Damascus Feb. 7 (SANA) The administration of Damascus International Book Fair said that the event attracted approximately 250,000 visitors on its first day, representing diverse age groups who came from all Syrian provinces.
In a statement to SANA, the Fair’s administration noted that visitors flocked to explore the latest publications, purchase books and participate in book-signing events. The first day featured signings by ten authors for copies of their newly released works.
it added that the day’s program included poetry evenings and vocal performances, alongside a notably popular Saudi Arabi pavilion that showcased Saudi artistic heritage through exhibitions that drew widespread interest from both Syrian and Saudi visitors.
The organizers pointed out that around 500 publishing houses participated in the fair, presenting books across a wide range of subjects. The children’s section attracted considerable attention with theatrical performances and poetry recitals delivered by young visitors and participants.
The administration noted that the first day featured a variety of intellectual seminars, including a lecture by thinker Burhan Ghalioun discussing his book “Sectarianism: From the State to the Tribe,” which concluded the day’s events with remarkable attendance.
It also emphasized that the opening day was distinguished by a vibrant mix of remarkable public turnout and official tours of the participating pavilions, along with numerous cultural activities. Minister of Culture, Mohammad Yassin Saleh, inaugurated a lecture by writer Adham Sharqawi during which he paid tribute to the late Riyad Naasan Agha and welcomed the overwhelming public attendance at Damascus International Book Fair.
The extra-ordinary edition of Damascus International Book Fair was officially inaugurated last Thursday under the patronage and attendance of President Ahmad al-Sharaa at Damascus Conferences’ Palace.
