The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), one of the Arab world’s most prestigious literary awards, in collaboration with the Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and the University of Naples “L’Orientale”, announces a series of academic conferences to take place between 11 and 15 May, 2026. Titled “Authenticity, Authority, and Mediation: From Classical Translation to Contemporary Literary Cultures and Digital Humanisms”, the event focuses on the tradition of classical translation, from the Arabic versions of Greek and Latin texts to their later arrival in Italian Humanism and how this can be reassessed in the light of contemporary technological developments and new forms of linguistic expression and dissemination. Particular focus has been placed on tracing the journey of Greek and Latin works into Italian Humanism, highlighting the pivotal mediating role of Arabic in transmitting this knowledge.
Across its three editions, the conference has reinforced the standing of the academic programme launched by the Sheikh Zayed Book Award in Italy in 2024 and 2025, in Venice and Naples respectively. The participation of researchers from the University of Bologna this year further strengthens the intercultural dialogue the Award has fostered with Italian culture.
The synergy between Italy’s three most prestigious Arabist departments and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award creates a vital centre for Arabic studies within Italian academia, strengthening the historic bond between Italy and the Arab world and fostering deeper intellectual exchange and academic excellence. Alongside the conferences, an official delegation led by H.E. Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award’s Secretary General, will visit Italy and conduct meetings with key cultural and academic institutions.
The event series will combine academic symposia, public lectures, and dialogues at these three Italian universities, as well as the Centro Universitario Umberto Eco in Bologna and the Premio Città di Napoli, thereby symbolically linking Italian and Arab intellectual traditions. Speakers will include former laureates of the Award alongside organisers and members of the organising Scientific Committee. Specifically:
A joint Scientific and Organising Committee from the three partner institutions manages the conferences. Members include Chiara Fontana (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna), Simone Sibilio Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and Monica Ruocco and Oriana Capezio (University of Naples “L’Orientale”).
Across the three cities, the scholarly event series will unfold around a unified central theme, with each location exploring a distinct topic and unique perspective. By tailoring these discussions to specific academic areas, the programme aims to engage scholars and academic audiences within each host university, fostering a specialised yet cohesive dialogue.
The Bologna conference (11 - 12 May 2026, Aula Poeti and Sala Boschereccia at Palazzo Hercolani) will focus on Authenticity, Authority, and the Life of Texts, exploring the construction of the literary canon across intertextuality and translation. The event will open with welcoming remarks from the Deputy Rector, Simona Tondelli, and Paola Scrolavezza, Head of the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, followed by an introduction by H.E. Dr Ali bin Tamim, who will offer a retrospective on two decades of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and its vital role in the global reception of Arabic literature.
The morning sessions will be followed by a keynote lecture from Prof. Muhsin J. al-Musawi titled “Poetic Desire and Literary Thievery: Dynamics of Epistemic Transformation in Arabic Literary Theory”, with Chiara Fontana (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna) serving as discussant. Professor Al-Musawi’s presentation will delve into the evolution of poetic thought and the boundaries of intellectual property within classical traditions. This will lead into the panel discussion “Who Speaks for Tradition? Language, Authority, and the Power to Canonise.” Moderated by Ines Peta (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna), the panel will feature Caterina Mauri (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna), Reem Bassiouney, and Chokri al-Saadi, who will examine how linguistic authority shapes the literary canon.
The afternoon program will begin with a book presentation by Marco Di Branco, the 2025 Translation Laureate, with comments by Gabriele Ferrario. Di Branco will discuss his award-winning work, “Greek and Roman History in Arabic Historical Sources: Orosius’ Seven Books of Histories Against the Pagans,” which explores the complexities of interpreting ancient texts across civilisations. This will be followed by a keynote lecture from Bilal Orfali titled “The Art of Enumeration in Pre-modern Arabic Literature,” with Davide Bertagnolli (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna) serving as discussant.
The conference will resume on the second day, culminating at the Centro Internazionale di Studi Umanistici "Umberto Eco" with a roundtable titled “The Limits of Interpretation: Eco, Translation, and the Responsibility of Mediation.” This final session, guided by Cristina Demaria (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna), who studied under Umberto Eco, honours the legacy of the Italian intellectual, celebrating his deep connection to the University of Bologna and his profound influence on the fields of translation and intertextuality.
The Venice leg (13 May, Aula Baratto) will examine Mediation, Institutions, and Literary Circulation, with a specific focus on contemporary linguistic scholarship. The discussions will delve into questions of the literary voice and the evolution of classical translation traditions. The conference will open with an institutional welcome from the University Rector, Tiziana Lippiello, setting the stage for a day of deep academic and cultural reflection.
Following the opening, the symposium entitled “Literature and Mediation: The Award as Cultural Actor” will take place. Moderated by Prof. Antonella Ghersetti (Ca' Foscari University), this session features a keynote from H.E. Dr Ali bin Tamim, titled “Two Decades of Excellence: Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award,” which explores the Award’s pivotal role in shaping global literary dialogues and fostering cultural diplomacy over the last twenty years, together with Bilal Orfali, and Muhsin J. al-Musawi.
The programme will continue with a roundtable discussion, “Translation in Times of Crisis,” moderated by Simone Sibilio (University of Venice). This panel will bring together a distinguished group of Sheikh Zayed Book Award laureates, including Reem Bassiouney, Chokri al-Saadi, and Marco Di Branco, with Simone Sibilio as moderator. Together, they will address the vital role of the translator as a mediator in challenging global contexts, examining how philology and linguistics act as tools for cultural transfer.
The Naples leg of the series (14 May, Palazzo Du Mesnil) will explore the theme of Cultural Memory, Translation, and the Ethics of Transmission. The proceedings will begin with an institutional welcome from Roberto Tottoli (Rector, Università di Napoli “L’Orientale”), Roberta Giunta (Head of the Department of Asian, African and Mediterranean Studies), and Alfredo Guardiano (Fondazione Premio Napoli). This will be followed by an introduction by H.E. Dr Ali bin Tamim, who will reflect on the legacy of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and its role in preserving and transmitting literary heritage.
The morning session will continue with the panel discussion, “Translation, Circulation, and the Ethics of Literary Value,” which examines the responsibilities inherent in moving texts across linguistic and cultural borders. The session features Muhsin J. al-Musawi presenting “The Medieval Islamic Republic of Letters,” alongside Bilal Orfali, who will discuss “Mediating Arabic Texts: Anthologists, Philologists, and Editors.” The discussion will be moderated by Monica Ruocco and Oriana Capezio.
This sets the stage for a series of afternoon keynote lectures delivered by distinguished Sheikh Zayed Book Award laureates. Chokri al-Saadi will present “Translation as Domestication,” moderated by Maria Avino (Università di Napoli “L’Orientale”), followed by Marco Di Branco, who will discuss “Greek and Roman History in the Arabic Historical Sources,” moderated by Roberta Denaro (Università di Napoli “L’Orientale”).
The academic program concludes with a book presentation by laureate Reem Bassiouney. Moderated by Monica Ruocco, the session will focus on her work and the winner of the 2024 Literature Category, “Al-Halwani: The Fatimid Trilogy,” exploring how history, culture, and even culinary traditions are utilised to forge a distinct historical identity.
H.E. Dr Ali bin Tamim, Secretary-General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: “We are excited to lead what should prove to be a vibrant week of academic conferences and events at some of the most prestigious universities in Italy. These events embody the founding principles of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award: cross-cultural exchange, a rigorous approach to scholarship, and the global presence of Arab creativity in literary and academicfields. I look forward to a week of enlivening and enriching conversations. These sessions aim to forge lasting ties with the Italian academic landscape, fostering a meaningful exchange of knowledge and a high-level scholarly dialogue that bridges our two cultures.
Chiara Fontana, coordinator of the Scientific and Organising Committee: “We are honoured to welcome this distinguished delegation to Italy. Since last July, we have worked closely with the Sheikh Zayed Book Award on a shared intellectual endeavour: placing Arabic literature at the centre of an interdisciplinary and intercultural dialogue, and creating a space where leading voices in the field can engage with one another and with the Italian academic community.”
Paola Scrolavezza, Head of the Department of Modern Languages at the University of Bologna and co-organiser of the Bologna programme: “This marks an important achievement not only for our Department, but for the University as a whole, highlighting its strong international vocation and its capacity to foster meaningful collaboration across institutions and cultural contexts.”
Simone Sibilio, Ca’ Foscari Università di Venezia: “Ca’ Foscari University of Venice was the first Italian university to establish a collaboration with the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, now four years ago, and this year we are pleased to host the 20th anniversary of the Award at a time of profound crisis in the international system, in which culture and academic exchanges take on an even more vital importance. This initiative allows us to foster a deeper understanding of Arabic culture and literary creativity. It's a vital step in building a sustainable, long-term network of scholars dedicated to international excellence and mutual exchange”.
Monica Ruocco and Oriana Capezio, Università di Napoli “L’Orientale”: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to host this event, which has been carefully designed to serve as a forum for scientific debate and cultural exchange. This year marks the third consecutive year in which our university has had the privilege of hosting the Award, reflecting our commitment to promoting academic excellence and collaboration. This year also holds particular significance for collaboration between Italian universities, to facilitate mutual exchanges and promote growth in the fields of research and teaching.”
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Italian-Arab relations by partnering the Sheikh Zayed Book Award with Italy’s most prestigious Arabist departments and ensuring a lasting legacy of profound intellectual dialogue and world-class research in Arabic studies.
