The fair, which runs from September 12 to September 22, was inaugurated by Iraq's Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, Ahmad Fakkak Al-Badrani, alongside other high-ranking government officials, including the Minister of Youth and Sports, the Minister of Education, the Governor of Baghdad, and the Deputy Minister of Trade. The event is being held under the theme "Iraq Reads."
In his opening remarks, Al-Badrani said he was representing Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at the event. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Ahmad Al-Mubarak, emphasized the fair's role in increasing Iraq's reading rate.
Sattar Al-Jabiri, Deputy Minister of Trade, highlighted the importance of book fairs as spaces for connection between authors, readers, and the broader cultural community.
He noted that the Ministry of Trade is committed to supporting cultural industries, including writing and publishing, as a key driver of Iraq's socio-economic development.
The fair's organizer, Sada Al-Aref Company, has brought together 600 publishers from 21 countries, including Arab and foreign nations, as well as writers and intellectuals from Iraq and the Arab world. The event will feature morning and evening seminars, as well as art exhibitions and play readings.
Abdul-Wahab Al-Radi, head of the Baghdad International Book Fair, said the event aims to make Baghdad a beacon of knowledge and culture, just as it was in the past. He noted that the fair has been held for 24 years, despite various challenges, including wars, sanctions, and terrorism.
Iran's participation in the fair marks its fourth appearance, with a 36-square-meter pavilion featuring books on subjects such as Islamic studies, literature, children's books, university publications, and language learning materials. Twenty-three Iranian publishers and cultural institutions are also taking part in the event.
The fair will also host renowned cultural and intellectual figures from the Arab world and beyond, with initiatives such as the "Read Initiative" aimed at promoting reading in Iraq. The event is expected to attract a large number of visitors until its closing on September 22.
A memorandum of understanding between the Tehran International Book Fair and the Baghdad International Book Fair is also expected to be signed during the event, marking a significant step in promoting cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries.
NOURNEWS