On December 1, the presentation of the first edition of Hryhoriy Skovoroda’s works in Arabic was held at the DAU. The event was organized on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the famous Ukrainian philosopher, humanist educator, poet, and teacher Hryhorii Skovoroda. The participants of the presentation had the opportunity to watch the trailer of the documentary film about Hryhoriy Skovoroda.
The film about the great philosopher will be released on December 3, the 300th birthday of the artist. The film is directed by Stanislav Litvinov. A pleasant surprise for the guests was the participation in the event of the famous Ukrainian cultural figure, art historian, and bandura player Taras Kompanichenko, who performed unique kobzar and lyrnyk pieces.
Maksym Subkh, Special Representative of Ukraine for the Middle East and Africa:
“The influence of the Arabic language on shaping the position of entire countries and regions is extremely important. Through such works as this one, we not only disseminate information among the Arabic-speaking world about the geniuses of Ukrainian culture, literature, and philosophy but also use the so-called “soft power”, which in our turbulent times, the times of Russian aggression against Ukraine, is of great importance and gives its results and its fruits.”
Hennadii Nadolenko, Director of DAU:
“According to Skovoroda, a person can know the essence of all things only when he knows himself. In these words of the Ukrainian philosopher, you can see all Ukrainians. Because the war started by Russia changed us and opened the secret that we have always had – our courage, endurance, and our love for freedom. Our foreign friends and partners are also going through the same path, discovering and getting to know Ukraine anew.”
Ihor Ostash, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Lebanon (2016-2022):
“We are well aware of the importance of translating the works of Ukrainian artists into Arabic. These are one and a half billion carriers who should learn more about Ukraine and our culture”.
Imadeddine Raef, translator, and Ukrainian expert:
“The path to Hryhoriy Skovoroda went through the works of Agatangel Krymsky, Ivan Franko, Lesya Ukrainka, Vasyl Barsky, three modern novels, and dozens of essays and works. And today we are opening for the Arab readers the great works of Hryhoriy Skovoroda”.
