Bridging Cultures: Saudi Literature Finds New Audience In China

King Abdulaziz Public Library's scientific publishing program has significantly contributed to introducing Saudi culture to numerous countries, including China. This initiative involves publishing a range of scientific, cultural, and literary works in Arabic and translating them into various languages, including Chinese.

The library carefully selects a variety of its publications for translation into Chinese. These include Saudi literary, historical, and scientific works aimed at presenting contemporary Saudi culture to Chinese readers. One prominent translation is the first volume of the comprehensive encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, known as Saudipedia or Saudi Encyclopedia. This marks the beginning of translating all 20 volumes of the encyclopedia.

These volumes encompass all regions of the Kingdom and cover diverse fields such as history, archaeology, culture, geography, economy, social patterns, customs and traditions, tourism, and wildlife. The library also translated "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People's Republic of China: A History of Trade Relations between China and the Arabian Peninsula". This book highlights contributions and achievements in astronomy, sciences, geography, agriculture, and medicine by both Arab Islamic nations and China.

The book on trade relations illustrates long-standing relationships between China and the Arabian Peninsula before and after Islam. It details their trade exchanges via the Silk Road and their cooperation and mutual understanding. This book serves as an important resource for researchers from both regions.

Additionally, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Mana's book "In the Footsteps of Al-Mutanabbi" was translated into Chinese. It documents locations that Al-Mutanabbi visited during his journey from Cairo to Kufa. Several books by author Hind Al-Sudairy were also translated into Chinese. These include "Modern Woman in the KSA", which places Saudi women in a broader cultural context while exploring various topics and historical developments.

Children's Literature

The library has also translated 11 children's stories from Arabic into Chinese. These stories provide information about the history and culture of the Kingdom to young readers. Since establishing its branch at Peking University six years ago, the library has conducted various activities aimed at introducing Chinese people to different elements of Saudi, Arab, and Islamic culture.

These activities have helped bridge cultural gaps between Saudi Arabia and China. They have increased knowledge and enhanced interaction through books, publications, seminars, and workshops that introduce Saudi heritage arts.

This initiative by King Abdulaziz Public Library continues to foster mutual understanding between these two cultures through literature and educational activities.

With inputs from SPA