Major Arab book exhibition held outside the Arab region in Istanbul, attracting over 40,000 attendees
The 10th International Arab Book Fair, held in Istanbul, is making headlines as the largest Arabic cultural event in Turkey and the biggest Arabic book fair outside the Arab world. This nine-day event, running from Saturday until next week, is attracting over 300 publishers from more than 20 countries and engaging Arab and Turkish universities, schools, and civil society.
The fair's slogan, "Arabic to Remain," underlines the message that Arabic language and literature continue to thrive in Istanbul's multicultural environment. The event serves as a major cultural bridge, fostering exchange and strengthened ties between Arabs and Turks, especially through the presence of a large Arab diaspora and Arabic language students in Turkey.
Among the fair's highlights is a small section of the Egyptian Cultural Center's pavilion featuring replicas of artifacts from the Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Notably, Palestinian activist Nael Barghouthi participated in a protest at the book fair under the title "The Free Voice of Gaza... Martyrs of the Truth."
This year's fair also includes new features such as a special section for discounted books, a partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Foundation's "With Arabic" initiative, and a new section dedicated to Turkish literature translated into Arabic.
The fair is organized by the International Association of Arabic Book Publishers, in coordination with the Turkish Publishers Association and the Union of Turkish Publishers. Mehdi Al-Jumaili, President of the International Association of Arab Book Publishers, stated that the Arabic language connects Arabs with Turks and Kurds.
The fair is considered the largest Arab cultural event in Turkey and has drawn significant attention, with 9,317 visitors on the first day and attendance reaching 40,000 by the fourth day. Istanbul Governor Davut Gul attended the opening ceremony, emphasizing that the Arabic language is not only for Arab communities but also a language of culture and civilization.
In a statement, the organizers of the book fair condemned the targeting of journalists Anas Al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqa by the Israeli occupation and called on human rights and media organizations to protect journalists in Gaza. They also condemned international complicity in the crimes of the occupation and the shameful silence of Arab and Islamic states in the face of this "dirty war." The organizers concluded their statement with prayers for Gaza's martyrs, wishing patience and solace for their families, and vowing to keep the flame of the free word alive.
Mehmet AgırAkca, the General Coordinator of the book fair, stated that the event is aimed at members of the diaspora, Arabic language enthusiasts, and youth in Turkey. Türkiye has become a hub for the transit of Arabic books from Arab countries and Istanbul to Europe and the rest of the world. The fair is a nonprofit initiative, making it an even more significant event for the promotion and preservation of Arabic language and culture.
- Despite being held outside the Arab world, the 10th International Arab Book Fair in Istanbul, Turkey, is the largest Arabic cultural event and the biggest Arabic book fair.
- The event is attracting over 300 publishers from more than 20 countries, engaging Arab and Turkish universities, schools, and civil society.
- One of the fair's highlights is a section of the Egyptian Cultural Center's pavilion featuring replicas of artifacts from the Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
- This year, the fair includes new features like a discounted books section, a partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Foundation's "With Arabic" initiative, and a new section dedicated to Turkish literature translated into Arabic.
- The fair is organized by the International Association of Arabic Book Publishers, in coordination with the Turkish Publishers Association and the Union of Turkish Publishers.
- The fair has drawn significant attention, with 9,317 visitors on the first day and attendance reaching 40,000 by the fourth day, indicating its importance to both Arab and Turkish communities.
- The fair organizers have condemned the targeting of journalists Anas Al-Sharif and Mohammed Qreiqa by the Israeli occupation and called for protection of journalists in Gaza, expressing their support for the martyrs of Gaza and promoting the preservation of the free word.
