Damascus, Feb. 10 (SANA) A pavilion showcasing Kurdish history, literature and heritage has attracted steady visitor interest at the Damascus International Book Fair, marking the first time the event has featured a dedicated space for Kurdish cultural publications.
The pavilion includes a range of books on Kurdish history, literature and folklore, offering material aimed at broadening cultural exchange and highlighting Syria’s diverse literary landscape.
Organizers said the pavilion has drawn attention from both officials and the public, with visitors showing interest in titles documenting Kurdish history in Syria and the wider region.
Mohammad Suleiman, coordinator of the Kurdish pavilion, told a SANA correspondent that translating Kurdish literature into Arabic is a natural step, given that many Kurds are fluent in Arabic and actively contribute to its literary production. He said this facilitates conveying Kurdish discourse to Arab readers, helping to build shared understanding and a deeper appreciation of the human values embedded in Kurdish literature.
Suleiman said the cultural presence aims primarily to strengthen bonds between Kurds and Arabs as communities rooted in the same land. He noted that reciprocal engagement with literature is one of the most effective ways to foster intellectual dialogue and closer social understanding.
He stressed the importance of moving beyond narrow narratives that, during certain periods, sought to sow division or discord by inflaming ethnic tensions, adding that culture remains a powerful tool for reinforcing social cohesion and underscoring the shared history and destiny of Syrians.
For his part, Ibrahim Issa, a publisher and researcher from the city of Qamishli with an interest in Kurdish literature and history, said this year’s participation stands out for presenting important documentary works, including reprints of writings by foreign scholars who documented Kurdish history.
Issa noted that Syria is currently experiencing a climate of openness and cultural freedom that allows such books to be printed and published more freely, after having faced restrictions and bans under the former regime due to restrictive policies.
Several visitors said showcasing Kurdish cultural output is a key element in enriching the national cultural scene and contributes to promoting intellectual dialogue that reflects the richness and diversity of Syrian identity.
Participants at the fair agreed that the presence of Kurdish culture sends a message of recovery for Syria’s cultural landscape and highlights its ability to embrace the contributions of all its components in a way that enriches and safeguards national identity.
