King Abdulaziz Public Library Brings Saudi Culture to China

The King Abdulaziz Public Library (KAPL) has significantly advanced cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and China through its scientific publishing program, which translates and publishes Saudi works in Chinese, according to an announcement by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). This initiative, based at the library’s branch at Peking University, aims to introduce Chinese readers to the richness of Saudi culture, history, and heritage, marking a milestone in the two nations’ growing cultural ties. The program reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global cultural diplomacy under Vision 2030.

Context and Background

The King Abdulaziz Public Library, a prominent cultural institution in Riyadh, launched its scientific publishing program to disseminate Saudi knowledge worldwide. A key component is its branch at Peking University in China, established six years ago, which facilitates direct engagement with Chinese audiences. The program focuses on translating Saudi literary, historical, and scientific works into multiple languages, including Chinese, to present contemporary Saudi culture and foster mutual understanding. This effort aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to enhance international cultural relations and promote its Vision 2030 goals of diversification and global outreach.

Key Details

Among the notable translations is the first volume of Saudipedia, the comprehensive encyclopedia of Saudi Arabia. This volume covers regions of the Kingdom, detailing history, archaeology, culture, geography, economy, social patterns, customs, traditions, tourism, and wildlife. It represents the initial step in translating all 20 volumes, a massive project that will provide Chinese readers with an authoritative resource on Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the library has translated “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China: A History of Trade Relations between China and the Arabian Peninsula”, which highlights the contributions of Arab Islamic and Chinese civilizations in astronomy, sciences, geography, agriculture, and medicine. The book traces trade and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road, serving as a valuable resource for researchers.

Other translations include Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Mana’s “In the Footsteps of Al-Mutanabbi,” which documents the journey of the renowned Arab poet from Cairo to Kufa, and several works by author Hind Al-Sudairy, such as “Modern Woman in the KSA,” the first book to place Saudi women in a broader cultural context. Furthermore, 11 children’s stories have been translated, introducing young Chinese readers to Saudi history and culture. The library also organizes seminars and workshops to showcase Saudi heritage arts, thereby deepening cultural interaction.

Implications and Impact

This cultural exchange initiative strengthens Saudi-Chinese relations beyond economic and political ties, fostering people-to-people connections. By making Saudi literature and knowledge accessible in Chinese, the library helps bridge cultural gaps and enhances China’s understanding of Saudi society. It also positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in cultural diplomacy, showcasing its rich heritage and modern achievements. The translations contribute to global academic and cultural discourse, offering Chinese researchers and the public authentic insights into Saudi Arabia’s past and present.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s emphasis on cultural enrichment and international collaboration. By promoting Saudi culture abroad, the Kingdom strengthens its global presence and soft power, while also supporting the vision’s goal of a diversified economy and enhanced quality of life. The King Abdulaziz Public Library’s efforts exemplify how cultural exchange can contribute to Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategic objectives and its role as a bridge between civilizations.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the King Abdulaziz Public Library’s scientific publishing program?

A1. The scientific publishing program by the King Abdulaziz Public Library translates Saudi scientific, cultural, and literary publications into multiple languages, including Chinese, to introduce Saudi culture globally and foster international understanding.

Q2. Where is the library’s branch located in China?

A2. The library has a branch at Peking University in the People’s Republic of China, established six years ago, which conducts activities to introduce Chinese people to Saudi, Arab, and Islamic culture.

Q3. What is Saudipedia?

A3. Saudipedia is a comprehensive encyclopedia of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, covering all regions and fields such as history, archaeology, culture, geography, economy, social patterns, customs, traditions, tourism, and wildlife.

Q4. How many volumes of Saudipedia are planned for translation?

A4. The library plans to translate all 20 volumes of Saudipedia into Chinese. The first volume has already been translated as the initial step in this major project.

Q5. Which book about trade relations between Saudi Arabia and China was translated?

A5. The book “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China: A History of Trade Relations between China and the Arabian Peninsula” was translated, highlighting scientific achievements and Silk Road exchanges.

Q6. Who is the author of “In the Footsteps of Al-Mutanabbi”?

A6. Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Mana authored “In the Footsteps of Al-Mutanabbi,” which documents the journey of the famous Arab poet Al-Mutanabbi from Cairo to Kufa.

Q7. What is the significance of “Modern Woman in the KSA”?

A7. Written by Hind Al-Sudairy, it is the first book to place Saudi women in a broader cultural context, exploring their social and economic contributions and historical developments.

Q8. How many children’s stories were translated into Chinese?

A8. The library translated 11 children’s stories from Arabic into Chinese, providing young readers with information about the history and culture of Saudi Arabia.

Q9. What activities does the library’s Peking University branch conduct?

A9. The branch organizes seminars, workshops, and other activities to introduce Saudi heritage arts, bridging cultural gaps and enhancing knowledge and interaction between Saudi and Chinese cultures.

Q10. When was the Peking University branch established?

A10. The branch was established six years ago, as mentioned in the SPA report, and has since been active in promoting cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and China.

Q11. What fields does the translated trade relations book cover?

A11. It covers contributions in astronomy, sciences, geography, agriculture, and medicine, and traces trade exchanges along the Silk Road before and after Islam.

Q12. Why is translating Saudi works into Chinese important?

A12. It helps present contemporary Saudi culture to Chinese readers, enhances mutual understanding, and strengthens cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and China.

Q13. Who is Hind Al-Sudairy?

A13. Hind Al-Sudairy is a Saudi author whose works, including “Modern Woman in the KSA,” have been translated into Chinese to highlight the role and contributions of Saudi women.

Q14. What does the first volume of Saudipedia cover?

A14. It covers all regions of the Kingdom, focusing on history, archaeology, culture, geography, economy, social patterns, customs, traditions, tourism, and wildlife.

Q15. How does this initiative align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A15. It supports cultural enrichment and international collaboration, key aspects of Vision 2030, by promoting Saudi culture globally and enhancing the Kingdom’s soft power and global presence.

Q16. What is the role of the King Abdulaziz Public Library?

A16. It is a major cultural institution in Riyadh that preserves and disseminates Saudi heritage, and through its publishing program, shares Saudi knowledge with the world.

Q17. What kind of publications are selected for translation?

A17. The library selects a variety of its publications, as well as Saudi literary, historical, and scientific works, for translation into Chinese.

Q18. How does the library bridge cultural gaps?

A18. Through books, publications, seminars, and workshops that introduce Saudi heritage arts, the library increases knowledge and enhances interaction between Saudi and Chinese cultures.

Q19. What is the significance of the trade relations book for researchers?

A19. It serves as an important source for researchers from both sides, detailing historical exchanges and cooperation between China and the Arabian Peninsula.

Q20. What future plans does the library have for translations?

A20. The library aims to translate all 20 volumes of Saudipedia and continue translating various Saudi works to further promote cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and China.

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