The official Iranian newspaper, Iran, has devoted a full page to Omani literature, highlighting the Persian translation of Omani novelist Jokha al Harthy’s 'Gazelle’s Silk'.
In her article, 'In the Silk of Words', Iranian translator and writer Ma’ani Shabani described translating contemporary Omani works as “an exceptional opportunity to gain intimate insight into the lives of Omani women and the rich, distinctive local language that shapes their stories”. She added that Omani expressions felt “like a refreshing breeze from beyond the Gulf, carrying the scent of the sea, history and the presence of steadfast, strong-willed women”.
Shabani emphasised that translation, for her, became “a spiritual window onto a world brimming with secrets, beauty and discovery”, highlighting Omani literature’s balance of simplicity and depth, the use of authentic names and a vivid reflection of the natural and social landscape.
She further noted that Omani writers, including Huda Hamad, Jokha al Harthy and Zahran Al Qasimi, have created a multi-dimensional Arabic literature characterized by thoughtfulness, humanity, and profound contemplation. Persian readers, she said, gain a unique chance to discover “the other close to us,” sharing universal human experiences despite linguistic and cultural differences.
Iranian journalist Taha Hussein Farahani, in his piece 'Identity, Love and Other Things', praised Gazelle’s Silk for portraying women’s experiences with literary depth.
He highlighted how Al Harthy’s characters, while rooted in Omani culture, carry universal appeal — showcasing struggles, identity, and belonging that resonate globally.
The release of Gazelle’s Silk in Persian also highlights the expanding cultural exchange between Oman and Iran, showcasing the power of literature to transcend borders.
Scholars and readers alike see such translations as a bridge fostering mutual understanding, where stories of Omani women, their traditions and social landscapes can resonate with Persian-speaking audiences, enriching cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation.
The Persian translation of 'Gazelle’s Silk' spans 196 pages and was published by Qaqunus Printing, Translation and Publishing House, marking a growing interest in Omani literature in Iran and emphasising how these works bridge cultures through shared human experiences.
Jokha is the first Omani woman to have a novel translated into English, and Celestial Bodies is the first book translated from Arabic to win the Man Booker International Prize. She is the author of two previous collections of short fiction, a children’s book, and three novels in Arabic.
Marilyn Booth holds the Khalid bin Abdullah Al Saud Chair for the Study of the Contemporary Arab World, Oriental Institute and Magdalen College, Oxford University. In addition to her academic publications, she has translated many works of fiction from the Arabic, most recently The Penguin’s Song and No Road to Paradise, both by Lebanese novelist Hassan Daoud. — ONA
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