Baghdad, IRAQ – The 27th edition of Baghdad International Book Fair opened to the public on Sept. 2 under the slogan, “Baghdad, Capital of Islamic Culture.”
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“The International Book Fair is one of the most important cultural events in Iraq, especially because of the variation of publishing houses and the participation of Arab and foreign countries,” said Mohammed Rafid, 16, of Babylon, who attended the first day.
“Opening the Baghdad International Book Fair is a message that Baghdad is still a beacon of culture, a center of thought, and a cradle of words,” Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi said at the opening.
The book fair featured various activities and sessions for people of different ages and featured the appearance of prominent figures.
“The other thing making the fair better is the other activities like seminars, discussions, and cultural events that make it a place for reading and sharing thoughts,” said Rafid.
More than 600 publishing houses from 28 countries participated in the book fair.
“The book is the bridge that carries us from the constraints of the present to the vastness of the future,” Al-Zaidi said. “It is the weapon with which we confront ignorance, the remedy for extremism, and the memory that preserves our identity.”
In the image above at left is a sculpture in the middle of the fair reflecting Iraqi culture. At right is part of Oman’s booth.
Adding more distinction, for the first time, the fair featured participation from countries that shared aspects of their culture at the event.
The book fair ran through Saturday.
Mosa Alshujairy is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
