler of this book died in 259 A.H. According to this date, it is clear that it has a long history.
The prestige of the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi depends on the precious and valuable manuscripts of the Glorious Quran and the other hand written books which have been granted to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.) by people in the last years and centuries who registered their names in the indexes preserved in the library for ever.
Some of these names are as follows:
1: "Abul Qasim Ali Ibn Nasir ud-Dawlah Abul Hasan Mohammad Ibn Ibrahim Ibn Simjoor" who dedicated the manuscript of the Glorious Quran No.3004, written in "Kufi script" on the deer skin in 363 A.H.
2: "Abul Qasim Mansoor Ibn Mohammad Ibn Kathir", who dedicated the manuscript of the Glorious Quran No. 96, in 393 A.H.
3: "Abul Barakat Ali Ibn Husain Razi", who dedicated the manuscript of the Glorious Quran No. 18, in 421 A.H.
4: "Ali Ibn Faramarz" in 511 A.H (this endowment deed has been written in Persian).
5: "Abul Fatah Saeed Ibn Sayyed Jamaluddin Rawesani". The date of endowment: 515 A.H.
6: "Jamaluddin Ali Ibn Ismaeel". The date of endowment: 535 A.H.
7: "Shahresti Bentul Amir Abul Abbas Khosrow Firooz Ibn Rokn ud-Dawlah" (beginning of the fifth century A.H).
8: "Ali Ibn Abul Fazl" in 614 A.H.
9: "Jalaluddin Shaykh Abu Saeed Qezel Arsalan" in 861A.H.
10: "Torkan Zommorrod" - daughter of Mahmood Ilak Khani": (one of the families of the Afrasiyab dynasty) and sister's daughter of "Sanjare Saljuqi", dedicated several precious booklets of the Glorious Quran to the Astan Quds Razavi, which have been probably written by herself. Some signatures related to her, can be observed in the manuscripts of the Holy Shrine.
11: "Khajah Mozaffaruddin Tababchi Astarabadi". The date of endowment; 820 A.H.
12: "Sayyed Mohsen Ibn Muhammad Razavi". The date of endowment: 925 A.H.
13: "Amir Sayyed Ali Hosseini", The date of endowment: 940 A.H.
14: "Ayesha Alhola" - daughter of "Abdullah Ibn Abdur Rahman Al Tajer". The date of Endowment: 954 A.H.
15: "Qadhi Jahan Saifi Husaini Qazwini". The date of endowment: 960 A.H.
16: "Sultan Ibrahim Qutb Shah" (King of Golcunda,Hyderabad Deccan,India). The date of endowment: 970 A.H.
17: "Amir Muhammad Reza Astarabadi". The date of endowment: 1011 A.H.
18: "Abul Mozaffar Nooruddin Mohammad Jahangir" -Monarch of Timurid dynasty in India-. The date of endowment: 1014 A.H.
19: "Mohammad Ali Shirazi".The date of endowment: 1014 A.H.
20: "Nooruddin Kootral Isfahani". The date of endowment: 1020 A.H.
21: "Khajeh Shir Ahmad Ibn Abul Malek Ibn Shir Ahmad Toni" who was living during the last years ot the tenth century A.H.
22: Shah Abbas Safavi ( the monarch of the Safavid dynasty) who gathered the books of the library, and endeavoured to restore it after the invasion of Uzbecks. He himself dedicated some of the most distinguished and famous manuscripts of the Glorious Quran, and some of the other precious books in 1005, 1008, 1017 A.H, to the Library of Astan Quds Razavi.
23: "Sayyed Muhammad Zaman Husaini Aaroji Semnani" who has been prolably one of the distinguished Ulema (religious authorities) in his time. The date of endowment: 1024 A.H.
24: "Qazi Nurullah Shushtari".The date of endowment: 1011 A.H.
25: "Bahauddin Mohammad Ameli" known "As Shaykh Bahai" , who dedicated some of his precious books in 1030 A.H.
26: "Hakim Ul Malik Amir Gabriel Husaini", one of the physicians resided in "Hyderabad Deccan". The date of endowment: 1037 A.H.
27: "Mirza Hyder Ali Qandhari" known as "Zamindawari". The date of endowment: 1034 A.H.
28: "Abu Turab Aalepad Khan Mirza Ghiyathuddin Mohammad Razi". The date of endowment: 1040 A.H.
29: "Mir Zein Ibn Khajah Yar Mohammad Charkhais". The date of endowment: 1044 A.H.
30: Fathullah Hamadani. The date of endowment: 1062 A.H.
31: Mirza Nezam Ul Malik, Nezam Ul Maleki. The date of endowment: 1062 A.H.
32: Fadhel Khan, Alaul Malik (Toni) Ferdowsi - the founder of Fadhel Khan school-. The date of endowment: 1064 A.H.
33: Ibn Khatoon, Shaykh Asadullah Ibn Shaykh Moomen. In addition to dedicating 400 copies of books, he dedicated a manuscript entitled "Faraedul Qalaed (No.119 in Grammar) to the library in 1067A.H. This book has been written for Shaykh Mohammad Ibn Khatoon Ameli in 1040 A.H.
34: Mirza Nurullah Ibn Diyanat Khan. The date of endowment: 1071 A.H.
35: Mirza Abul Hasan Mustawfi. The date of endowment: 1088 A.H.
36: Mohammad Mehdi Sharif Ul Malik. The date of endowment: 1091 A.H.
37: Agha Qanbar Ghulam. The date of endowment: 1096 A.H.
38: Ali Ibn Najaf Quli Khan Zanganeh. The date of endowment: 1098 A.H.
39: Shah Sultan Husain Safavi. The date of endowment: 1108, 1119 A.H.
40: Mirza Mohammad Masum - the late minister of Mazandaran. The date of endowment: 1119 A.H.
41: Nazar Ali Qoollar Aghasi. The date of endowment: 1119 A.H.
42: Mirza Sayyed Ali. The date of endowment: 1120 A.H.
43: Nader Shah Afshar. The date of endowment: 1145 A.H.
44: Khodayar Khan Bahadur Thabet Jang Abbasi. The date of endowment: 1154 A.H.
45: Fakhr un-Nisa Khanom Esfarayeni. The date of endowment: 1154 A.H.
46: "Mohammad Hossein Khan Biglar Baygi", families of Cheshmgazak and Qabooshan. The date of endowment: 1155 A.H.
47: "Aqa Zainul Abedin Khadem Sharif Isfahani". The date of endowment; 2nd. Rajab. 1155 A.H.
48: "Mohammad Amin Sharif Bin Mohammad Fadhel Neishaburi". The date of endowment: 1171 A.H.
49: "Mehr un-Nisa Khanom"- Daughter of Diyanat Khan. The date of endowment: 1184 A.H.
50: "Fath Ali Shah Qajar"- monarch of Qajarid dynasty. The date of endowment: 1233 A.H.

Some of The Important Deeds and Documents

1: The Scroll and Endowment Deed of Ali Shah Afshar:
This endowment deed, drawn up in the period of "Ali Quli Khan"-brother's son of Nader Shah Afshar (monarch of Afsharid dynasty)- in the month of Ramadhan in 1160 A.H., contains endowed properties of Astan Quds Razavi which had been possessed by the then government in the period of Nader Shah (monarch of Afsharid dynasty).
During this period, the authorities briefly used the properties according to the endowment deed. These properties had been listed from the Naderi's books, credit document deed, the endowments were donated to the Astan Quds Razavi. "Ali Shah" also dedicated about 100 pairs of his arable lands to Astan Quds Razavi for expanding and developing Dar Ush Shafa (hospital). This scroll (endowment deed), in which the endowments of Astan Quds Razavi, Grand Mosque of Gowharshad and endowed lands and properties of Ali Shah have been registered, has changed the basis of the shift of the servants (volunteers) of Astan Quds which had been changed by the previous kings into three shifts, and substituted it with five shifts remembering the five Holy Ones [i.e Mohammad(S.A.W.), Ali(A.S.),Fatemah(A.S.), Hasan(A.S.), and Husain(A.S.)]. This scroll has been registered in the endowment's index under the No. 111, and preserved in the library of Astan Quds Razavi.

2: The scroll (endowment deed ) of Adhedul Malik:
This ednowment deed is one of the most creditable documents and precious things of Astan Quds Razavi, which is preserved and secured in the Central Library. This scroll has been drawn up and provided from the creditable endowment deeds, old books and deeds, and the scroll of Ali Shah, and religious orders and percepts, in the period of the custodianship of Astan Quds Razavi under the late "Mirza Mohammad Hossein Khan Hosseini" - known as "Adhedul Malik" (one of the distinguished authorities, and pious person in the period of Naseruddin Shah - monarch of Qajarid dynasty -. The mentioned scroll (endowment deed) contained many of the endowments of Imam Reza (A.S.), including: villages, arable lands, gardens, aqueducts, shops, caravanserais and baths and etc. This scroll has been signed by the distinguished jurists and clergymen of Khorasan provine, and also sealed and confirmed by many of aristocrats and distinguished authorities of Khorasan, trustees and officials of the Astan Quds, and also Naseruddin Shah - monarch of Qajarid Dynasty. It has been registered in the endowment's book under the No.112.
Other Documents:
One of the other creditable documents of the Astan Quds is the Old Book of the Astan Quds. The lists mentioned in this book, were gathered in the period of the late "Adhedul Malik". The documents mentioned in this book have been used for drawing up and adjusting the scroll. About the importance of this book, it is better to suffice to mention what has been endorsed on the wooden cover of this book - on both sides -.
Allah, is the Exalted
In the Name of Allah, The Compassinate, the Merciful
It is written in the month of Jamadi Uth Thani. 1275 A.H, that, because, some of the endowed lands and properties of "His Excellency Faydh Athar" have been destroyed in the course of time, and usurpers and tyrants have coveted and encroached these endowments, some of which have been actually possessed by the officials of "Sarkar Faydh Ather". Therefore His Excellency Mirza Mohammad Hossein Al Hosseini Adhedul Malik - the head custodian and respected ruler - has provided a scroll which contains all of the endowed lands that actually belonged to His Excellency Faydh Athar according to his written lists, three units of which were written now.The Ulema in general (religious authorities), religious jurisprudences, nobles and aristocrates of the holy land of Khorasan, and also officials, vulunteer servants (Khuddam) and the other dependents of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.)have sealed this scroll.
The list of this scroll has been registered and recorded in this book to acquaint those who refer to the endowment's documents. This book, containing the old cases registered in the Central Library of His Excellency Faydh Ather, contains leases, and the list of endowed lands and properties of His Excellency Faydh Athar which were scattered like a constellation of stars in the sky, all of these cases have been gathered in this book, and registered in the library.
According to this written scroll, curse be upon those who exclude this from the sacred library of His Excellency Faydh Athar, and may Allah - the Exalted - associate them with Harun Ar Rashid and Mamun Ar Rashid - curse of Allah be upon them-. Also, curse of the Holy prophet (S.A.W.) be upon the present and future book holder (manager of the library) who grant each of the documents mentioned in this book to others, or let the others send them out of the sacred library, and may Allah - the Exalted - associate him with Shemr and Ibn Moljam - may the curse of Allah - the Exalted be upon them. Everyone who needs refer to this book, do come to the sacred library to refer directly and use it, but it is forbidden to transfer any documents preserved in the book, or even a word of these documents, from the library to the other places.
So everyone who changes this after hearing and observing it indeed he / she has committed evil. O, Allah - the Exalted - curse those who confound, transfer, decompose or deviate it from the place recommended in it, and may Allah -the Exalted - bestow His mercy upon those who act according to the recommendation, and associate them with the Immaculate Imam (A.S.). The above - mentioned book had been registered in the dead archive among the old papers, and remained of no utility. It must be said that the documents, preserved in this book, have been used for investigating, and proving many of the endowments including endowed properties and other things.

Manifestation of Islamic Art in the New Building of The Central Library
The appreciation messages received from the distinguished professors, skilled men and authorities of the country by the personnel of the project, are good proofs of the success of the group's energitic members.
Mr Ayeneh Chiyan explains the reason of choosing arabesque design in the knot art - work and the quality of the surfaces, and forms' lines/ He says "Although, it is said that the arabesque art dates back to the time before Islam, but Muslim artists have applied this art to show their faith, and also Isalmic unification. They have even been more successful than the artists previous to them.
The existence of arabesque art-works in "Qasr Ul Hamra" placed in Granada(Spain), teaching painting and calligraphy together with the arabesque and Khatai art-works in the past centuries the existence of arabesque designs in the art-works of painters including: "Kamaluddin Behzad" and "Aqa Mirak", and also the role of this art in creating the tilework structure of the Islamic mosques, persuaded us, in an again creation, to grant a meaningful and unified elegant picture and design in the porticos of the Holy Shrine of the Eighth Imam of the Shi'ite Muslims of the world, where is actually a place of pilgrimage for millions devotees of the Immaculate Imam (A.S.).
We have made utmost use of arabesqued art in our work to demonstrate Iranian-Islamic senses. The desings applied in Dar-ur-Rahmah portico are vivid evidences for this claim. Every place wherin the painting, golden cover and plaster - work have been applied, a combination of Iranian, and arabesque art has granted an eye-catching and unforgetable gift for observer.
The line, surface and form, according to symmetrical, elegant and parallel sizes, have converted the colour and designs into a meaningful world. Seven main colours have beautified these unique tile-works. The plaster-mouldings, enjoying an exceptional combination, have been fixed on the surface in a depth just like the designs applied in the period of the Safavid dynasty, but with some changes in new designs, like substituting tuberose and dandelion flowers with various nature. Applying Kufi, Thuth and Nastaliq scripts in these art-works have beautified this complex.
Reporter:
Which parts of the project have your group endeavoured to accomplish?
Ayeneh Chiyan:
As I said before, this group is working in the Dar-Ur-Rahmah and Dar-Al-Hedayah porticos, the new library of the Astan Quds Razavi, amphitheatre hall and reading room of the library.
After introductory explanations granted by Mr. Ayeneh Chiyan, we decided to have a look at the workshops where the project was implemented. It was then that I witnessed a wonderful complex, full of concealed secrets, and explicit points. Actually, the power of artist who is our guidance to this world of faith-gnostic knowledge and love. Bushes, lines and arabesque designs have been unified together in such a way that one would believe they have a common spirit, and designs and colours have brought message from the eternal heaven (paradise).
The artist has endeavoured to overlook the limited mental border of the human,and tried to create an eternal art-work between spectator, design and picture. And he has actually succeeded in accomplishing it. The visitor observing these designs, will be taken to a land where there is a blessing superior to this beautiful, and material world. It is realy a lovely and poetically trip in designs and colours inspired by the faith principles of Islam, to a world beyond imagination.
Dar-Ur-Rahmah portico, was our first place to vist. And in front of us there rest a picture, decorated with plaster, colour and meaningful designs, which have been painted on the wall. This tableau titeld "The Guidance Light with the Five Holy Ones".
About this beautiful tableau, Mr. Ayenh chiyan says:The tableau is a pictured of a bright lamp.The work (La) and the holy name of Prophet of Islam(S.A.W.)-, have been painted above the lamp, and on the blaze of this lamp proportionately.
The flower of lamp connects the body of the lamp to the lamp-chimney. And it contains the holy word of "Ali (A.S). The word of "Zulfiqar" - the sword of Imam Ali(A.S.) - has been painted next to the mentioned holy name. The holy word of "Fatemah(A.S.) can be seen on the main body of the lamp.
The movements applied in the arabesque design have beautified this unification. The holy name of "Hasan (A.S)" has been painted inside the lamp. A tent can be observed on the foot of the lamp. The holy word of "Husain (A.S.)" has been painted on both sides of the mentioned tent. On the lowest part of the lamp, two wings of an angel have been painted, half of which is in red colour, as a symbol of martyrdom, and the other half is in bright blue colour which means a secret of victory. The blue light is in fact a light reflection of the martyr's blood.
Also, 72 small wings can be seen around the mentioned two wings, which are the symbols of 72 followers of Imam Husain (A.S.) who were martyred in the tragical event of Karbala.Four trees have been painted on both sides of the tent, whose leaves are full of spring blossoms. The five-leaf petals, observed on these trees, are in fact a symbol of the Five Holy Ones, i-e, - Mohammad (S.A.W.),Ali (A.S.), Fatemah (A.S.),Hasan (A.S.) and Husain (A.S.).
The general facade is in such a way that one would believe that the Zuljinah(the horse of Imam Husain (A.S.))has returned to the tent after the martyrdom of the Imam (A.S.), in a state of depression and grief. The light created from combining colours, has circumscribed the whole of the mentioned tableau. The observer will see in the middle of the lamp, a light diffused around. Furthermore, the spiritual mode of the tableau is completly clear.
The citron, and knotty painting - works have decorated around the mentioned tableau, which is in fact the process of fulfilling the design.
Mr Ayeneh Chiyan adds: "The art-work width in Dar-Ur-Rahman(1) covers an area of about 750 square meters.This process has been completed now. An area of about 1000 aquare meters have been allocated for the project of constructing the Dar-Ur-Rahman(2) portico.The style of the period of the Safavid dynasty, an embossed tabeau known as "Inlaid tableau", and also "mirror-works", have been accopmlished in these two places. Then we go to the amphitheatres hall, and the other parts of the new library of Astan Quds Razavi. The artists of the Painting-Art Department of the Organization of Developing and Constructing the Area Around the Holy Shrine, endeavour continuously to decorate walls and ceilings with beautiful arabesque designs.
An area of about 70 square meters, have been painted and decorated in the amphiteatre hall of the library. Applying azure, and bright blue colours in painting these places,and also constructing special skylights in the form of Islamic and "Katayee" designs, have demonstrated a collection of a peaceful and comfortable space for spectators. The holy words from Glorious Qur'an, Holy Prophet of Islam(S.A.W.) and Imam Ali(A.S.) have been gilded in the pillars around the tableaux.
The artists are fixing the distinguished sentence of "Learning knowledge is obligatory for all Muslim men and women", which is one of the famous and life-giving traditions of Islam, inside a lattice tableau placed at the southern side of the hall. The design around the tableau contains various pictures. A deer can be observed in the design around the tableau, in whose eyes spectators can see a flower. Observing this deer, one would believe that it has been converted into flower after observing Imam Reza (A.S.), and being saved by the Holy Imam (A.S.).
The citron design painted around the deer's head, is in fact an evidence of successfully accomplishing an arabesque movement, which contains the phrase" "O, thou,Guarantor of Deer" or "Ya Zamin Ahoo", -(this is a title given to Imam Reza (A.S.), In fact, it is a narrative that a deer sought shelter in Imam Reza(A.S), to save its life). There are grape leaves, painted amidst this writing as a sign of showing the way of Imam Reza's(A.S) martyrdom. The holy title of Imam Reza (A.S), i-e "Ya Zamin Ahoo" has been repeated in the whole form and margin of the tableau.
The main entrance of the new library is another place for granting the grand and wonderful art-work of Khorasan artists.
The design of one to three (inverted dish), has been painted on golden ground. The designs of engraving and china-layer, 1mm to 2mm thick, applied on the entrance, are in fact a symbol of the sun, and light which bestow a hopeful entrance, on spectators. A grand and large chandelier to complete the light will be fixed and installed in this place. The entrance of this place, and the other sections of the library will be painted in blue, and inside the adjacent rooms in cream.
Those, who are busy to accomplish painting-art project, believe that, applying these colours is an effective factor which affectionately influence people. These artists believe that, the blue colour is peaceful, and the other colours persuade mankind to move and endeavour. The best artists in calligraphy, applying their art in the amphitheatre hall of the new library of Astan Quds Razavi, have accompanied the Painting Art Department, by their art. Some of the sentences, written by this group, are as follows:
"There is no God but Allah - the Exalted", "Mohammad (S.A.W.) is the Messenger of Allah - the Exalted", "Neither East, Nor West, Only Islamic Republic" and, "The holy name (Allah) is the best starting". The holy tradition "Those whose master am I, so Ali(A.S.) is their master" has been painted on the whole ceiling of the amphitheater hall, on the square ceiling decorated with painted circles in green, blue and pink colours.
The walls are an artistic, and eternal combination of stone, and tile. The ground has been decorated with coloured plaster -moulding. The margins around the plaster-works have been gilded and painted in the systematic and arranged colours of blue, pink, green and white. The reading hall of the new library (men section) is another place for accomplishing the designs of painting and decoration.
Mr. Ayeneh Chiyan say's: Some portraits of the distinguished and famous people of Iran and Khorasan province including the portrait of Imam Khomeini(R.A.)- the late Founder of Islamic Revolution in Iran-will be installed in this hall.
And our group is going to make ready this hall with the mentioned tableaux. Going forward, more beautiful samples of the faithful artists of Khorasan province can be observed in te library. Some lattice-works which have been changed into the Holy phrases of "Allah O Akbar- Allah, the Exalted", and "Mohammad(S.A.W.) is the Holy messenger of Allah", can be observed on the decorated places of the library.
Furthermore, various art-works including seven-colour art work, Koshteh Bori, plaster work and inlaid, and coloured mirror-works applied in the beautiful knots and the ceiling adjacent to the stairs in various colours which personify the height as the wings of a peaceful, and life-giving bird, have beautified the building.
It is really difficult to pass and overlook these wonderful art-works. And your keen eyes will gaze on these skillfully and elegantly art-works, so that you can not find a word to express your feelings.
If you had a heart wide as the wide desert, or a thirsty mouth like that wide land in summer, or the enthusiastic voice of the fruitful brooks of the coasts of the Caspian Sea, and the snowy mountains of Azerbaijan waved in your heart, the combination of pictures, colours and designs, and precision of artists would astonish you so that you would patiently unify the hardship of the south heat (hot temperature) with the beautiful spring of the north, and then you would appreciate this effort and endeavour to create wonderful-art-works, in every accent and language of yours.
You will see here the factor of rousing gentle artists to innovate intellectual art, which is in fact the divine speech of the Glorious Quran and its pleasant tune, together with the art of calligraphists, metalists and engravers, and also the art of artists in the fields of plaster-work, mirror work, and tile-work.
Observing this work, full of wonderful art-works, you will find art souvenirs of worthy flourishing Islamic art-works painted on the Shaykh Lotfullah mosque in Isfahan, and the monument of Taj Mahal in India and many of the other art-works of Muslim skillful artists and builders.
You ascend in the rebirth of arabesque art applied in the meaningful twisting of pictures painted in the frames and vases reposed on the walls and ceilings. The grounds in brown, pink, bright and dark blue colours, grant you allusions to the paradise.
In this monument, you will experience undescribable pleasure to be in adjacent to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.), where it is exactly the shelter of all lovers of Islam. You leave there, but your heart still remains there. Admirer of elegance will never leave elegance.
And, now, it is time to bid farewell to Mr. Ayeneh Chiyan. He asks us inviting all artists in the country to express their view. Because, such a kind of great work needs a national partnership.
He says: The Painting-Art Department of the Organization of Developing and Constructing the Area Around the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza(A.S.) is ready to grant an art-work proportionate to the Islamic genuine culture which is deserving this Holy Shrine with the cooperation and companionship of devotees of the Holy Shrine.

Some Samples of The Most Ancient and Precious Manuscripts of The Glorious Quran
1: The Glorious Quran No. 6, written with Kufi script: From the beginning of the Holy Chapter of "Hud", to the end of the Holy Chapter of "Kahf" - two Holy chapters of the Glorious Quran - , have been written on deer skin. "Katabahoo Ali Ibn Abi Taleb" has been written in the final page.
2: The Glorious Quran No. 1586, written with Kufi script on deer skin, and ascribed to Imam Reza (A.S.). This copy contains part of the Holy Chapters of the Glorious Quran including "Noor","Qathath", "Ankaboot", "Room", "Loqman", "Sajdah", "Ahzab", "Momin", "Foththelat", "Jathiyah", "Ahqaf", "Waqeah", and "Hadid". In the lower part of the page, just on the right side, has been decorated with phrase, (Katabahoo Ali Ibn Musa), and sealed by five kings.
In addition to the copies of the Glorious Quran ascribed to the hanwriting of the Immaculate Imams(A.S.), there are many other precious copies of the Glorious Quran and other booklets in this treasury, which are unique, and matchless from the viewpoints of historical and art aspects. Some of them are as follows:
1: The Glorious Qur'an No. 3004:
This copy, written with "Kufi" script on deer skin, was endowed to the Astan Quds Razavi by "Abul Qasem Ali Ibn Naser ud-Dawlah Abul Hasan Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim Ibn Simjoor" in 363 A.H.
2: The Glorious Qur'an No. 96:
This copy, written with "Kufi" script, contains the 13th Holy Section of the glorious Quran from the beginning of the 53th Hloy Verse of the Holy Chapter "Jusef" ti the ending of the Holy Chapter "Ibrahim". It has 142 pages or leaves. This copy was endowed to the Astan Quds Razavi by "Abul Qasem Mansoor Ibn Mohammad Ibn Kathir" in the month of Rabi Ul Awwal in 393 A.H.
3: The Glorious Qur'an No. 1501:
This copy, written with "Kufi" script (during the development period), contains the eighth holy section, from the beginning of the 111th holy verse of the holy chapter "An'am" to the middle of the 66th holy verse of the holy chapter "A'raf", The mentioned copy, enjoying 54 Pages or leaves, was dedicated to the Astan Quds Razavi by "Abul Barakat Abu Ali Ibn Hosoolah" in the holy month of "Ramadhan" in 421 A.H.
4: The Glorious Quran No. 54:
This copy, written with "Kufi" script (during the development period), was translated literally into the ancient Persian. It has 205 leaves.The beginning and the ending parts of the copy have been removed. the Holy Chapter "Fatihah" and about 213 Holy Verses of the Glorious Quran have been removed from the beginning, and about 18 chapters of the Glorious Quran have been removed from the ending of the copy.
From the viewpoint of the root of the Persian language, this copy is the most ancient and creditable translated copy of the Glorious Qur'an, which dates back to the fifth century of Hijrah, according to some statements.
5: The Glorious Quran No. 106:
This copy, has been written with beautiful Thulth script by "Mir Abdul Qader Husaini Shirazi" - one of the distinguished calligraphist of the second half of the tenth century, and the beginning of the 11th century of Hijrah.
This Glorious Quran is one of the precious art-works of India. It is really an elaborated art-work. This elaborated copy contains 339 pages, of which 68 have been illuminated and decorated with painting, and the remaining pages have been decorated with a cloudy margin. The mentioned copy was dedicated to the Astan Quds Razavi by "Sultan Ibrahim Qutb Shah" in the month of Rabi Ul Awwal in 970 A.H. In addition to the excellent illumination applied in this copy, two golden, and azure grounds can be seen in it. The brighter golden line contains a deeper golden ground around which (its letters) a black line has been so beautifully drawn that a few people can understand the reality of that art because of the delicacy and narrowness of the pen applied in it.
6: The Glorious Quran No. 100:
This completely translated Glorious Quran is a unique and matchless from the viewpoint of illumination art applied in decorating the copy. The commentary of "Kholasat Ul Minhaj" compiled by "Mulla Fathullah Kashani", has been written on the margin of the book.
From the view points of illumination art, delicacy, and carefulness, this copy is one of the most elaborated and precious translated manuscripts of the Glorious Quran secured in the Manuscrpit Treasury of the library.