Celebrating Olympic Ideals: Reading Pierre de Coubertin in Arabic

Qatar Museums’ recent publication of the writings of Pierre de Coubertin, a champion of the Olympic movement, represents just one aspect of its ongoing support of these ideals. Randa Takieddine, the Director of Publications at Qatar Museums, discusses the motivation behind translating and publishing Pierre de Coubertin's selected writings in Arabic.

Q. What was the main objective behind translating and publishing Pierre de Coubertin's selected writings in Arabic? How does it fit within Qatar Museums' broader mission?

Randa Takieddine: Pierre de Coubertin is known as the ‘father of the modern Olympics’ for his role in promoting the values of the Olympic movement and reviving the Games in 1894. Coubertin believed that sport transcends boundaries and serves a higher purpose for humanity. For him, the Olympic Games represented much more than mere competitions, but rather were capable of improving the world by highlighting the values of Olympism.

This volume, presenting the first translation of his writings into Arabic, is a testament to the profound connection Qatar Museums has with these values, in particular the belief in the ability of sport to create bridges between nations. For example, when Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the country welcomed people from around the globe to celebrate the universal power of sport. The tournament served not only as a showcase for athletic excellence but also as a platform for cultural exchange, which continues as a legacy of the event.

Q. In what ways do you hope this book will influence the Arabic-speaking audience's understanding of Olympic values and the role of sports in society?

Takieddine: The publication of the Arabic edition of Coubertin’s Textes Choisis represents an important step in making the ideas and achievements of this great visionary accessible to educators, researchers and students throughout the Arabic-speaking world. The addition of this translation of his writings to the Olympic Library will also highlight how his ideals match those of the people of Qatar and the Arab world.

Q. How were the specific writings of Pierre de Coubertin chosen for this publication? 

Takieddine: The writings of Pierre de Coubertin on the Olympic movement, pedagogy, policies and games were compiled by Professor Norbert Müller and George Rioux, and published in a three-volume publication in French titled: Pierre de Coubertin: Textes Choisis in 1986. Professor Müller, who served as President of the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee (IPCC) from 2002 to 2017, was committed to spreading knowledge about Coubertin worldwide. The Arabic edition is a direct translation of the original French book.

Q. Are there plans to release further volumes or similar works that highlight the writings of other influential figures in the sports world?

Takieddine: This is the first book of the three-volume publication Pierre de Coubertin: Textes Choisis published by the International Olympic Committee.  Qatar Museums plans to publish the remaining two volumes in due course.

Q. How does this publication tie into the broader narrative and exhibits at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum?

Takieddine: 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum celebrates humanity's historical fascination with sport together with Qatar's journey to becoming a key global sports destination. It also explores the history of the Olympic Games and sports through the ages and highlights the motivational stories of renowned athletes, showing how these remarkable individuals have pushed boundaries, inspiring everyone to do the same.

The Museum aims to broaden visitors' understanding of the diversity and significance of sport throughout history worldwide, echoing Coubertin's legacy as the founder of the modern Olympic Movement, an educator, historian and strong advocate for physical education.