Baghdad: The Syrian Arab publishing houses have praised the annual Baghdad International Book Fair, emphasizing Iraq’s role as a fertile ground for books, intellectuals, writers, and creative minds. They highlighted the fair as a gateway to science, knowledge, and enlightened intellects.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the official representative of Syrian Arab publishing houses, writer Amjad Shallal, expressed admiration for the vibrant literary culture fostered by the book fair. He stated, “Iraq is a fertile ground for books, intellectuals, writers, and creative minds. All the Iraqi books we see around us are the product of ideas that resonated with their authors, revealing what nourishes the soul and the spirit. Iraq is a gateway to science, knowledge, and enlightened intellects.”

Shallal elaborated on the immersive experience offered by the event, noting, “Every year, we are accustomed to immersing ourselves in a sea of reading, wandering through the pavilions of the fair for ten days, exploring landmarks, publications, research, and books that have come from all over the world to find their place in the hands of their devoted readers.”

He also spoke about the evolving literary demands, stating, “We strive to renew our literary output each season to satisfy the demands of our reading public. Our publications were previously limited to Arabic books only, but now there is a growing demand for German, English, and French books. We also have books in all languages, which is an indicator of increased awareness and heralds a cultured and successful generation that will raise Iraq’s name high.”

Furthermore, Shallal pointed out the diversity of their publications, “The publishing house includes books on philosophy and human development, in addition to accredited scientific and medical studies in Arabic translations, which is a unique feature of our publishing house.”

He affirmed the continuous involvement of Syrian publishing houses in the event, stating, “The Syrian publishing house’s participation in the Baghdad International Book Fair is ongoing.”