Greek-Arab knowledge exchange explored at SIBF 2025

Translation as cultural adaptation

Dr Said Faiq, Professor of International Studies and Translation at AUS, explained that translation is deeply tied to culture and requires adaptation to social, political, and historical contexts. He emphasised that early Islamic civilisation’s dedication to knowledge fostered structured translation efforts, particularly during the Abbasid era, where translations from Greek into Arabic significantly strengthened the region’s intellectual foundations.

Greek knowledge as a tool of power and innovation

Dr. Marco Zuccato, Associate Professor of History at AUS, noted that while initial translations came from Persian into Arabic, Alexander the Great’s conquest led to Greek becoming a repository for Persian knowledge. He highlighted how Greek science and inventions—including the astrolabe, celestial globe, mechanical clocks, and surgical tools—were further advanced by Arab scholars.

Assimilation and interpretation by Muslim scholars

Dr Nuha Alshaar, Director of Arabic Studies and Islamic Civilisations at AUS and moderator of the session, explained how Muslim scholars not only adopted Greek knowledge but also enriched it with their own interpretations. She discussed how the scholarly concept of “friendship” contributed to moral and social harmony within communities.

SIBF 2025 welcomes global participation

Sharjah International Book Fair 2025, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority under the theme ‘Between You and a Book’, runs until November 16 at Expo Centre Sharjah, hosting participants from 118 countries.