#Culture

This is Perhaps the Oldest Recording of the Quran using Edison’s Wax Cylinder Phonograph

Published

January 20, 2015

A highly controversial figure, Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje, from the Netherlands, traveled to study the Hajj in 1885/1302H on a scholarship from the Dutch Government.

Once in Makkah, he embraced Islam according to some and was spying according to others and was known as Abdul Ghaffaar. There he took photographs and made various sound recordings. In this recording of the Quran, Surah Duha is being recited using Thomas Edison’s newly-invented wax cylinders. ‘He stayed for five months, documenting the run-up to Hajj, but although he had intended to stay for the pilgrimage, he was forced to leave after unfounded accusations of his involvement in an attempt to steal a historical artifact’ by the French government.

This recording was exhibited in Dubai’s Empty Quarter Gallery.

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[youtube]http://youtu.be/y2z34uYXF5I[/youtube]

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Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah

Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.