Damascus, Feb. 5 (SANA) Syrian Culture Minister Mohammad Yassin Saleh said the Damascus International Book Fair this year reflects a new phase in the country’s cultural life, marked by broader freedom of expression and a renewed role for books in public discourse.
Speaking in an interview with Syrian state television al-Ikhbariah on Wednesday, Saleh said the fair signals a move away from decades of restricted cultural space toward an environment based on diversity of thought and open intellectual exchange.
He said the event aims to project an image of a revitalized Syria reclaiming its cultural heritage and restoring the book as a central tool for building awareness and critical thinking.
Saleh said this year’s fair is the largest to date, with more than 500 publishing houses from Syria and abroad taking part. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are participating as guests of honor, with dedicated pavilions and cultural programs. He added that the ministry offered incentives to publishers, including rent exemptions and shipping support, to encourage participation after years of limited engagement.
The minister said the fair includes a wide range of literary and artistic competitions and awards, covering fiction, poetry and design, with evaluation overseen by specialized committees to ensure transparency and professional standards.
Saleh said the ministry does not restrict publications or political viewpoints, except material that undermines national cohesion, incites sectarianism or threatens civil peace. He stressed that reading should be critical and informed, rather than based on unexamined acceptance.
He also highlighted the growing role of digital culture, saying the fair hosts companies specializing in audiobooks and digital publishing. He pointed to ministry-led initiatives to convert Arabic poetry into audio content and document Syrian literary heritage through digital platforms.
On the fair’s slogan, “A history we write… a history we read,” Saleh said it reflects the belief that understanding history is essential to shaping the future.
He added that the ministry is working to expand cultural outreach beyond Damascus through initiatives targeting provinces, and said supporting writers and intellectuals inside and outside Syria remains a priority.
The Ministry of Culture is set to open the special edition of the Damascus International Book Fair on Thursday evening at the Damascus Fairgrounds. The event will run from Feb. 6 to Feb. 16, open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
