طبعة إنجليزيّة لـ "تقاسيم الفلسطيني" لسناء الشّعلان (بنت نعيمة)

Translation of a Palestinian Epic

The first English edition of the short story collection "A Palestinian Rhapsody" by Dr. Sanaa Al-Shalan (Bint Na'ima) has been published by the Finnish-Arab cultural center "Enlightenment," headed by the Iraqi writer Abbas Dakhel Hassan. The translation was done by Algerian academic Dr. Chahira Zernadji and titled "Melodies of the Palestinian." The 342-page, medium-sized book has seen multiple Arabic editions and has become a valuable resource for those interested in the Palestinian cause, documenting the struggle of the Palestinian people against the occupying Zionist enemy. It has been the subject of numerous studies, research papers, meetings, and specialized critical seminars both regionally and internationally, shedding light on the literary history of the Palestinian cause and its surrounding circumstances from various perspectives.

A Tapestry of Palestinian Resistance

"Melodies of the Palestinian" is one of Dr. Sanaa Al-Shalan's (Bint Na'ima) most famous short story collections. It chronicles the history of the Palestinian cause and documents the struggle of its people for liberation and dignity. The collection consists of 174 short stories divided into seven main themes: Melodies of the Homeland, Melodies of the Prison, Melodies of the Camp, Melodies of the Diaspora, Melodies of the Arabs, Melodies of the Enemy, and Melodies of Resurrection.

This collection of short stories paints a vivid picture of the multifaceted struggle of the Palestinian people, both within and outside their homeland. It spans six decades of suffering, resistance, and unwavering determination to reclaim their land. The stories capture the details, thoughts, visions, feelings, and aspirations of a people who are steadfast in their pursuit of their sacred dream of regaining their homeland. They also depict the human, historical, political, social, religious, and intellectual dimensions surrounding this dream, which has undeniably become a beacon of hope for revolutionaries, heroes, and freedom fighters throughout modern history.

A Personal and Collective Narrative

As a creative experiment, the collection employs a concise short story format that maintains thematic unity throughout. It illuminates aspects of the Palestinian experience in all its diversity, uniqueness, and distinctiveness. It also serves as a testament to the personal experiences of Sanaa Al-Shalan herself, drawing from her unique perspective as a Palestinian woman who has witnessed firsthand the realities of her people's struggle. The stories reflect her own experiences, both intentionally and unintentionally, conveying the intimate details of her own life.

International Recognition

Regarding the English translation, translator Dr. Chahira Zernadji said, "The magic of 'A Palestinian Rhapsody' lies in its collective nature. Just as melodies intertwine in a beautiful symphony, Palestinian society itself is built on a solid foundation of resilience, their spirits unyielding, a chorus that has sung through time, carried by legions of hardship. Through our encounter with 'A Palestinian Rhapsody,' we gain a deeper appreciation for the Palestinian experience, a testament to their enduring spirit, their boundless creativity, and their remarkable adaptability. Their song, a resounding echo of steadfastness, continues to reverberate through the ages, a testament to a people and a land forever entwined."

Dr. Sanaa Al-Shalan expressed her pride in the English translation: "I am honored by this translation into English, as I am proud of 'A Palestinian Rhapsody,' which I consider a true representation of my Palestinian identity. It is a testament to my pride in the justness of my homeland's cause and a reaffirmation of its inevitable victory, no matter how long the struggle or how many sacrifices are made. This cause remains one of the most just struggles for humanity, freedom, and justice in the world, even if the achievement of complete victory and the liberation of Palestine from the yoke of occupation may be delayed."

Abbas Dakhel Hassan, the Iraqi publisher, writer, and critic who heads the Finnish-Arab Cultural Center "Enlightenment," stated, "This translation stems from the belief of the author, the translator, and the 'Enlightenment' Center in the importance of conveying the justness of the Palestinian cause to all peoples of the world. These translations provide a fair opportunity to inform humanity about the Palestinian cause, expose its injustices, and convey the suffering of the Palestinian people. Additionally, they aim to unmask the crimes of the Zionist occupation in Palestine and refute all its falsehoods, especially during this critical time in history, which is witnessing an unparalleled epic struggle between the Palestinian people, who seek to liberate their homeland, particularly in the ongoing events in Gaza and throughout Palestine, and the Zionist enemy and the colonial powers that support its occupation of Palestine and seek to solidify its ominous presence on the usurped land of Palestine.