الترجمة والمترجمون في البلاد التونسية في القرن التاسع عشر: جسور لاستكشاف الآخر واقتباس علومه

Translation and Translators in Tunisia in the Nintenth Centuary: Bridge of Exploration and Knowledge

Abstract

This article examines the relatively understudied phenomenon of translation activities in nineteenth-century Tunis, a crucial period in Muslim history marked by significant intellectual and cultural developments. Recognising Tunis' historical legacy as a prominent academic centre, the study contends that translation was a vital conduit for cultural exchange between the East and the West, significantly influencing mutual perceptions. The article focuses on the translation of literature in European languages into Arabic, exploring how this practice contributed to the gradual shift from Turkish to French as the primary administrative and diplomatic language. Through the lens of translation activities and evolving cultural representations, the article investigates how translated works reshaped the images of both the "East" and the "West" in their respective regions. By analyzing the motivations and methods of Tunisian translators, the study highlights their role in disseminating knowledge and fostering intellectual engagement with Western thought. Methodologically, the study adopts a comprehensive approach, incorporating historical analysis, textual examination, and critical evaluation of translation practices. The study ultimately seeks to demonstrate the pivotal role of translation in shaping modern Tunisia's cultural and intellectual landscape and its broader significance within East West relations during the 19th century.