Launch of Korean Translation of 6th Century Arabic Poems at Seoul Int’l Book Fair

At the 2024 Seoul International Book Fair, from left: Arabic Language and Literature Lecturer at Seoul National University and translator of the majority of the book’s poems Dr. Kim Neung Woo, Director of Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies at Korea University Dr. Kim Jong Do, Library Systems and Technical Services Specialist at Ithra and supervisor of the translation project Ali Al Saadi, Manager of the Translation Team at Trabic Agency Oh Seung Woo, Deputy Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Fahad Al-Baraka, Cultural Advisor to Ithra Tariq Khawaji, Design Professor in Department of Art Education at Alexandria University Dr. Sofia Elkhouly, Professor at Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies at Korea University Dr. Kong Ji Hyun, Lecturer in the Arabic Language Department at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Dr. Lee Dong Eun, Lecturer in the Arabic Language Department at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Dr. Baek Won, and Professor of Korean Literature at Ain Shams University Dr. Alaa Fathy.

  • Saudi cultural center Ithra, launches the Korean version of Al-Muʿallaqāt for Millennials in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), Saudi Aramco’s citizenship flagship initiative and a leading cultural hub in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, today launched the Korean translation of one of the center’s prominent publications, Al-Muʿallaqāt for Millennials, in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, at the 66th Seoul International Book Fair. The launch ceremony was held in the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission booth in the Saudi Pavilion at SIBF, where the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is guest of honor.

Al-Muʿallaqāt for Millennials is a collection of ten pre-Islamic Arabic qaṣīdahs (odes), each considered to be the best piece of the most famous Arab poets of the 6th century. The selection enjoys a unique position in Arabic literature, representing the finest of early Arabic poetry. The book is intended to educate new generations about the human, aesthetic, and philosophical values of these ancient poems, and to share knowledge using easily accessible language that caters to a wide spectrum of reading levels.

“We are proud and excited to share this poignant and important collection of Arabic literature in Korean for the very first time,” said Tariq Khawaji, Cultural Advisor to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). “The book has now been translated into six languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, Mandarin and Korean continuing Ithra’s mission of promoting cross-cultural exchange, awareness and understanding through knowledge sharing.”

“Our goal is to expand our reach and encourage greater collaboration; we are excited to share and start conversations during our presence at SIBF that lead to deeper understanding and continued positive cultural exchange,” added Khawaji.

For more information on Ithra visit www.ithra.com

 

About the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra):

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is a world-class destination and the beating heart of Saudi Arabia’s creative and culture industry contributing to its prosperity by enabling talent, supporting content production and encouraging cross-cultural exchange that promotes social harmony and human development. Ithra is Saudi Aramco’s most ambitious CSR initiative and the largest cultural contribution to the Kingdom.  Through a compelling series of programs, workshops, performances, events, exhibitions and other various initiatives, Ithra creates world-class experiences that bring together culture, innovation and knowledge designed to appeal to everyone. Ithra’s components include the Idea Lab, Library, Theater, Museum, Cinema, Great Hall, Energy Exhibit, Children’s Museum and Ithra Tower. For more information, please visit: www.ithra.com. Follow Ithra on social media: Facebook (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture), X (@Ithra) and Instagram (@Ithra) #Ithra

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