The Kitāb al-šiʿr is one of al-Fārābī’s three short treatises on poetics, along with the Maqāla fī qawānīn ṣināʿat al-šuʿarāʾ and the Qawl al-Fārābī fī l-tanāsub wa-l-taʾlīf. There we find an extensive exposition of his theory of imitation (muḥākāt) and its goal, namely evocation of mental images (taḫyīl). However, the actual significance of this work and its purpose emerge only from an integrated reading of al-Fārābī’s three writings on poetics: as I shall argue, the K. al-šiʿr constitutes the connecting link between the M. fī qawānīn ṣināʿat al-šuʿarāʾ and the Q. fī l-tanāsub wa-l-taʾlīf, and a pivotal stage in the development of al-Fārābī’s philosophical poetics. [MZ]

The Hebrew translation of al-Fārābī’s Kitāb al-šiʿr is preserved in only two manuscripts. The relationship of these two manuscripts to one another and to the original text will be briefly discussed, whereas the main focus will be given to the Arabic component in the Hebrew translation. Lastly, the translation technique will be also shortly commented upon. [VCH]

Analyses are being co-presented by Marianna Zarantonello (Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen), and Vasiliki Chamourgiotaki (Freie Universität Berlin), both contributors to the editio maior of Aristotle's Poetics, directed by Dimitri Gutas and Beatrice Gruendler.

The research colloquium presents international guest speakers in alternation with Close Reading Sessions on text editing questions.

Colloquium sessions are being held in a hybrid fashion, combining personal encounter with the advantages of remote access. Participants meet every Thursday from 12:15 to 1:45 pm (CET).

Colleagues, visiting scholars, and students (Arabic Studies or related disciplines) are cordially invited to participate. We especially welcome researchers based elsewhere than Freie Universität Berlin to join us for any one (or more) sessions.

For registration and hybrid link, please mail to: oualid.el.khattabi@fu-berlin.de