The Sheikh Zayed Book Award organizes three conferences at the most prestigious Italian universities
Abu Dhabi, 7 May / WAM / The Sheikh Zayed Book Award, at the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language, affiliated with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of its founding, is organizing an academic conference in Italy, the activities of which will be held during the period from 11 to 15 May this year, in cooperation with three prestigious universities; The Alma Mater Studiorum in Bologna, Ca’ Foscari in Venice, and the Laurentali in Naples.
Each of the three universities is hosting an edition of the conference titled “Authenticity, Authoritarianism, and Mediation: From Classical Translation, to Contemporary Literary Cultures, and the Digital Humanities.”
Participants in the three editions of the conference shed light on the classical translation traditions. In order to evaluate it in light of contemporary developments, in terms of technology, new forms of linguistic expression, and publishing, focusing on the process of transmission of Greek and Latin works to the Italian humanist movement, via the Arabic language.
This conference, in its three editions, strengthens the status of the academic program launched by the award in Italy, during the years 2024 and 2025 in Venice and Naples, and the participation of researchers from the University of Bologna this year enhances the sustainability of the state of civilizational dialogue sponsored by the award with Italian culture.
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Secretary General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language, said that organizing a week full of conferences and academic events in a number of the most prestigious Italian universities embodies the basic principles of the award, which are promoting cultural exchange, upholding solid scientific methodological values, and supporting the global presence of Arab creativity in the literary and academic fields.
He pointed out that this participation is of particular importance because it coincides with the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the establishment of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, which was launched 20 years ago inspired by the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul. By promoting cultural mobility, supporting translation, writing, and Arab creativity, and honoring creators who contribute to building civilized bridges between cultures, embodying the UAE’s vision of tolerance, enlightenment, and peace.
His Excellency added that Italian culture enjoys a prominent place in the course of human civilization, especially on the axis of its relationship with Arab civilization, so we are keen to ensure that the dialogue between the two cultures remains continuous and effective, and full of scientific and cultural events and activities.
In conjunction with the conferences, the official delegation of the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language, headed by His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, will hold a number of meetings with the heads of the most prominent cultural and academic institutions in Italy.
For her part, Chiara Fontana, Coordinator of the Scientific and Organizational Committee, welcomed hosting the Center’s delegation in Italy, pointing out that the Committee has worked, since last July, with the Sheikh Zayed Book Award as part of a joint intellectual endeavor to highlight Arabic literature through a dialogue that brings together various disciplines and cultures, and to create a space that allows leading voices in this field to interact with each other and with the Italian academic community.
For her part, Paola Scrolavezza, Head of the Department of Modern Languages at the University of Bologna, said that this important achievement is not limited to our department only, but includes the university as a whole by highlighting its international orientation in enhancing cooperation between institutions and different cultural contexts.
In turn, Simone Sibilio from Ca’ Foscari University in Venice said that the university is a pioneer as it was the first Italian university to enter into a partnership with the Sheikh Zayed Book Award four years ago. He welcomed hosting the twentieth anniversary of the award, at a time when everyone needs cultural and academic exchange in the midst of severe crises in the international system.
He added that this initiative provides the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Arab culture and literary creativity, and is also an important step towards building a sustainable network of researchers committed to international excellence and cultural exchange.
For her part, Monica Rocco and Oriana Capezio, University of Naples-Laurentale, said that this important event constitutes a real platform for scientific discussion and cultural exchange.
He pointed out that the university’s hosting of this award for the third year in a row embodies the firm commitment to promoting academic excellence and joint cooperation frameworks, while the event gains special importance this year for its pivotal role in strengthening the partnership between Italian universities and facilitating knowledge exchange in a way that serves the horizons of scientific research and the educational process.
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