Alessandro Bausani’s 1955 translation of the Quran remains a foundational Italian text, noted for its academic rigor, philological precision, and comprehensive commentary. The work serves as both a linguistic bridge, preserving the rhythmic structure of the original Arabic, and a scholarly guide to Islamic theology. For an in-depth, annotated version, you can consult the available scholarly resources at IRIS unive.it . IL CORANO.pdf - IRIS
Bausani was not a theologian but a historian of religions and a scholar of Islamic mysticism (he also translated Persian poets like ʿUmar Khayyām and Rūmī). This dual lens allowed him to avoid two common pitfalls. First, he did not read the Quran through a Christian lens (unlike many earlier Catholic translators who looked for “types” of Jesus or “prophecies” of Muhammad as a heretic). Second, he did not reduce the Quran to a purely historical document of 7th-century Arabia.
Unlike many translators of his era who relied on secondary Latin or French translations (such as those by Maracci or Savary), Bausani was a master of direct philological analysis. He was fluent in classical Arabic, Persian, and Turkish. Furthermore, he was a scholar of the Baháʼí faith and Islamic heterodoxy, which gave him a unique sensitivity to the esoteric and linguistic nuances of the Quran.
The book's lasting value lies in its holistic approach. Bausani masterfully integrates the original text with a profound interpretative framework. This framework is a testament to his lifelong dedication to understanding the Islamic world not as a foreign entity, but as a complex civilization with its own internal coherence. His work continues to be cited in contemporary studies on Islamic theology, law, and mysticism, and his translation remains a benchmark for any new Italian rendition of the Quran. Bausani Il Corano.pdf
From the oneness of existence to the diverse paths, The Quran speaks, through the hearts of scholars and sages. In Italian prose, a window opens wide, To the soul of Islam, where love and peace reside."
What makes Bausani's version stand out among the many Italian translations of the Qur'an is its profound scholarly depth. It is far more than a simple translation; it is a comprehensive study guide to the sacred text.
Sansoni [1955]. LXXX, 784 S. 8°. L. 4000.-(= Classici ... - Brill Alessandro Bausani’s 1955 translation of the Quran remains
The 1955 edition (and its later revisions) includes:
For decades, the name Alessandro Bausani has been synonymous with the bridge between the Italian language and the profound spiritual world of Islam. His translation of the Qur’an, first published by Sansoni in 1955 , remains a cornerstone of Italian Islamic studies—not just for its linguistic precision, but for the empathetic, scholarly "soul" Bausani poured into the work.
You can learn more about this work and find academic resources through major library archives and reputable digital repositories. Share public link IL CORANO
For students, researchers, or those interested in interfaith dialogue, the "Bausani edition" is the primary reference point in the Italian-speaking world.
Alessandro Bausani’s Il Corano is recognized as a definitive Italian translation, balancing scholarly precision with the poetic essence of the original Arabic text. Published by Bur Rizzoli, this work is characterized by its modern language and extensive scholarly commentary, offering a reliable, nuanced understanding of the Quran for researchers and readers. For more information regarding Bausani's work, you can explore academic resources or library catalogs.
His translation, published by Sansoni in Florence in 1955 under the title Il Corano: Traduzione commentata , was a revolutionary act of Italian literature. It was the first Italian translation to abandon the heavily biblical or archaic Italian used by previous translators and instead opt for a modern, scientific, yet poetic prose.