To increase the “discoverability” of Arabic literature and to help publishers understand the Arabic-language literary scene and publishing market, ATLAS carries the Leila-Website. It is also meant to empower translators and scholars in their promotion of Arabic literature in Europe.

The LEILA website includes a selection of 80 titles of contemporary Arabic literature. Selected by a jury of 16 scholars, translators, writers and critics, the catalog reflects the variety and richness of contemporary Arabic literature, covering a wide geographical territory within the Arab world. Well-known authors or books that have been translated into a number of languages, such as Alaa Al Aswany’s The Yacoubian building, are not included. 

The website also provides resources for publishers or those interested in Arabic literature with research papers that map translation in ten European countries between 2011 and 2021, seven short essays on trends in Arabic literature, a list of Arabic literature websites in English or other European languages, a list of translation grants, literary prizes, or cultural venues. 

This program is carried out by ATLAS, in cooperation with the Agence Karkadé, with the support of the Institut français and in the framework of its program "Livres des deux rives" (Books of two shores).

Presented by Olivia Snaije, editor of the website, freelance journalist, and Katharine Halls, Arabic-English translator, one third of teneleven, an agency for contemporary Arabic literature located in Berlin.