Gansu’s Quran museum nearly finished   

甘肃建馆保护国宝级文物千年《古兰经》手抄本

为保护“国宝”级文物千年牛皮《古兰经》手抄本，甘肃投资修建的包括陈列装饰、电子展示系统和展厅以及监控系统等在内的《古兰经》珍藏馆主体近日完成封顶。过不了多久，这本罕见《古兰经》珍品即可“入住”。

Linxia, Gansu (CNS) -- Construction of a museum to house the earliest Chinese version of the Quran is nearing completion in northwest China's Gansu Province.

The handwritten copy, which experts say was probably created between the 9th and 11th centuries, was found in 2009 in the Dongxiang Autonomous County of Gansu's Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture.

Experts say the book was brought to China from Central Asia in the 14th century and has incalculable value to history, science and art.

Ma Qingfang, who is in charge of the weathered manuscript, allowed reporters to view it Monday in its temporary storeroom. "We have turned away many tourists who have come to see it, out of consideration for preservation," he said.

Zhao Hui, the head of Pingzhuang Village, said the copy will be placed in its own vacuum-sealed case once the museum is finished.

The 800-square-meter building, together with a "civil culture square," is expected to become a major tourist attraction. A number of other ancient handwritten Quran copies are also to be displayed.