Introduction to Dr. Ahmed al-Saeed

Dr. Ahmed al-Saeed is a renowned Egyptian researcher, translator, and editor who has made significant contributions to the field of Chinese culture. His recent book, "China from Inside," offers a unique perspective on the Asian giant, going beyond the usual fascination with its economic miracle. In this book, Dr. al-Saeed presents China as a country with a rich cultural and intellectual heritage, highlighting its achievements, challenges, and roots.

The Motivation Behind "China from Inside"

Dr. al-Saeed’s motivation for writing "China from Inside" was a mixture of responsibility and fear. After spending over 25 years studying and working with China, he felt that his experience should be shared with the Arab reader. He wanted to present a balanced view of China, beyond the Western distortion that portrays it as a closed and mysterious country. Dr. al-Saeed’s goal was to show China as it truly is, with its great achievements, realistic challenges, and cultural and intellectual roots.

Comparison with "My Years in China"

Dr. al-Saeed’s book "China from Inside" is different from his earlier book "My Years in China." While "My Years in China" was a personal and impressionistic account of his experiences in China, "China from Inside" is a more mature and in-depth work that tries to read China’s deep structure. Dr. al-Saeed wrote and rewrote the book several times, tearing up complete copies to avoid falling into the trap of propaganda or being burdensome to the reader.

Chinese Culture and Its Curiosity

Chinese culture is considered curious because it is an exception in human history, with a civilization that has continued for thousands of years without interruption. The whole world is fascinated by China’s ability to withstand and thrive, and Dr. al-Saeed believes that this curiosity is driven by a desire to understand the secret of China’s success. However, the Chinese person is often polite and gentle but surrounds himself with caution, which can lead to misunderstandings and doubts between China and the outside world.

Misunderstandings Between Arab and Chinese Cultures

There are several points of misunderstanding between Arab and Chinese cultures, including the economy, values, and philosophy. Many people reduce China to its economic power, without considering its system of values and old philosophy, such as respect for time, centralization of harmony, and the concept of "facial." Another misunderstanding is China’s reading with the perspective of the Soviet experience, as if Chinese socialism is only a duplicate, while the Chinese model is unique.

The Image of Arabs in Chinese Consciousness

The image of Arabs in Chinese consciousness is complex, with a romantic picture that belongs to literature, such as "One Thousand and One Nights," and a negative picture influenced by Western media, which portrays Arabs as violent and chaotic. However, Dr. al-Saeed believes that the truth is lost between these two pictures, and that Chinese intellectuals and researchers know more about the Arabs, recognizing their partnership on the "Silk Road" and the track left by Muslim merchants in Chinese cities.

Dr. al-Saeed’s Story with the Chinese Language

Dr. al-Saeed’s story with the Chinese language started by chance, when he joined the Chinese department at Al-Azhar University. However, it was when he traveled to China that the language turned from a functional path to a key to civilization. Dr. al-Saeed learned that the Chinese language is not just a symbol, but a picture that carries a philosophy, and that the word is not alone enough, but its context, music, and body signal are essential.

Translation and Publishing

Dr. al-Saeed’s decisions as a translator are determined by the value and ability of the text to be a bridge between cultures. He looks for work that opens a new window, whether it is complex texts that show a new dimension in Chinese thought or literary texts that reflect common humanity. Dr. al-Saeed believes that translation is not a trade, but a civilized responsibility, and that the translator is a messenger between two cultures.

The Place of Contemporary Arab Literature in Chinese Culture

Contemporary Arab literature is almost unknown in China, with only a few authors like Naguib Mahfouz, Mahmoud Darwish, and Adonis being recognized. Dr. al-Saeed believes that this is a failure to transfer Arab creative production to China, and that literature is the most honest face of a nation, showing its weaknesses and strengths. He thinks that the transfer of Arabic literature is not a luxury, but a need to formulate a balanced relationship between the two peoples.

The Vision Behind "The House of Wisdom"

Dr. al-Saeed’s publishing house, "The House of Wisdom," was not just a publisher, but an attempt to build an institutional bridge between Arab and Chinese cultures. The house has published over 1,000 books, with the help of over 130 translators, and has a vision to create a complete life cycle for the text, including printed books, digital versions, audio recordings, visual content, and participation in universities.

Conclusion

Dr. Ahmed al-Saeed’s work is a testament to the importance of cultural exchange and understanding between nations. His book "China from Inside" offers a unique perspective on China, and his publishing house, "The House of Wisdom," is a bridge between Arab and Chinese cultures. Dr. al-Saeed’s passion for translation and publishing is driven by a desire to promote mutual understanding and respect, and his work is an inspiration to anyone interested in exploring the complexities of Chinese culture and its relationship with the Arab world.