On January 23, 2024, the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan officially disclosed a remarkable cultural find. Specialists from the National Center for Manuscripts and Rare Books have successfully published a copy of the work of Khoja Ahmad Yassawi, a revered thinker and scientist
The manuscript, titled “Risala Mirat al Kulub,” originally scribed in the 12th century in Arabic script in the Turkic language, consists of three chapters emphasizing humanistic values of justice, honesty, and goodness.
Remarkably, the 18th-century copy was located in the Library of the US Congress in Washington. Experts are currently engaged in a comparative study to understand the nuances between this newfound copy and the existing original. Almat Absalykov, chief expert of the National Center for Manuscripts and Rare Books, explained, “The National Manuscripts and Rare Books Center employs various heritage search methods, including internet searches for electronic versions of ancient manuscripts. Facsimile copies are made from identified copies found on foreign websites, contributing to the preservation of Kazakhstan’s historical data.”
The intricate process of binding the book took three weeks, utilizing 3 mm thick cardboard and light brown leather for the cover. The original manuscript of “Risala Mirat al Kulub” is housed in the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
