How did Arabic translations of European works introduce the novel and drama?

The introduction of the novel and drama into Arabic literature was a central feature of the 19th-century Arabic literary renaissance, a movement spurred by increased contact with the West.12

The Novel

The novel established itself through the popularity of early Arabic translations of European fiction, particularly works by Jules Verne and Alexandre Dumas, père. These translations, alongside imitations by Arab writers, helped the genre gain traction within the intellectual shifts of the 19th century. The development was further supported by the emergence of the Arabic press, which provided a platform for serializing novels in journals, a practice that became a standard pattern for decades.31

Drama

Modern Arabic drama is also traced to Western influence during the renaissance. In 1847, Mārūn al-Naqqāsh produced an adaptation of Molière's L'Avare in Beirut, marking the beginning of the modern tradition of staged, text-based drama. These early efforts involved "Egyptianizing" or adapting European plays to suit local audiences, often by changing locales and using colloquial language. Over time, this evolved from simple adaptations and translations into the creation of original plays that addressed contemporary social and political issues.456