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Iran’s ‘Kalila and Dimna’ in spotlight at Abu Dhabi Int’l Book Fair
‘Kalila and Dimna,’ translated by Abdullah Ibn al-Muqaffa, takes center stage at this year’s event, alongside an engaging art exhibition titled ‘From Kalila and Dimna to La Fontaine: Travelling through Fables,’ hosted by the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The book fair began on April 29, and will continue until May 5 at the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center, ISNA wrote.
The Cultural Programme of this year introduces innovative sections, including the “Book of the World” section highlighting prominent works that have shaped human civilization over the years and influenced cultures uniquely.
Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), emphasized the significance of honoring influential cultural figures. He highlighted Egypt’s pioneering role in various creative fields and Mahfouz’s exceptional literary legacy, which has enriched Arab literature and introduced Arab culture to the world.
Regarding the selection of ‘Kalila and Dimna’ for the newly launched “Book of the World” program, bin Tamim praised it as one of the Arab world’s most prominent literary works, recognized for its representation of cultural amalgamation and its influence on other cultures, notably inspiring renowned figures like French poet Jean de La Fontaine and Arab poet Ahmed Shawqi.
Furthermore, the fair celebrates the selection of Naguib Mahfouz, the Egyptian novelist, as the central figure for this year’s event. Mahfouz, the first Arab Nobel laureate in Literature (1988), is renowned for his exceptional literary contributions spanning over 70 years, including over 50 novels, five plays, 350 short stories, and numerous screenplays.
The ADIBF continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange, intellectual discourse, and literary exploration, reaffirming its commitment to promoting global cultural heritage and fostering dialogue among diverse communities.