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

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

SEOUL, South Korea, June 26, 2024 – 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.