From this page, you can view the manuscript page by page using the embedded online reader, or download the file for your personal library.
The Kitab al-Bulhan is an invaluable window into the intellectual and artistic world of the late medieval Islamic civilization. Its blend of science, magic, religion, and folklore offers scholars and enthusiasts a unique perspective on how people of the era understood the cosmos, the spiritual realm, and their own place within it. Thanks to the efforts of the Internet Archive and the Bodleian Library, this masterpiece is now freely accessible to a global audience.
during the reign of the Jalayirid Sultan Ahmad (r. 1382–1410) : It was primarily compiled by Abd al-Hasan Al-Isfahani : The work is an "encyclopedia of the occult," featuring: Zodiac signs and planetary influences Talismanic sciences and magical practices and mythological figures Prophetic history and astronomical data Artistic Significance
The title translates literally to "Book of the Fool" or "Book of Wonders," though in medieval Arabic context, it refers to a book meant to stun, amaze, or capture the imagination of the reader. It serves as an encyclopedic grimoire and a visual record of medieval Near Eastern occult traditions. Core Contents and Themes
: Famous depictions of jinn and demon kings, such as Shamhurash (the king of Thursday) and Iblis (the devil). kitab albulhan pdf link
: Captivating folk tales, mythological creatures, and highly detailed illustrations of specialized jinn (demons) ruling specific days of the week. Why is it Culturally and Artistically Significant?
This is the absolute best source for the original manuscript. You can view every single page, zoom in on the brilliant gold leaf details, and download individual pages or sections.
: Methods of telling the future, geomancy (reading patterns in earth or sand), and interpreting omens.
If you only need specific high-resolution images (like the King of Thursday or the Zodiac signs) rather than the whole manuscript, has a category dedicated to the Kitab al-Bulhan where you can download individual pages. From this page, you can view the manuscript
The manuscript is most famous for its approximately 80 intricate, full-page illustrations. These visuals are not merely decorative but are integral to the "discourses" presented in the text: Kitab al-Bulhan - Madain Project (en)
The manuscript features rich, colorful depictions of the zodiac signs, such as Capricorn (al‑Gadī) and Libra (al‑Mīzan), rendered in a style that blends astronomical precision with artistic imagination. These images would have been used by astrologers to interpret the influence of the stars on human affairs.
The (Arabic: كتاب البلهان), or the Book of Wonders , is a renowned 14th-century Arabic manuscript celebrated for its rare and intricate illustrations of the supernatural. Compiled in Baghdad around 1390 CE by Abd al-Hasan al-Isfahani , the codex is a compendium of astrological, astronomical, and geomantic knowledge. Access and Downloads
The manuscript eventually influenced other famous works, most notably the Turkish "Matali' al-sa'adah" (The Ascension of Prophetic Virtues), which copied many of its illustrations for the Ottoman court. Today, the Kitab al-Bulhan remains a primary source for anyone fascinated by the intersection of art and the occult. Whether you are a historian or a curious reader, downloading a digital copy allows you to hold a 600-year-old world of wonders in your hands. If you'd like to explore this further, let me know if: Thanks to the efforts of the Internet Archive
: Search for "Kitab al-Bulhan" or "Book of Wonders" on the QDL repository .
The original, most famous manuscript of the Kitab al-Bulhan (MS. Bodl. 554) is kept at Oxford University.
: Detailed analysis and history of the manuscript are available in PDF format via Core Themes and Significance
and likely bound in Baghdad during the reign of Jalayirid Sultan Ahmad (1382–1410), the work is a fusion of scientific inquiry and mystical exploration, covering astronomy, astrology, geomancy, and folk traditions. Accessing the Manuscript (PDF Link)
For those interested in exploring the Kitab Al-Bulhan, a PDF link can be a convenient and accessible way to engage with the manuscript. Several online repositories and libraries offer digital versions of the text, including:
