Thomas Jefferson’s 1764 copy of the Holy Quran, one of the treasures of the Library of Congress in Washington DC, has arrived at the USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Belonging to the country’s third President, it is set to become a star attraction on its debut appearance in the Middle East.
The book, presented as two volumes, as well as a framed map of Mecca, travelled in a modern custom-made wooden crate with four inches of padding and customized trays, along with a sensor that detects vibrations and temperature changes.
Library conservation and security staffers, along with police and an international freight company that specializes in fine art shipping, secured the crate en route.
Jefferson, who was President for two terms from 1801-1809, is believed to have bought his copy of the Quran when he was in his early twenties, studying law. He had an abiding interest in world religions, and may have also valued the Quran as a comparison for legal codes across the world.
Library staff installed the Quran – a second edition of the influential 1734 translation by George Sale – in a secured case as the first object on display at the pavilion. It is visible after guests emerge from a sound-and-light experience that showcases the USA’s founding principles, particularly its innovations.
The USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, with its striking façade, features a number of other attractions, including a moving walkway to welcome visitors, an eight-minute looping show that takes place on the ceiling, and offerings of food, culture and live entertainment.
