Riyadh:The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) recently held the second symposium in its series of events for Translating Cultures in the Arab World: New Histories and Geographies. This series, supported by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, is part of the UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures initiative and accompanies the publication of a book by Routledge.

According to Saudi Press Agency, The symposium extended discussions from the first event on topics like philology and linguistic diversity, further delving into the historical and cultural significance of translation in the Arab and Mediterranean regions. Participants explored how translation has facilitated knowledge exchange and cultural interactions throughout history.

Remarks were given by Umer Al-Dulaimi, a research assistant at the UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures, and the session was moderated by Professor Michael Syrotinski from the University of Glasgow. Notable speakers included Professor Abdessalam Benabdelali, Dr. Andreas Karatsolis, Professor Ovidi Carbonell Cortés, and Dr. Mohammed Alsudairi.

Professor Benabdelali's presentation focused on the evolution of philosophical texts in the Arab world, emphasizing the importance of retranslation in maintaining philosophical discourse. Professor Carbonell Cortés discussed translation in sixteenth-century Islamic Spain, highlighting how translation was influenced by power dynamics and cultural interactions. He also examined the role of Aljamiado texts in preserving cultural identity among the Moriscos.

Dr. Karatsolis analyzed the factors that sustain a culture of translation, emphasizing the need for institutional support and cultural interaction. He elaborated on how translation during the Islamic period contributed to intellectual development beyond mere knowledge transfer. Dr. Alsudairi highlighted the recent growth in translation activities in the Gulf states, driven by economic transitions and advancements in artificial intelligence.

The symposium series aims to re-evaluate translation theories and practices from an Arab perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of translation's impact on cultural and intellectual exchanges.