Building bridges at Sharjah Book Fair – Dr. Khaled Raouf on cultural dialogue between Greece and the Arab World

At the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair, one of the Arab world’s most influential literary events, Greece steps into the spotlight as Guest of Honour, celebrating centuries of shared culture and knowledge with the Arab world. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Khaled Raouf, translator, author, and academic, discusses the historic Greek–Arab intellectual connection, the revival of literary translation, and how modern Greek authors and Gen Z writers are reshaping the country’s global cultural identity.

Daily News Hungary: What does it mean for Greece to be the Guest of Honour at one of the Arab world’s largest cultural events?
Dr. Khaled Raouf: It means a great deal. The relationship between Greece and the Arab world is truly ancient and has continued for centuries with mutual respect and influence. From the classical era through the Islamic civilization, our connection has always been strong. One of the most significant moments was during the Abbasid period, when Caliphs Harun al-Rashid and Al-Ma’mun established Bayt al-Hikma (the House of Wisdom), where Greek philosophy, science, and literature were translated into Arabic. These works later returned to Europe, preserving much of Greek knowledge through Arabic scholarship.

Daily News Hungary: That’s a fascinating shared history. How is Greece highlighting this relationship today?
Dr. Raouf: Our participation in Sharjah aims to rekindle those historical ties. While we all know much about the ancient world, we now want to spotlight modern Greek culture and literature — through books, translations, and cultural exchange. Our program presents Greek literature from Homer and the Byzantine era to modern voices like Solomos, Cavafy, Kazantzakis, Seferis, Ritsos, and Elytis. Greece may have a small language, but it’s a powerful one — and poetry remains at its heart.

Daily News Hungary: How did you select the books and authors presented here, and what message do you hope to convey?
Dr. Raouf: The selection was made by a committee of Greek intellectuals and authors to give Arab readers a panoramic view of modern Greek literature — from children’s books and poetry to novels and historical works. Our message is simple: the sea that divides us has always united us. Today, translation between Greek and Arabic is growing rapidly. When I began translating Greek literature 20 years ago, I was almost alone. Now, we have many translators and young people eager to learn both languages. It’s a very positive and hopeful trend.

Daily News Hungary: Is there a specific program supporting these translation efforts?
Dr. Raouf: Yes. Both Greece and Sharjah have strong sponsorship programs. Greece’s GreekLit initiative supports the translation of Greek works into other languages. Publishers, translators, or agents can apply twice a year. Many books funded by GreekLit have now been translated into more than 15 languages.

Daily News Hungary: How is modern Greek literature evolving today?
Dr. Raouf: Today’s world is like a small village — we all read about similar challenges and emotions. Yet, Greek writers retain a unique perspective shaped by our heritage and mythology. The Greek spirit gives depth to how we interpret and express universal themes. Both Greek and Arabic are ancient, rich languages capable of expressing anything. What’s exciting now is the new generation of writers — Gen Z. They bring a new voice, fresh issues, and modern sensibility. Contrary to popular belief, they do read — just differently, often through technology. We need to understand their new language and embrace their creativity.

Daily News Hungary: Greece has both a deep ancient identity and a vibrant modern life. How do you balance these two faces of your culture?
Dr. Raouf: For us, it’s not about balancing but continuity. Ancient heritage lives in our DNA. I was born in Egypt, grew up and studied in Greece — two civilizations with deep roots. Even among simple people, there’s a kind of inherited wisdom passed from generation to generation. As the ancients said, writing is just remembering what we have forgotten.

Daily News Hungary: Tourism and culture are closely linked in Greece. Which destinations are being highlighted here?
Dr. Raouf: All of Greece, really. Our delegation includes about 20 writers and poets from different regions, each reflecting their homeland in their work. We didn’t focus on tourism this time, but of course, the Greek islands remain magical. A few years ago, Sharjah was the Guest of Honour in Thessaloniki — a beautiful seaside city that reminded many visitors of Alexandria. Since then, our cooperation has deepened each year.

Daily News Hungary: What do you hope visitors will take away from the Greek Pavilion this year?
Dr. Raouf: We hope they leave with curiosity to read more Greek literature and explore the richness of our culture. Even though we don’t sell books at the fair, visitors often come to meet authors, translators, and publishers. The enthusiasm and engagement have been heartening.

Daily News Hungary: Finally, what message would you send to other European countries about participating in the Sharjah International Book Fair?
Dr. Raouf: The SIBF is one of the largest and most influential book fairs in the Middle East — and indeed the world. Sharjah has been voted the best book fair globally five times. Here, you meet authors, publishers, and thinkers from dozens of countries. I strongly encourage every European nation to participate, not just in Sharjah but across the Arab world — in Cairo, Riyadh, and beyond. These fairs are bridges between cultures. Literature and translation are soft power — they connect people more deeply than politics ever could.

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