MANILA — For the first time in history, José Rizal’s classic novel Noli Me Tangere will be translated into Arabic, a milestone project spearheaded by the Philippine Embassy in Iraq in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

In an announcement posted on the embassy’s official Facebook page, officials confirmed that the translation will render Rizal’s 1887 novel from its original Spanish into Modern Arabic, making the national hero’s work accessible to millions of Arabic-speaking readers across the Middle East and North Africa.

“As a prolific writer, Dr. Rizal has several published works. But none are more important or influential than his two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo,” the embassy said in its statement.

The project coincides with the 50th anniversary of Philippine-Iraq bilateral relations, underscoring cultural diplomacy as a key pillar of the partnership. Officials noted that the translation aims to deepen appreciation of Rizal’s legacy and foster greater understanding of Philippine history and values among Arabic-speaking communities.

The NHCP welcomed the initiative, stressing that Rizal’s works remain vital in promoting nationalism and civic consciousness. Noli Me Tangere, which exposed the abuses of Spanish colonial rule, is considered one of the most influential novels in Philippine history and continues to be required reading in schools.

Scholars and cultural advocates hailed the translation as a breakthrough, noting that it will allow Rizal’s ideas on freedom, justice, and social reform to resonate with new audiences. The embassy said copies of the Arabic edition will be distributed to universities, libraries, and cultural institutions across Iraq and other Arab countries once the project is completed.

This marks the first time Rizal’s seminal novel will be officially available in Arabic, joining its existing translations in English, German, French, Japanese, and other languages.

When Rizal Travels, Filipino Ideas Travel With Him

This moment carries quiet weight.

The Arabic translation of Noli Me Tangere expands Rizal’s reach in a meaningful way. His writing on dignity, abuse of power, and social awakening speaks across cultures because these struggles remain familiar in many societies today. Opening the novel to Arabic-speaking readers invites dialogue beyond borders and time.

There is pride in seeing the Philippines share literature instead of labor stories or crisis headlines. This project places Filipino thought in global circulation through history, language, and ideas that still matter.

Cultural diplomacy often feels distant, yet this effort feels concrete. A novel enters classrooms, libraries, and conversations in another region of the world. That is influence built through words, not spectacle.

Rizal believed ideas could shape consciousness and awaken courage. Allowing Noli Me Tangere to speak Arabic honors that belief. It affirms that Filipino stories carry relevance beyond national identity. They belong in global spaces, contributing insight, memory, and perspective through literature that continues to resonate.