The Silent Revolution Transforming the Middle East

For Diana, translation work offers a unique opportunity to enhance her own perspectives and forge lasting change in the region

Illustration by Lana Al-Jaf

Navigating my upbringing in Latakia, Syria, felt like moving through a maze with invisible barriers. Latakia, a relatively small city located on the Mediterranean coast, has seen a significant influx of displaced individuals from rebel-held regions as a result of the ongoing civil war. In a society riddled with censorship and educational suppression, where innovative thought was stifled, and critical thinking discouraged, I found myself constantly clashing with the limitations placed upon us. This environment, dense with dogma at every turn, severely restricted intellectual freedom and progress. Many people around me were too intimidated to voice their ideas for fear of societal backlash, and the consequences of straying from the state-sanctioned line of thought were severe. Friends vanished for their outspoken views, educators covertly cautioned us, and the pervasive fear of judgment shadowed our every interaction. Yet, my thirst for knowledge was insatiable, driving me to explore beyond the imposed boundaries and establish my own informed perspectives.

My path was profoundly altered when I encountered activists from the House of Wisdom 2.0, a program by Ideas Beyond Borders that champions educational liberation. Their hunger for knowledge and education as tools to defy oppression resonated deeply with me, compelling me to join their cause. I didn’t feel so alone anymore. I connected with like-minded individuals and set out on a mission to dismantle the shackles of ignorance and bring enlightenment to those deprived of it.

Despite our diverse origins and backgrounds spanning the Middle East, our team cultivated a harmonious atmosphere from day one, functioning as a cohesive family of translators united by shared visions and ambitions. Leveraging a dedicated Facebook group as our virtual hub, we engage in lively discussions and seek guidance on intricate translation challenges, drawing on the collective expertise of our multifaceted team. The synergy between us not only nurtures individual growth but also ensures the precision and excellence of our translations. Every query finds a comprehensive response within our tight-knit community, ensuring our unity of purpose and commitment to collective success. 

Our work extends beyond simple book distribution. We engage deeply in the translation process, understanding that it is not merely a linguistic task but a cultural bridge. Each project requires us to inhabit the writers’ eras, grasp their perspectives, and deliver their insights authentically to a new audience. This often involves overcoming substantial obstacles, such as translating untranslatable concepts and conveying context-specific nuances.

We took on projects including translating Tim Urban’s What is Our Problem into Arabic, which introduced complex ideas about human behavior and societal issues to the MENA region. This translation sparked vital discourse on personal responsibility and societal reform. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we translated crucial medical articles that equipped the Arabic-speaking community with lifesaving knowledge amid rampant misinformation. Seeing the fruits of our labor come to fruition has been a surreal and gratifying experience. With every mind that is opened, the region takes a step closer to prosperity and stability. Providing people with a positive alternative to extremism is sometimes all it takes to spark change that spreads. 

Each project has been transformative, challenging me to confront my own preconceptions and expand my understanding of various cultures. Through this work, I've come to see translation as a powerful tool for empathy and connection, bridging disparate worlds through the shared experience of language.

The impact of our work is tangible and contagious. This cultural shift is gradually enabling individuals to challenge injustices, reject extremism, and embrace diverse viewpoints. Once, a close friend expressed rigid and antiquated opinions to me during a social gathering. Instead of becoming defensive or argumentative, I used my honed discourse skills to effectively persuade her through the application of reason. In a culture dominated by emotion and outdated convictions, the ability to employ logic has emerged as a crucial tool in reshaping perspectives. 

Looking back, my path has been fraught with challenges, both personal and professional. Yet, the rewards—intellectual enrichment, emotional growth, and the profound satisfaction of contributing to societal advancement—have been immeasurable. We’re changing the MENA region for the better, one idea at a time. 

I obtained a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from Tishreen University in Syria. However, my passion for knowledge recently outgrew the confines of my homeland, so I relocated to Italy to further my education. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in nanobiotechnologies at the University of Pavia. My goal is clear: to harness my scientific acumen to advance human knowledge as a dedicated researcher. The stability and security I have found in this new environment have afforded me the luxury of dedicating my undivided attention to my academic pursuits, unencumbered by the constraints I faced in Latakia. 

While my heart aches with longing for the familiar comforts of home—for the embrace of family and friends, for the cherished memories—I know I am doing the right thing by being here. Each day, I am driven by the aspiration that my work will serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of our beleaguered nation, showcasing the fortitude of the Syrian people to the world.

Supported by Ideas Beyond Borders, we continue to push forward, inspired by the potential to reshape our realities. Our commitment to promoting an intellectually vibrant society remains unwavering. I am grateful for this journey and excited about the future it promises, where freedom of thought prevails, and diverse perspectives are not only acknowledged and unfettered—but celebrated.

This article was written by Diana Naous.