Kiev prepares Koran’s publication in Ukrainian

The director of the "Osnovy” Printing House Dana Pavlichko noted that the first edition of Holy Koran in Ukrainian will be presented in the beginning of March. Pavlichko said: "Koran is not only the main book of Islam. It is a part of the world heritage. This book should be in library of each house. Ukraine is a multinational country. Koran will help us to get to know each others and be more familiarized.”

Koran’s translation into old Ukrainian was first attempted in the 17th century. Alexander Abranchak-Lisenetsky, polyglot from Lvov translated Koran into modern Ukrainian, however, the text was never published. The current translation was officially approved by the commission of King Fahd Center in Medina. Mikhail Yakubovich, PhD in history did the translation.

Yakubovich said: "Koran’s direct translation from Arabic language was never made in Ukraine. Only some parts were translated, which are not completely successful. I have worked for a long time in the Islamic religious lexicology. I choose such definitions that they will be comprehensible for Ukrainian reader and reflect the essence of the original.”