Istanbul is hosting one of the major gatherings of the Arabic publishing world. The 11th International Arabic Book Fair opened at the Yenikapı Eurasia Performing Arts Center with the participation of more than 300 publishers from over 30 countries. The event is expected to welcome more than 120,000 visitors.
Call for education support in Gaza
Speaking at the opening, Ali Muhyiddin Karadagi, chairman of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, said he was proud to be in Istanbul and at the fair. Karadagi said Istanbul brings East and West together geographically and connects them through knowledge in the fields of science and technology, adding that they pray for Türkiye.
Karadagi said more than 500,000 Palestinian students, from primary school through high school, are unable to receive an education in Gaza. He called for efforts through the Gulf countries and Türkiye to meet these students’ educational needs.
Pointing to the role of book fairs in transmitting knowledge to new generations, Karadagi called for greater emphasis on books and translation. Saying that modern technology, social media, Google and artificial intelligence are affecting written culture, Karadagi called for awards to encourage reading and publishing books.
Syria takes part as guest of honor
Speaking on behalf of Syria, Syrian Deputy Minister of Culture Saad Naasan said the fair is an important cultural event that brings together books, publishers and readers. He said Syria has a deep-rooted heritage, with centers of science, libraries of manuscripts, literary salons and centers of knowledge production.
Naasan said the Syrian Ministry of Culture’s status as guest of honor at the fair would strengthen cooperation among cultural institutions. He added that the participation would advance the exchange of experience in publishing and book production, creative work and translation, saying that books are a tool that strengthens dialogue between generations and cultures.
Publishing and translation projects showcased
Bachar Chebaro, secretary-general of the Arab Publishers Union, highlighted Istanbul’s historical and cultural importance. Academician Yasin Aktay said the fair’s slogan, “The Story Continues,” tells the story of a Muslim community that is united rather than divided.
Halil Çelik, chairman of the board of the Turkish Publishers Association, described the book as the memory of civilizations and the voice of cultures. Çelik said book fairs are important platforms not only for commercial activities but also for cultural diplomacy, the exchange of ideas and international cooperation.
Mehmet Burhan Genç, chairman of the board of the Turkish Professional Association of Publishers, said books and the Quran are among the tools that can bring the Islamic world together around shared values. Dr. Mehdi Al Jumaili, chairman of the International Association of Arabic Book Publishers, said the fair carries a cultural message and responsibility beyond book sales.
In the fair’s copyright and translation section, publishers, writers, academics, translators, graphic designers and industry representatives will work on new projects, publishing rights and international cooperation.
The TULIA Project, which aims to bring Turkish literature to wider audiences in the Arab world and accelerate translations from Turkish into Arabic, is also being presented at the event. At the project’s stand, Turkish writers and translators will provide information about the database of books translated from Turkish into Arabic and the work being carried out.
Fair to close on August 23
Described as the largest Arabic book fair outside the Arab world, the event aims to serve as an important meeting point for the publishing, cultural and academic communities. Students studying in Türkiye, academics and educators, as well as readers, writers, journalists and researchers interested in Arabic, are coming together at the event.
Former President of Religious Affairs and rector of the Türkiye International Islamic, Science and Technology University Mehmet Görmez, Istanbul Deputy Governor Avni Kula, Deputy Director-General of Libraries and Publications at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Abdülsamet Taş, Director-General of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture Prof. Dr. Mahmud Erol Kılıç, and Istanbul Chamber of Commerce board member Murat Hazıroğlu also spoke at the opening.
The fair will end on August 23.
