17th Erbil International Book Fair Kicks Off with Over 350 Publishers
Erbil - Kurdistan Region: The 17th Erbil International Book Fair is set to open this Wednesday, bringing together more than 350 Kurdish, Arab, and international publishing houses in one of the largest cultural events in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. The fair, organized by the Al-Mada Foundation for Media, Culture, and Arts, will run until April 19 at the Erbil International Fairgrounds (Sami Abdul Rahman Park).
A Hub for Regional and International Publishers
This year’s edition spans over 20,000 square meters, featuring publishers from across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond—including first-time participants from the Gulf, Maghreb, and neighboring countries. The event serves as a key platform for literary exchange, showcasing a diverse range of books in Kurdish, Arabic, and other languages.
"The World Speaks Kurdish" – Celebrating Language and Translation
Under the theme "The World Speaks Kurdish," the fair highlights the growing influence of the Kurdish language, particularly its recent recognition as one of Google’s primary search languages. The cultural program includes:
Panel discussions on translation, literature, and publishing trends.
Workshops on the future of books, organized with the Iraqi Publishers and Booksellers Association.
Poetry readings and book signings in collaboration with the Iraqi General Union of Writers and Authors.
Star-Studded Literary Lineup
The fair will host prominent writers and artists, such as:
Egyptian novelist Mohamed Salmawy, who will discuss his literary career in a session titled "A Multi-Dimensional Biography" and sign copies of his latest novel, "Oedipus on the Plane."
Syrian actor Jamal Suleiman and Lebanese poet Abdo Wazen.
Saudi novelist Badriyah Al-Bishr and Egyptian journalist Emad El-Din Hussein.
A Growing Cultural Landmark
Since its inception, the Erbil International Book Fair has become a major attraction for publishers, authors, and book lovers, reinforcing Iraqi Kurdistan’s role as a regional cultural hub. This year’s edition promises to further enrich the literary scene with its focus on Kurdish language advancement and cross-cultural dialogue.
