Launch of the 11th Edition of the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair with Participation of More Than 300 Publishing Houses

Istanbul, August 15 (KUNA) -- The 11th edition of the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair kicked off today in the Turkish city of Istanbul, featuring more than 300 publishing houses from over 30 countries. The event, running until August 23 under the theme “The Story Continues,” brings together Islamic ummah issues and the cries of the oppressed from around the world, according to Mehdi Al-Jamili, chairman of the board of the International Association of Arabic Book Publishers in Turkey, during the opening ceremony.

Burhan Gentsch, president of the Turkish Printing and Publishing Union, noted that this year’s fair is held amid the continued occupation of Muslim lands. Yasin Aktay, former advisor to the President of Turkey, discussed the fair’s theme, explaining that it represents the continuation of a story of a united and undivided ummah. He expressed hope that the fair would contribute to strengthening ties among Islamic peoples across various fields.

The fair is expected to attract over 120,000 visitors and feature more than 300 publishing houses from over 30 countries at the Eurasia Exhibition and Arts Center in the Yenikapi district of Istanbul. As the largest Arabic book fair outside the Arab world, it is endorsed by the Arab Publishers Union, headquartered in Cairo, and aims to serve as one of the key meeting points for professionals in publishing, culture, and academia.

The fair provides a platform for students studying in Turkey, academics, educators, readers, authors, journalists, researchers of various nationalities, and Arabic language enthusiasts to connect. Within the fair’s activities, publishers, authors, academics, translators, graphic designers, and representatives of the publishing sector gather in the Copyright and Translation section to discuss new projects, copyright issues, and international cooperation. (End) T.A. / N.S.A.