الأهمّيّة المعاصرة لدراسات طريق الحرير القديم في البناء المشترك لمبادرة "الحزام والطريق" / The Contemporary Significance of the Study of the Ancient Silk Road from the Perspective of Arabic Geographical Classics to the Coconstruction of the “Belt and Road” Between China and Arab Countries

Abstract

Abstract Both China and Arab countries are great nations with long histories and splendid cultures. The Silk Road and the Spice Road are great transportation projects jointly created by people of all countries. These two roads were the main routes for concecting China with Arab countries, and the main artery for connecting the West and the East. China and Arabia have long-term friendly exchanges, and thus have close cultural relations. The Chinese and Arab people learn from each other to enrich and develop their respective cultures. The historical process of developing friendly relations between the two great nations is the glorious course of their great contribution to the progress of human civilization. Since ancient times, in the process of civilization exchanges and mutual learning on the ancient Silk Road, China and Arab countries have inevitably left many traces of mutual records, especially in geographical classics and ancient maps, thus forming a cognitive impression of the two sides. Moreover, this impression continues to develop and deepen with the changes of the times. By interpreting the written records of the China-Arab exchanges on the Silk Road in Chinese and Arabic geographical books and ancient maps, and comparing Chinese and Arab classics, the research results show that traditional friendship is the main theme of China-Arab exchanges. This provides historical experience and contemporary inspiration for the co-construction of the “Belt and Road” between China and Arab countries, and contributes to building a community with a shared future between China and Arab countries and a community with a shared future for mankind.