Riyadh, 5 August 2024 (TDI): King Abdul-Aziz Public Library in Riyadh is spearheading an initiative to introduce Saudi culture to Chinese-speaking audiences through its publishing programme.
A series of scientific, literary, and cultural works in Arabic were selected for translation into different languages, including Chinese.
The aim of the program is to present a comprehensive portrait of contemporary Saudi culture to Chinese readers, an official statement said.
The first volume of “The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Saudi Arabia” is one of the most important works the library has translated into Chinese, and represents the first step toward translating encyclopedia’s all twenty volumes.
The volumes will cover all regions of Saudi Arabia with a focus on their history, culture, archeology and geography, social patterns, economy, customs and traditions, tourism, and wildlife.
It also translated the book “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China: A History of Trade Relations between China and the Arabian Peninsula,” which underlines the contributions of the Arab-Islamic country and China, and their scientific achievements in various fields such as astronomy, geography, agriculture, sciences, and medicine, among others.
The book also shows their long-standing ties before and after the emergence of Islam, as they exchanged trade and travel via the Silk Road. It reveals the reality of their cooperation and mutual understanding and is an important source for researchers from both civilizations, the official statement added.
Among works selected for translation is Dr. Abdul-Aziz Al-Mana’s book “In the Footsteps of Al-Mutanabbi,” which documents the locations the Abbasid-era notable poet passed through during his journey from Cairo to Kufa.
Some of the books the library is also translating into Chinese language include “Modern Woman in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Rights Challenges and Achievements” by Hend Al-Sudairy.
