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Beautiful Koran holder, Nada. It looks as if it comes from the eastern Mediterranean. But I am puzzled. What is the connection between Islam (the Koran) and magic (the square at the back of the box)?
Thank you Thelma for your comment.
Beliefs about magic have coexisted and still coexist with Islam (zar ceremony is one example and the fact that Islam acknowledges the presence of spirits (djinn) and magic). I think that the box is more likely an ammunition box rather than a Koran holder. This would indeed explain the magic square which would have talismanic powers to protect the warrior. The box does have similarities with the Greek Palaskes (ammunition box) and if I am not mistaken the numbers indicate that this may be of Persian origin.
I was intrigued by the connection and have just found an interesting book of papers edited by Thierry Zarcone and Angela Hobart entitled 'Shamanism and Islam: Sufism, Healing Rituals and Spirits in the Muslim World'. But expensive!
It is an intriguing subject Thelma. Thanks for the reference. I'll look it up.