thesilkroadtoday
In a new step that strengthens the bridges of literary communication between Egypt and Azerbaijan, the novel “Şəmaus” by Egyptian writer, poet, and novelist Dr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid (Ashraf Dali) has been published in Azerbaijani, bringing one of his fictional works to Azerbaijani readers through a direct translation from Arabic.
The Azerbaijani translation was undertaken by the writer Təranə Məhəmməd, in a literary project that opens a new window onto contemporary Arabic literature and enables Azerbaijani readers to discover an Egyptian literary world whose narrative structure encompasses human and cultural dimensions extending beyond geographical and linguistic borders. Two years ago, Təranə Məhəmməd also translated “A Street in Cairo”, a poetry collection by the Egyptian author.
The book was edited and introduced by the writer and scholar of linguistics and literature Adilə Nəzər, whose contribution adds a critical reading and an introduction that prepares readers to appreciate the distinctive character of the novelistic experience and its place within its literary context.
The project was conceived by literary critic Əsəd Cahangir, Chairman of the Center for Artistic Translation and Literary Relations of the Union of Azerbaijani Writers, which plays an important role in supporting translation and fostering communication between literatures and cultures.
The Azerbaijani translation of “Şəmaus” comes within the broader context of Ashraf Aboul-Yazid’s growing presence in literary translation projects that cross linguistic and cultural boundaries. The writer regards translation as a means of creating genuine dialogue among peoples and of giving literary texts the opportunity to begin new lives in other languages and cultures.
The publication of the novel in Azerbaijani acquires particular significance in light of the cultural and literary relations between Egypt and Azerbaijan. The book represents a new contribution to literary exchange between the two countries and can help introduce Azerbaijani readers to a dimension of contemporary Egyptian literary experience.
Expressing the significance of this step, Aboul-Yazid says that he hopes the book will have a place in the literary friendship between Egypt and Azerbaijan, and that its translation will contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and knowledge among writers and readers in both countries.
Thus, “Şəmaus” is not merely a literary work published in another language; it represents another link in the series of bridges that translation builds between cultures. The text moves from Arabic into Azerbaijani, carrying an Egyptian literary experience into a new readership and reaffirming the capacity of literature to find multiple languages through which to conduct a dialogue with humanity.
