Preservation of Ancient Quranic Manuscript Heritage: An Analysis at the Sunan Gunung Jati Complex
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33511/alfanar.v9n1.54-63Keywords:
Quranic heritage, manuscript conservation, Islamic heritage, Quranic manuscripts, community preservationAbstract
Ancient Quranic manuscripts constitute an important part of Islamic cultural heritage, preserving the history of Quranic transmission, religious scholarship, and manuscript traditions in the Indonesian archipelago. However, the sustainability of these manuscripts is increasingly threatened by aging materials, environmental conditions, and limited conservation management. This study aims to analyze the existence, physical condition, preservation efforts, and challenges associated with safeguarding ancient Quranic manuscripts at the Sunan Gunung Jati Complex, Cirebon. The research employed a qualitative approach using content analysis. Data were collected through a literature review, field observations, in-depth interviews with the traditional custodian of the Sunan Gunung Jati Complex, and manuscript documentation. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis involving coding, categorization, and the identification of key themes. The findings reveal that the manuscripts preserved at Dog Jumeneng Mosque were predominantly handwritten on European paper dating from the mid-nineteenth century, while those kept within the burial complex were written on daluang paper from an earlier period. Most manuscripts exhibit physical deterioration, including paper degradation, tears, and ink fading. Preservation efforts remain limited to storage and routine cleaning without the application of professional conservation standards. The study highlights the need for stronger collaboration among site custodians, academics, and cultural heritage institutions to establish sustainable conservation strategies for safeguarding ancient Quranic manuscript heritage.
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