Istanbul: Qatar has actively participated in the 11th International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair, an event inaugurated in Istanbul, Turkiye. Running until August 23 under the theme "The Story Continues," the fair has attracted more than 300 publishing houses from over 30 countries.
According to Qatar News Agency, Qatar's involvement is facilitated through the Ministry of Culture's booth, which presents a segment of Qatar's cultural and intellectual contributions to visitors. This initiative aims to fortify cultural connections with Arab audiences abroad by showcasing Qatar's cultural landscape and supporting the exchange of publications and knowledge between Qatar and Turkiye. It also highlights significant aspects of Qatari identity and heritage.
Dr. Mohammed Aghir Aqcha, the fair's general coordinator, remarked on Qatar's participation as a valuable addition to the cultural milieu, underscoring Qatar's dedication to enhancing its cultural footprint and exhibiting its intellectual and literary outputs to Arab audiences in Turkiye. He acknowledged Qatar's substantial experience in organizing book fairs and promoting publishing and culture.
Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, Director of the Doha International Book Fair, noted that the Qatari booth features numerous publications from the Ministry, along with books translated into Turkish. This effort aims to introduce Qatari literature to Turkish readers, highlighting Qatar's cultural and literary domain. Al Buainain emphasized that the participation also serves as a platform to promote the Doha International Book Fair and engage with publishing entities in Turkiye, fostering new partnerships and sharing expertise in publishing and translation.
The fair provides a significant opportunity for Qatari literature to reach a wide Arab audience residing in Turkiye, as well as Turkish and international publishers and cultural bodies involved in the event. Recognized as the largest Arabic book fair outside the Arab world, it operates under the auspices of the Arab Publishers Association. Furthermore, it offers a valuable environment for students in Turkiye, academics, educators, readers, authors, journalists, and researchers of various nationalities interested in the Arabic language.