Inauguration of the 1st Hassouna D’ghies Annual Translation Forum Held in Tripoli
TRIPOLI, Libya — Marking International Translation Day, which is observed annually on September 30, the Libyan Center for Research and Studies organized the inaugural edition of the Hassouna D’ghies Annual Translation Forum on Wednesday morning, September 30, 2026.
Held under the theme “The Translation of World Literature into Arabic,” the forum featured an academic symposium convening prominent translators, scholars, and translation enthusiasts to discuss world literature, its translation into Arabic, and Libya’s engagement with this rich literary creativity.
Key Discussions and Academic Papers
Participants presented insightful research papers addressing the current state of translation, its ongoing challenges, and the persistent gap between isolated individual efforts and the vital need for state sponsorship. The speakers emphasized that government backing is essential to elevate creative translation works to the highest standards of quality across translation, printing, and publication.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of several high-ranking academic and official figures, including:
- Prof. Dr. Khaled Aoun, President of the University of Tripoli.
- Prof. Dr. Mansour Amara Al-Taif, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Languages at the University of Tripoli.
- Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Deek, from the University of Tripoli.
- Prof. Dr. Hussein Aoun, Professor of Islamic Studies at the Asmariya Islamic University.
Distinguished academic papers explored the translator’s role in conveying the image and culture of the “Other,” as well as the context of literary translation in Libya.
Opening Session & Speeches
The opening session was chaired and moderated by poet and researcher Mr. Khaled Darwish.
- Mr. Mahmoud Al-Ghotmi, Head of the Libyan Center for Research and Studies, delivered the welcoming address, greeting the participating academics and guests whose engagement enriched the subsequent discussions.
- Prof. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Gaber, Professor of Translation, Academic Researcher, and Head of the Forum’s Scientific Committee, followed with an address.
- Dr. Mofida Khaled Al-Zaqouzi, Director of Research Affairs and Consultations at the Libyan Authority for Scientific Research, delivered the third address.
- Prof. Dr. Mohammed Mustafa bin Al-Haj, Vice President of the Academy of the Arabic Language, concluded the opening speeches by highlighting the translation movement in Libya and its role in the advancement and renaissance of nations.
Scientific Sessions
The forum’s proceedings were divided into two main scientific sessions:
- First Scientific Session: Chaired by Dr. Mohammed Jumaa Zaqud (Al-Mergib University), featuring four research papers presented by:
- Prof. Dr. Mohammed Mustafa bin Al-Haj (Academy of the Arabic Language)
- Dr. Hamza Al-Thalab (University of Tripoli)
- Prof. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Gaber (Libyan Academy for Graduate Studies)
- Mr. Abdul-Salam Al-Ghryani (Translator, Writer, and Researcher)
- Second Scientific Session: Chaired by Dr. Hamza Al-Thalab, featuring three research papers presented by:
- Dr. Mohammed Jumaa Zaqud (Al-Mergib University)
- Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Lafi et al. (University of Tripoli)
- Dr. Ahmed Attia Al-Imam (Libyan Authority for Scientific Research)
Conclusion and Recommendations
The concluding discussions and interventions generated significant value, featuring active contributions from prominent researchers, translators, and academics—including Dr. Khaled Aoun, Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Deek, Dr. Jamal Abdel-Moneim Al-Zawi, and Mr. Khaled Darwish.
The event concluded with the reading of the forum’s official recommendations, formulated through collaborative discussions among the participating researchers. Finally, certificates of appreciation were awarded to the researchers in recognition of their valuable contributions to the success of the forum.
