The annual award recognizes outstanding achievements in translation and fosters mutual understanding between nations through the power of language.
Marrakech – In a stunning display of linguistic expertise and cultural exchange, four Moroccan translators have earned top honors at the 10th edition of the prestigious Cheikh Hamad Prize for Translation and International Understanding, held on Tuesday in Doha.
This year, Moroccan translators stood out in both the Arabic-French and French-Arabic translation categories, reflecting the country’s deep linguistic heritage and commitment to cultural dialogue.
Ilyass Amharar took home third place in the Arabic-French translation category for his remarkable work on “Al-Mahssoul fi Ilm al-Ossoul” by Abu Bakr Ibn al-Arabi.
His translation of this classical text into French was celebrated for its precision and eloquence, bridging two distinct linguistic traditions.
Meanwhile, Hocine Benouhachim earned second place in the French-Arabic category for his exceptional translation of “L’empire Khattabi” by Chaïm Perelman, a book that explores the rich history of the Khattabi empire.
Mohamed Ait Hanna also secured second place in the same category, with his masterful translation of “Le Comte de Monte-Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas from French into Arabic.
His work was lauded for its ability to retain the grandeur and complexity of Dumas’ iconic narrative, making it accessible to Arabic-speaking readers.
Furthermore, Abdelouahed Alami was awarded the Encouragement Prize in the French-Arabic translation category for his translation of “Le Prophète de l’Islam” by Muhammad Hamidullah.
This recognition highlights his dedication to preserving the nuances of the original text while ensuring its relevance to modern readers.
The achievements of these Moroccan translators are a testament to the country’s linguistic prowess and its active role in promoting cross-cultural understanding.
During the award ceremony, the winners expressed their immense pride in representing Morocco on the global stage.
They highlighted the significance of the country’s strong presence among the laureates, which they believe reflects the skill and open-mindedness of Moroccan translators.
In 2024, the Cheikh Hamad Prize attracted candidates from 35 countries, including 17 Arab nations, underscoring the global nature of the competition.
While French and English dominated the categories for major works, the prize also included lesser-known languages like Baluchi, Tatar, Hungarian, and Yoruba, further enhancing the diversity of linguistic contributions.
As the Moroccan translators received their well-deserved accolades, they reinforced the importance of translation in fostering international understanding and solidarity.
The Cheikh Hamad Prize continues to serve as a beacon for the promotion of literary and cultural exchanges, with Morocco firmly established as a key player in this global effort.
