English Edition of “Ziryab” and “Abbas bin Firnas” by Sanaa Shalan (Bint Naima)

Tampere, Finland: The Finnish-Arab Cultura Center, “Al-Tnoor,” headed by Iraqi writer Abbas Dakhil Hassan, has published the first English edition of two illustrated children’s stories, “Ziryab” and “Abbas bin Firnas,” written by Dr. Sanaa Shalan (Bint Naima). The translation was carried out by Moroccan researcher and translator Mohamed Fenzari. These stories are presented with high-quality printing, illustrations, design, and layout. They are meticulously typeset and fully vocalized, employing a style that includes a glossary of new words to enrich children’s vocabulary and familiarize them with the meanings of these words in their given context.

The story “زرياب: معلم النّاس والمروءة“ translated into English as: “Ziryab: The Teacher of People and Chivalry,” spans 20 pages of colored illustrations by artist Asif Nasri, and is designed by artist Asma Jaradat, based on the original Arabic edition design by artist Hadil Zakarnah. The Arabic edition was first published in 2007 by the Qatari Cultural and Social Club, Al-Jasra, followed by a second edition in 2009 by The Jordanian Family Library Project initiated by the Ministry of Culture.

This is the second illustrated story in the “Those Who Lit the Path” series. It recounts the life of the renowned musician Ziryab, a pivotal figure who pioneered the developmentof Arabic music and various Eastern musical instruments. Ziryab was a genius artist who outshone the scholars of his time in musical prowess, dedicating his life to his art and making it his everlasting legacy.

Meanwhile, the story “عبّاس بن فرناس: حكيم الأندلس” translated into English as “Abbas bin Firnas: The Wise Man of Andalusia,” consists of 20 pages of colored illustrations by artist Ibrahim Shaker and is designed by artist Asma Jaradat, based on the original Arabic edition design by artist Hadil Zakarnah. The Arabic edition was first published in 2007 by the Qatari Cultural and Social Club, Al-Jasra.

This is the third illustrated story in the “Those Who Lit the Path” series; it recounts the life of the Arab scientist Abbas bin Firnas, who lived in Cordoba during the Arab rule of Andalusia. The story highlights the values of hard work, diligence, and perseverance, portraying humanity’s dream of flight through Abbas bin Firnas’s daring attempts to achieve it. It also explores his life and dedication to science, which earned him the nickname “The Wise Man of Andalusia,” a title bestowed by the Arabs on those who excelled in chemistry and medicine.

It is noteworthy that the “Those Who Lit the Path” series is an illustrated story collection for children aged 8-14 years, launched by the Qatari Cultural and Social Club, Al-Jasra, in partnership with the author Dr. Sanaa Shalan (Bint Naima). The first editions were unveiled at the Qatar Book Fair in 2006, and the series has won several awards, including the 2008 Sharhabeel Bin Hasna Creative Award for “Ziryab” and the 2006 Naji Naaman Literary Prize for Children’s Biography for the same story.

The translator, Mohamed Fenzari, commented on his choice of these two stories for English translation, saying: “I chose the stories ‘Ziryab’ and ‘Abbas bin Firnas’ for translation into English due to their rich cultural and scientific values. The first story presents a vivid portrayal of local heritage and culture, enabling foreign readers to understand the unique aspects of life in that environment. The second story highlights an important historical figure in the fields of science and innovation, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of scientific achievements in the Arab world. Translating these two stories contributes to spreading Arab heritage and showcasing its contributions to global civilization, especially since the author Sanaa Shalan has adopted an educational and entertaining style simultaneously.”

The author, Sanaa Shalan, expressed her gratitude and pride regarding the translation of her stories into English: “I am grateful, proud, and delighted for the partnership with Moroccan translator Mohamed Fenzari and the Finnish-Arab Cultural Center ‘Al-Tnoor,’ led by writer Abbas Dakhil Hassan. This collaboration has resulted in the translation of these two illustrated children’s stories from Arabic to English, presenting Arab heritage and esteemed Islamic historical figures to English-speaking children. It accurately highlights Arab culture, countering the misinformation and distortions by those who seek to tarnish our history and civilization. This translation also showcases inspiring human examples that encourage children to embody the values of success, determination, goodness, and love portrayed in these stories.”

Iraqi writer and critic Abbas Dakhil Hassan, head of the Finnish-Arab Cultural Center, “Al-Tnoor,” shared his perspective on this translation: “These two translations of illustrated children’s literature mark the first step in a monumental project to transform Arabic children’s literature into global children’s literature. This initiative will promote global human connection, introduce the creative talent of Arab authors to the world, and offer an honest and dignified portrayal of Arab figures to a global audience.”

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