The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has published the Arabic edition of 'The Art of Medieval Falconry' as part of the Kalima Translation Project. Written by Yannis Hadjinicolaou, the book was translated by Nevin Helmy Abdul Raouf.

This book provides readers with insights into the history of falconry, an art that held a prominent place in various aspects of life during the Middle Ages. It explores how falconry was an integral part of court culture, a symbol of status and power, and an effective tool in diplomacy. Birds of prey were highly valued gifts exchanged between kings and diplomats during this period and were also symbols of education and social standing.

Furthermore, the book delves into the visual culture associated with the art of falconry, tracing the movement of images, tools, and birds across the medieval world. It features images of paintings, manuscripts, and textiles inspired by falconry and the relationship between falconers and their birds. It also sheds light on the reasons behind the spread of this culture, explaining how various nations around the world adopted and adapted it to their own environments and particular local characteristics.

Hadjinicolaou reveals that falconry was not merely a means of hunting, but also an artistic skill bearing deep similarities to the performing arts. The continuity of this art is a cross-cultural phenomenon, as it has taken on new forms and meanings across different times and places.

About the author

Yannis Hadjinicolaou is an Assistant Professor of Art History at the University of Bonn. Having received his qualification from the University of Hamburg in 2023 and his PhD from Humboldt University of Berlin in 2014, he has holds several academic positions and received research fellowships at leading institutions, including New York University Abu Dhabi and Humboldt University. He currently lectures at the Institute of Art History at the University of Basel in Switzerland and the University of Hamburg in Germany.

Hadjinicolaou has published numerous books and articles on early modern art in the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain, as well as modern art theories and concepts of competition in the visual arts. His publications include ‘Thinking Bodies – Shaping Hands: Handling in Art and Theory of the Late Rembrandtists’.

About the translator

Nevin Helmy Abdul Raouf is a translator and editor specialising in scientific and cultural publishing. She has extensive experience in translating and reviewing books for prestigious publishing houses, including the Hindawi Foundation for Education and Culture, Dar Al Tanweer, and the National Centre for Translation in Egypt.

She has published numerous translations in the fields of literature, history, cinema, philosophy, psychology, self-development, and business administration, including ‘Sketches in Lavender, Blue and Green’, ‘The Worn out Woman’, and ‘Science Fiction: A Very Short Introduction’.