Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 – Category: Culture
Algiers – The 27th edition of the Algiers International Book Fair (SILA), set to take place from November 6 to 16, will host over 1,000 publishers from 40 countries, with Qatar participating as this year’s Guest of Honor. The event, themed “Reading for Victory,” commemorates the 70th anniversary of Algeria’s November 1 Revolution, as announced by SILA Commissioner Mohamed Iguerb during a press conference at the National Library in Algiers.
Iguerb confirmed the participation of 1,007 publishers, including 290 from Algeria, collectively presenting over 300,000 titles. Exhibitors have been granted customs exemptions to ensure books remain affordable for attendees, enhancing access to a broad range of literature and academic works.
This year’s SILA promises a rich cultural program that includes book launches, literary discussions, and professional workshops, as well as poetry evenings led by esteemed authors, thinkers, and intellectuals from Algeria and beyond. Notably, the event will highlight Algeria’s revolutionary history through sessions on the legacy of the November 1954 Revolution, honoring prominent Algerian figures—both past and present.
The six main program themes include history and memory (in light of the 70th anniversary of the 1954 Revolution), Palestine, a focus on Qatar as the Guest of Honor, Africa, literature, and Algerian cultural heritage. Additionally, a dedicated children’s area will offer educational and creative activities such as theater, storytelling, art workshops, competitions, and educational games.
Historical seminars will explore topics like the spirit of the November 1 Revolution in global literature, French colonial crimes, youth, memory, and resistance. The Palestine section will emphasize the intellectual and literary contributions of Palestinian resistance, showcasing Algeria’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause, with sessions on resistance literature, cinema, and the resilience of Gaza.
Qatar, as the guest of honor, will host activities with authors, researchers, and cultural professionals. These events aim to strengthen Algerian-Qatari ties through discussions on Qatari literature, translation, cultural preservation, and the Katara Literary Prize. Qatar will also focus on children’s literacy, celebrating reading among youth.
The annual Africa Zone will welcome African thinkers and writers to discuss liberation movements across the continent, including Western Sahara and the Palestinian issue. Other contributors include Algeria’s Ministry of Veterans, the Islamic High Council, the High Commission for Amazighity, the Supreme Council for the Arabic Language, the Algerian Academy of Arabic, and the National Office of Copyright and Related Rights.
The fair also highlights a special award for young writers called “My First Book,” organized by SILA in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Arts. This award recognizes first-time authors under the age of 35 who published their debut novel in 2024.
For more details, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: nor-eleslam
27th Algiers International Book Fair
