Orientalist Ambivalence: Translating the Quran in the Dutch Republic

Abstract

This article compares the first two Dutch translations of the Quran printed in the Dutch Republic: De Arabische Alkoran (1641) published by Barent Adriaensz Berentsma and Mahomets Alkoran (1657) published by Jan Rieuwertsz. It builds upon previous bibliographic research by quantifying the abbreviation of the Surahs in the two editions, identifying the sources of the paratexts, and describing the different strategies for translation. This analysis reveals how different editing choices reflect contradictory ideological attitudes among the publishers and translators involved. These producers of the first Quran translations echoed the widespread hostility towards Islam in Western discourses while also highlighting the peaceful nature of Muhammad and the similarities between the Bible and the Quran. This 'Orientalist ambivalence' not only resonated in local debates about freedom of conscience among Amsterdam Mennonites, but also signalled a more fundamental epistemologica! uncertainty following the rise of Cartesianism in the Dutch Early Enlightenment.