SBA Invites Submissions For AED 1.4 Million Turjuman Award To Promote Arabic Literature

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has opened submissions for the 8th edition of the Sharjah Translation Award, known as the Turjuman Award. This initiative aims to enhance the global presence of Arabic literature by motivating international publishers to translate significant works by Arab authors into various languages. The award supports cultural and intellectual exchanges across borders.

Ahmed Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, highlighted that the Turjuman Award embodies His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's vision. It also reflects Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi's leadership in promoting Arabic literature globally and advancing Sharjah’s cultural agenda internationally. He stated: "Translation is an essential force in fostering shared understanding between civilisations. It serves as a powerful tool for promoting mutual respect, cultural exchange, and intellectual dialogue."

The Turjuman Award offers a total prize value of AED 1.4 million for the best foreign-language translation of an original Arabic literary work. This reflects SBA and Sharjah International Book Fair’s (SIBF) dedication to using translation as a means to promote human dialogue and intercultural understanding. Submissions are open until September 15, with winners announced at the 44th SIBF opening ceremony.

The award is available to publishers who have completed the first official foreign-language translation of a notable Arabic literary work in its original form. Submissions must include four hard copies of the translated book, one copy of the original Arabic title, and a 500-word summary in either Arabic or the language of translation. This summary should detail the author's background, work content, and its cultural significance.

The Turjuman Award acknowledges all key contributors in the translation process. The translator receives AED 100,000, while the remaining prize fund is divided between the publisher of the original Arabic edition (30%) and the international publisher responsible for the translation (70%). Documentation verifying translation rights and copyright clearance must also be provided by entrants.

Under Sheikha Bodour's leadership, SBA has established this award as a strategic platform fostering partnerships between publishers and translators. It broadens Arabic literature's reach by connecting it with readers in their native languages, sharing Arab creativity worldwide. Each translated work acts as a bridge linking Arab culture to global communities.

The Turjuman Award honours Arab literary excellence while strengthening intercultural dialogue through translation. It positions itself as a vital tool for sharing Arab knowledge globally, reflecting SBA’s commitment to promoting mutual respect and intellectual exchange across cultures.

With inputs from WAM