The Little Humpbacked Horse is now in Arabic! Thank you, Ibrahim Istanbully.

Translator Ibrahim Istanbully (Syria): “Russian culture is the oxygen that humanity breathes”

Sergey Vinogradov

09.04.2025

The first translation of the Russian fairy tale The Little Humpbacked Horse has spread across all Arab countries, and its author, Syrian Ibrahim Istanbully, was recently awarded the XIX International Pyotr Ershov Prize. His translations of Russian classics and contemporary authors are regularly published in large print runs in Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Syria, Kuwait, Lebanon, and other Arab nations.

At one time, the magical horse that lifted him to new heights was Soviet education. The degree from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) and the medical knowledge he acquired while studying in Moscow once helped Ibrahim Istanbully climb to top positions in the healthcare sector of his homeland.

The translator told Russkiy Mir that after retiring, he devoted himself to fulfilling a student dream — introducing his compatriots to the wonders of Russian literature, which he had fallen in love with during his time in Moscow.

“To the Long-Awaited Moscow”

“I am Ibrahim Istanbully, a neurologist by profession, closer to a psychiatrist,” he says of himself. “I was born in a small Syrian village, the administrative center of a district, located 10 km east of the city of Baniyas on the Mediterranean coast. My father was a hardworking farmer who worked on his plot from early morning and, in the remaining hours, ran a small shop selling a bit of everything to provide for the family’s basic needs.

I am the third of his children. My father dreamed of his sons getting an education and making something of themselves, but life was tough. My older brothers joined the army to earn a living and help the rest of us study.

During my childhood, there were no doctors or even nurses in our village. So, it was only natural that I dreamed of becoming a doctor. After graduating from school with honors, I entered the medical faculty at the prestigious Damascus University, where competition was fierce.”

– How did you end up studying in Moscow?

“I studied in Damascus for just one year, but it was difficult for my father to pay for my education, as it was expensive — 50 pounds a month. That’s when some older comrades from the Syrian Communist Party suggested that I go to the cherished Moscow for my studies. Thus, in 1976, I found myself at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.”

“Chekhov and Shukshin Had a Calming Effect on Me”

– Do you remember how you learned Russian and got acquainted with Russian literature?

“Even at the preparatory faculty in Moscow, I showed great interest in Russian language classes. Soon, I genuinely fell in love with Russian literature. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful Russian language teacher who noticed my passion and supported me. She invited me to the theater and even gave me a book of Pushkin’s poems — that’s how it all started.

Since I had little money, my only indulgence was going to the movies and occasionally to the theater. I mostly socialized with Soviet students and became friends with a Russian family.

Gradually, my reading list grew. I read everything — newspapers, magazines, books. Imagine: I read every issue of Izvestia and Pravda from cover to cover every day. Especially the lengthy articles, and not necessarily just literary ones.

Of course, I also read fiction. I was particularly fond of Chekhov and Shukshin; their works had a calming effect on me. Besides, I became fascinated with the poetry of the great Lermontov. I even traveled to Pyatigorsk to walk in the footsteps of the legendary Pechorin. And, of course, I fell in love with the poems of Sergei Yesenin and Marina Tsvetaeva. In short, I became a true Russophile!”

“Why Russian Culture?”

– What was it about Russian culture that attracted you so much?

“Everything! Russian culture is like oxygen that humanity breathes — a rainbow against the grim international backdrop. I cannot imagine the world without Russian culture.”

– How did Moscow impress you?

“I loved Moscow. It represented kindness and peace. Moscow was the kindest, most humane city in the world! And the people there were the kindest and most beautiful… For me, it remains the same today.”

“Soviet Education Was the Best in the World”

– Did Soviet education help you succeed in life?

“Absolutely. After returning home, I worked as a neurologist, first in a private clinic, then at the main city hospital. I eventually became the head of the neurology department at the largest state clinic. Later, I was appointed chief neurologist at the city health department in Tartus.

In 2017, I retired at my own request, though they tried to persuade me to stay. I want to emphasize that I proved in practice that Soviet higher education was the best, and Soviet medicine was the most humane. I earned the respect of colleagues and patients alike.

Since around 2000, I have been translating literature — artistic and otherwise. Initially, I did it sporadically, but eventually, it became a regular activity. I like to believe that I have gained some recognition for it throughout the Arab world.”

“Why Did You Take Up Translating The Little Humpbacked Horse?”

“Because it is a very wise and educational Russian fairy tale. A great fairy tale. So many people around the world have watched and learned from the magnificent Soviet animated film based on The Little Humpbacked Horse, and they still do and will continue to do so.

I decided to translate it into Arabic so that people could read it to their children, especially since the Arabic library is lacking good children’s books. This, by the way, also motivated me to translate The Three Fat Men by the wonderful Russian writer Yuri Olesha — it was published in Damascus.”

– What were the challenges in translating this rhymed fairy tale?

“I translated it in verse. There were no major difficulties, but some complex expressions and phrases required me to research their meanings. Translation work demands a good understanding of the culture of the language from which you are translating.”

– Where can people find the book, and what has been the response?

“The book is now available in bookstores throughout the Arab countries. It is the first printed edition of the great Russian writer’s wise fairy tale. The response has been very positive, and the many lovers of Russian literature in the Arab world — and there are many — have warmly embraced the book.”

“Russian Literature Is Like a Taiga Full of Riches”

– You have translated philosophers and top-tier Russian classics. Why take on The Little Humpbacked Horse?

“Because it is a very wise and instructive Russian fairy tale. A great tale. Many people worldwide have watched the splendid Soviet animated film based on The Little Humpbacked Horse and continue to do so.

I wanted to translate it into Arabic so that people could read it to their children, especially considering the lack of good children’s books in the Arabic library. This also motivated me to translate The Three Fat Men by the wonderful Russian writer Yuri Olesha — it was published in Damascus.”

– What are your plans for the future?

“I often say that Russian literature is like a taiga — full of immense treasures that need to be unearthed. There is so much work to be done to introduce readers in the Arab world to all the wonders of Russian culture and literature.

I have ambitious plans and even more desires for the future. God willing, I will be able to fulfill all my dreams in this very important and noble endeavor.

In any case, I plan to pass the baton to my children. I can proudly say that my son Shiraz is already following the same path. Long live the great Russian culture!”