Arabic

Arabia refers to the Arabian Peninsula, located in Western Asia and bordered by the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Arabian Sea. It is the birthplace of Islam and home to key religious sites in Mecca and Medina. The region includes modern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Historically, Arabia was a center for trade and cultural exchange due to its strategic location. The region’s landscape is dominated by vast deserts, including the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), the largest sand desert in the world.

The language

The Arabic language originated in Arabia and belongs to the Semitic language family. It is written from right to leftand features a script based on 22 basic letters with additional marks for pronunciation. Arabic has influenced many other languages, including Spanish, Persian, and Swahili. It is the sacred language of the Qur’an and remains central to Islamic culture and identity. Modern Standard Arabic is used in media and formal communication, while many regions have distinct spoken dialects.

Asterix in Arabic

Arabic-speaking fans of Asterix can enjoy the adventures of Asterix and his friends in Arabic. Notable translations include:

1. “أستريكس و التُّورس المختفى” (Asterix and the Missing Shield): This is the Arabic version of “Le Bouclier Arverne” (Asterix and the Chieftain’s Shield).
2. “أستريكس و القدر المعدنية” (Asterix and the Copper Cauldron): This corresponds to “Le Chaudron” (Asterix and the Cauldron).
3. “أستريكس فى جزيرة كورسيكا” (Asterix in Corsica): The Arabic translation of “Astérix en Corse” (Asterix in Corsica).
4. “أستريكس بطل الأبطال” (Asterix the Champion of Champions): This is the Arabic version of “Astérix le Gaulois” (Asterix the Gaul).
5. “أستريكس و المنجل الذهبى” (Asterix and the Golden Sickle): The translation of “La Serpe d’or” (Asterix and the Golden Sickle).
6. “أستريكس و كليوباترا” (Asterix and Cleopatra): This corresponds to “Astérix et Cléopâtre” (Asterix and Cleopatra).
7. “أستريكس و إكليل الغار” (Asterix and the Laurel Wreath): The Arabic version of “Les Lauriers de César” (Asterix and the Laurel Wreath).
8. “أستريكس و العراف” (Asterix and the Soothsayer): This is the translation of “Le Devin” (Asterix and the Soothsayer).

These translations were published by Dar El Maaref, a prominent publishing house in Egypt and Lebanon. Initially, the albums were printed in Lebanon and later in Egypt.

2007 release

In 2007 an Arabic translation of Asterix and the Magic Carpet was released by Éditions Albert René. The translation was done by Jamal Shaheed. The title “مغامرات أستيريكس في ديار رهزاد” translates to “The Adventures of Asterix in the Land of Rehzad” in English.