Brasilia:A delegation from the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding has concluded its promotional tour in Brazil with a visit to Rio de Janeiro. The tour aimed to engage Portuguese-speaking translators and publishers in anticipation of the award's 2027 edition.
According to Qatar News Agency, the delegation met with Laura Di Pietro, the founder and editorial director of Tabla, a Brazilian publishing house specializing in Arabic literature. Discussions centered on potential cooperation and encouraging translators associated with the publisher to participate in the award.
The delegation also visited the National Library of Brazil, where they engaged in discussions with library president Marco Lucchesi. The talks emphasized translation as a vital link between Arab and Brazilian cultures and highlighted the library's role in preserving shared cultural heritage.
Furthermore, two seminars were conducted focusing on the challenges faced in translating Arabic literature and the importance of specialized awards in supporting translators. The delegation's itinerary included a visit to the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, known for its extensive collection of Portuguese literature.
The tour served to reinforce the historical connections between Arabic and Portuguese cultures, exemplified by translations of significant works such as the Quran and Ibn Khaldun's Muqaddimah, thus promoting cultural exchange through translation efforts.