Abu Dhabi International Book Fair shines spotlight on “Kalila and Demna” as literary icon

According to The Iran Project,One of the special sections at the fair showcases "Kalila and Demna" as a highly influential literary piece globally, ISNA reported on Wednesday.

Among the innovative programs introduced by this literary event is the "Book of the World" program, which focuses on exceptional works that have contributed to shaping human civilization and impacting cultures in distinctive manners.

In parallel with the book fair, an engaging art exhibition titled "The Art of Myths from Kalila and Demna to La Fontaine" is being hosted by the Louvre Abu Dhabi, serving as a complement to this literary exploration. The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has also announced the selection of Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz as the "Iconic Figure" for this event.

Mahfouz, the first Arab writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1988, has significantly enriched Arab literary heritage through his works, which have been translated into multiple languages.

Ali Bin Tamim, chair of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, who also is secretary-general of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award as well as the organizer of this book fair, stated, " Naguib Mahfouz placed Arab literature and unique aspects of Egyptian culture on a global stage, introducing Arab culture to other societies and civilizations, expanding its reach."

He also commented on the selection of the book “Kalila and Demna” for the newly launched "World Books" program at the Abu Dhabi Book Fair, saying, " ‘Kalila and Demna’ is one of the most prominent works in Arab literature. It is recognized by Arab critics as a premier Arabic book and acts as an outstanding representation of cultural fusion between civilizations based on its origin, which combines languages such as Sanskrit from India, Pahlavi from Iran, and Arabic. The elements of this book have received acclaim for their influence on other cultures, especially the renowned French poet Jean de La Fontaine, who drew inspiration from it in creating one of his best fables, and the great Arabic-language poet Ahmad Shawqi, who wrote an important collection for children based on it."

"Kalila and Demna" also known as "Kelileh o Demneh" and “Kalila and Dimna” is a renowned collection of fables that feature animal characters as their heroes. The book, comprising fifteen chapters, is notable for its storytelling and moral lessons. Among its notable characters are the lion, who serves as the king, the ox Shetrebah as his servant, and the two jackals, Kalila and Demna, who not only narrate the stories but also play central roles. Believed to have originated from the Sanskrit Panchatantra, this influential work has been translated into numerous languages, with surviving illustrations found in manuscripts dating back to the 13th century.

Originally based on the c. 200 BC Sanskrit text Panchatantra, the book was later translated into Middle Persian in the sixth century by Borzuya. In the eighth century, Persian scholar Ibn al-Muqaffa' translated it into Arabic. Furthermore, in the 18th century, King Vakhtang VI of Kartli translated the work from Persian to Georgian, with the translation later refined by Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani. His translation, along with an earlier incomplete version by King David I of Kakheti, has served as a valuable reference for determining the original text.

"Kalila and Demna," is featuring anthropomorphized animals with moral lessons suitable for a ruler. The tales are presented in a layered narrative style, with interwoven and nested stories providing deeper insights. The two jackals, Kalila and Demna, are integral to the storytelling, serving as both narrators and participants in the tales set within the court of the lion king, Bankala. Through allegorical narratives in human social and political contexts, the fables offer reflections on various aspects of human life.

The 33rd edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which started on April 9, will continue until May 5 at the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center.

Reporter : Editorial of The Iran Project