Damascus, Feb. 9 (SANA) – The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is taking part in the extraordinary 2026 edition of Damascus International Book Fair with a pavilion featuring 2,000 academic and research titles produced by public and private universities, the Virtual University, technical institutes and national research bodies. The participation aims to strengthen academic culture and support Syria’s broader reconstruction and modernization efforts.
Academic presence and renewed focus on printed knowledge
Mohammad al‑Nablsi, director of shared services at the ministry, said the fair provides an important platform for promoting scientific research, expanding access to knowledge, and enriching academic culture among students, researchers, and the wider public. He emphasized that the ministry’s participation reflects its role in shaping Syria’s future and contributing to national development.
Al‑Nablsi noted that the ministry seeks to reaffirm the value of printed books within educational and cultural life, especially amid the growing dominance of digital content. He highlighted the ministry’s commitment to showcasing its academic and scientific output across diverse fields.
Diverse content and scientific engagement
The pavilion includes university textbooks, authored works, graduation projects, distinguished research papers, and articles published in Syrian and international academic journals. It also features brochures on research activities and achievements of various scientific bodies, including the Scientific Research Authority, along with specialized lectures aligned with contemporary scientific trends.
Throughout the fair, universities, institutes, and affiliated bodies are delivering lectures on topics such as economics, big data, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, labor market trends, science fiction literature, entrepreneurship, Arabic language, cultural identity, and other current research themes—strengthening links between academia and society.
Damascus International Book Fair opened on February 6, under the theme “A history we write… a history we read” and runs until February 16, with more than 500 publishers from 35 Arab and foreign countries participating. The event marks a renewed push to revitalize Syria’s cultural scene and reinforce the presence of Syrian and Arab books after years of disruption.
