TDV Presents the Holy Qur’an to the Moro Muslims

The Legacy Extending from Sultan Abdulhamid II to President Erdoğan

TDV Presents the Holy Qur’an to the Moro Muslims

The Mushaf al-Sharif, gifted 137 years ago by Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II to the Mindanao region of the Philippines, has now been translated into the Maranao language by the Türkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV) and presented to the Moro people along with a letter from President Erdoğan.

Within the framework of the “My Present Is Qur’an” project, carried out in cooperation with the Presidency of Religious Affairs, TDV presented 3,000 copies of the Qur’an translation to the Moro Muslims living in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao.

The distribution ceremony, accompanied by a letter written by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was held at the Mindanao State University (MSU) Aga Khan Museum.

Following the rediscovery of the Mushaf al-Sharif granted by Sultan Abdulhamid II to the Mindanao region during the holy Ramadan in 1888, the Qur’an in the Maranao language—prepared by H. R. Alim Alapa, revised and published by TDV—were delivered to the local people on behalf of TDV by the Türkiye-Philippines Friendship Foundation (TUFİFSA).

We Walk the Path Opened 137 Years Ago

In his message, President Erdoğan highlighted the historical and spiritual bonds between Türkiye and the Moro people, expressing joy in gifting the Qur’an in Maranao:

“137 years ago, Sultan Abdulhamid Han extended a path of brotherhood. Today, we continue on that path by presenting you with the Holy Qur’an in your own language, Maranao. This sacred gift is a symbol of our unity and eternal bond. Türkiye will always stand beside the Moro people, just as the Qur’an continues to guide and enlighten us all. With love, respect, and duaMay Allah bless and support you all.”

The Brotherhood That Reaches from the Ottomans to the Present

The relationship with the Moro Muslims of Mindanao goes back many years. Sultan Abdulhamid II showed great interest in the Muslims of the Pacific, sending scholars, extending humanitarian aid, and presenting a Mushaf al-Sharif to Mindanao at the end of Ramadan in 1888. Still kept at the Aga Khan Museum, this Mushaf stands as a powerful testimony to the spiritual ties between the Ottoman Empire and the Moro people.