Algeria’s capital witnessed the grand inauguration of the 26th International Book Fair yesterday, under the resounding slogan “Africa Writes Its Future.” The event will continue until the 4th of November and features the participation of 1,283 publishers from 61 different countries.
This year’s edition places a significant focus on African culture, the guest of honor at the fair. Contributors and intellectuals from 61 countries, including 19 African nations, have come forward to offer the latest in literary and scientific publications. A diverse agenda teems with intellectual and cultural activities—lectures, panel discussions, and meet-ups—graced by renowned literary figures from Algeria, Africa, and the Arab world.
The fair will see participation from 267 Algerian, 361 Arab, and 625 international exhibitors. The program features 40 cultural and literary activities, including seminars, platforms about literature, history, children’s world, youth, and translation. Several prominent Algerian personalities will also be honored during the event.
The fair aims to shed light on the shared historical achievements of Africa and promote them culturally and economically. It also aims to highlight the aspirations of African countries and peoples.
Special Segment: “Gaza Space”
Mohamed Iqreb, the Governor of the Algeria International Book Fair, announced a unique cultural program for the 26th edition of the event to show solidarity with Palestine and its resilient people. This initiative involves the creation of dedicated spaces for everything related to Palestinian literature and culture.
Iqreb revealed in an interview with Algerian radio that Palestine will be at the heart of the Algeria International Book Fair through a specially devised “Gaza Space.” This area will host lectures, seminars, forums, and poetic evenings featuring writers, intellectuals, and poets from Palestine and several other Arab countries.
In addition, a new section under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture will spotlight Palestine, its writers, and its culture. The “Tassili Space” will also host seminars and related activities focusing on Palestinian literature and culture at large.
Emphasizing “Books and Digitization”
The cultural program of the fair gives considerable attention to the theme of “Books and Digitization.” Numerous seminars will tackle subjects like “Digitization in the Service of Publishing,” “Electronic Marketing for Books,” and “Writing Practices in the Digital Age.”
Culture and Arts Minister Souriya Moulouji stated that the fair’s activities would extend to other venues, including the Palace of Culture “Moufdi Zakaria,” the National Library, and the Cinema Museum.
