Baghdad: The State of Qatar is set to be the guest of honor at the 26th Baghdad International Book Fair, scheduled to take place from September 10 to 21. Qatar's participation in the event underscores its commitment to supporting the Arab cultural movement and showcasing its intellectual production in literature, poetry, thought, and the arts while highlighting the deep cultural ties between Qatar and Iraq.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Qatari cultural program at the fair will include intellectual seminars, lectures, and poetry evenings. The Qatari folklore troupe will perform Ardha and other folk arts, demonstrating the country's rich cultural heritage. The Qatari pavilion will also feature demonstrations of traditional crafts such as goldsmithing and wooden shipbuilding, allowing visitors to engage with craftsmen at work.
In a statement, Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture, emphasized that Qatar's participation as the guest of honor reflects the deep fraternal ties between Qatar and Iraq. He highlighted the role of culture as an ideal bridge for communication and the promotion of human dialogue. This participation is part of the Ministry of Culture's commitment to supporting the Arab cultural scene, enhancing cooperation with cultural institutions, and showcasing the richness of Qatari intellectual production.
Al Buainain explained that the Qatari pavilion's design draws inspiration from traditional Qatari architecture, embodying national identity and linking the past with the present. The pavilion offers a cultural experience that extends beyond book displays, allowing visitors to explore Qatar's cultural landscape, including literature, thought, arts, living heritage, and traditional crafts.
He also noted that the pavilion will host a photo exhibition featuring images of Qatar's modern landmarks, traditional architecture, and scenes of daily life, as well as the beauty of Qatar's land and marine environment.