Baghdad: The Omani Ambassador to Baghdad, Mahmoud bin Muhanna Al-Kharousi, affirmed on Thursday that the Baghdad Book Fair demonstrates that Iraq remains a nation of readers, authors, and publishers.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Kharousi emphasized Baghdad’s historical connection with books, describing it as deep-rooted and rich in knowledge and heritage. He noted the shared history between Iraq and Oman, dating back to pre-Islamic times and continuing into the future. The ambassador highlighted the ethnic and linguistic ties between the two nations, mentioning that tribal migrations have created significant connections between the peoples of Iraq and Oman.

Al-Kharousi shared insights from his tenure as Oman’s ambassador to Baghdad, during which he researched the genealogies of tribes linked to both countries, identifying 42 shared tribes and clans. He also mentioned the similar dialect and common linguistic expressions that further demonstrate the strong affinity and ties between Iraq and Oman.

He elaborated on the significance of the 19th edition of the Baghdad International Book Fair, which includes Omani, Iraqi, and Arab pavilions showcasing a variety of books and publications. Among the featured titles are works discussing Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad Al-Farahidi’s journey from Oman to Baghdad, where he established the science of Arabic prosody. Al-Kharousi stressed the value of books, noting that their true measure lies in their scholarly value and the message they carry.

The ambassador praised Al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad as a symbol of Iraqis’ enduring relationship with books. He described the street as the beating heart of Baghdad, where rare manuscripts and books from around the world converge. He concluded by affirming that the old saying, “Egypt writes, Lebanon prints, and Iraq reads,” remains relevant, as the Iraqi continues to be an author, publisher, and reader all at once.