The book Rakkonti mill-Bogħod, Stejjer Qosra mill-Użbekistan is the result of a collaborative project between the University of Malta’s Department of Translation, Terminology & Interpreting Studies and the National University of Uzbekistan’s Department of Translation Theory and Comparative Linguistics.

This initiative was made possible through an Erasmus+ ICM agreement between the two institutions.

The anthology features ten short stories by renowned Uzbek writers, including Abdulla Qahhar, Ghafur Ghulom, Sayed Ahmad, and Khayriddin Sultonov. The stories were first translated into English by Mahmuda Saydumarova, serving as a bridge for the Maltese translation. Current and former students of the department were invited to translate a short story each, under the editorial guidance of Prof. Sergio Portelli and Dr Claudine Borg.

Throughout the editing process, the editors collaborated closely with the Uzbek translator of the English version and Uzbek colleagues to ensure cultural and linguistic accuracy.

Ten translators contributed to the book: Dr David Aloisio, Nathalie Bezzina, Maria Victoria Bonello, Sephora Francalanza, Daniel Gatt, Hermanda Gauci, Jude Magro, Céline McCarthy, Nadine Micallef, and Prof. Sergio Portelli. Prof. Portelli, who has visited Uzbekistan multiple times, also wrote the book’s introduction.

During the book launch, Dr Claudine Borg, Head of the Department, highlighted the significance of this publication: “Our aim is to introduce Maltese readers to the richness of Uzbek literature and culture. To our knowledge, this is the first time Uzbek literature has been translated into Maltese.”

The book, funded by the National Book Council’s Book Fund 2024 and published by Kite Group, is now available for readers eager to explore Uzbek literature in Maltese.