‘Cultural Diplomacy’ can be achieved through translation: Translator
The head of the Center for Organizing Translation and Publication, Ehsanollah Hojati, emphasized that books are a powerful tool for achieving “cultural diplomacy”, and that translating Iranian works can have a significant impact on international relations if done correctly.
He talked about the importance of translation in promoting Iranian-Islamic thoughts and culture globally, IRNA reported.
Hojati stated that the center’s main goal is to introduce and promote Iranian-Islamic ideas worldwide, and to achieve this, a multilingual system will be launched soon to facilitate the translation and publication of Iranian works in other countries.
Hojati explained that the center was established in 2010, following a decree by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, with the aim of promoting Islamic culture and thought worldwide.
He noted that the center has been working to introduce high-quality Iranian works to the world through the “reverse translation movement,” which involves translating Iranian works into various languages.
One of the center’s key efforts is to create a network of local publishers and translators in target countries, which enables the center to provide high-quality translations that are suitable for the target culture and language.
Hojati proudly announced that the center has successfully translated and published numerous Iranian works in 30 languages, including German, English, Italian, Bosnian, Romanian, Swedish, French, and Arabic.
Regarding the selection of books, Hojati explained that the center reviews published books in Iran each year and, after obtaining the necessary approvals, provides the necessary conditions for their introduction to foreign publishers and translators.
He added that this effort helps create deeper and broader understanding among cultures.
However, Hojati acknowledged that the center faces challenges, including coordinating with different publishing laws in target countries and securing financial resources for large-scale projects. Despite these challenges, the center has made progress through careful planning and international cooperation.
Hojati expressed optimism about the center’s future, stating that it aims to play an active role in strengthening international cultural interactions.
The center is also working on a multilingual system, in collaboration with Allameh Tabataba’i University, to manage and facilitate the translation and publication of Iranian works abroad.