The 28th Algiers International Book Fair (SILA) concluded this evening, marking a resounding success with record-breaking attendance and promising developments for future editions. The closing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, the Fair’s Commissioner, Mohamed Iguerb, and numerous figures from the literary, intellectual, and media spheres.
The Minister of Culture and Arts announced directives to extend the duration of the fair in upcoming editions, a testament to the current edition’s overwhelming success. She emphasized the need to make reading a daily practice and a permanent national project, stating that future events will be a collaborative effort among all national institutions to ensure books reach every corner of the country.
Commissioner Mohamed Iguerb reported a record-breaking attendance of over 5.6 million visitors, including nearly 900,000 on a single day, projecting the final count to surpass 6 million. He highlighted that this year’s fair attracted 1258 exhibitors from 49 countries, showcasing over 140,000 titles across 23,000 square meters. The event featured a rich cultural program with over 530 activities, including conferences, signing workshops, and intellectual dialogues, with the participation of 270 guests from various continents.
Iguerb further noted the high-quality international presence and the refreshing approach to cultural discourse, through the participation of prominent literary and intellectual figures and discussions on contemporary issues. These discussions reaffirmed Algeria’s steadfast positions and highlighted its civilizational role in the world.
The closing ceremony also featured the presentation of the ‘My First Book’ award for young writers, with 75 submissions received (55 in Arabic, 10 in French, 8 in English, and 2 in Amazigh). The winners were:
- Best Arabic Novel: ‘Wings of Rebellion’ – Amir Sairi
- Best Amazigh Novel: ‘Yaf Withm Atlili’ – Khadija Ben Kerou
- Best French Novel: ‘À contre-flux’ – Abdelkrim Zaoui
- Best English Novel: ‘Rais Hamidou, King of the Sea’ – Salma Chergui
The National Library of Algeria received the award for the best pavilion, recognized for its aesthetic appeal and diverse collection. Several cultural figures who have contributed to the enrichment of the Algerian creative scene were also honored.
