Tartous, Nov. 2 (SANA) A book fair featuring more than 5,000 books opened Sunday in the Syrian coastal city of Tartous, bringing together Syrian and Arab publishers in an effort to encourage reading and revive cultural activity.
The exhibition, held at the Tartous Cultural Center, runs through November 8 and features books covering literature, history, philosophy, science and biographies, alongside children’s books and educational materials.
Organized by the Tartous Directorate of Culture in partnership with Hawamesh Bookstore, the event is part of Syria’s annual Book Week, held during the first week of November.
Encouraging reading and wider access to books
Youssef al-Jundi, head of the Tartous Directorate of Culture, told SANA that the fair is the first in a planned series of exhibitions aimed at strengthening the city’s cultural life and making books more accessible.
The event features publications from Syrian publishers and more than 18 Arab publishing houses, with sections devoted to new releases, discounted secondhand books and children’s literature.
Visitors can also take part in a free book-exchange initiative called “My Book, Your Book,” which allows people to donate, exchange or take home books at no cost.
Al-Jundi said the fair attracted considerable interest on its opening day, particularly among young people, suggesting that traditional reading continues to appeal to younger generations despite the popularity of social media and short-form digital content.
More than 5,000 books and discounted prices
Rasha Mohammad Suleiman, director of Hawamesh Bookstore and a co-organizer of the fair, said the event had returned after a three-year break.
She said organizers selected the books based on readers’ interests and recent publishing trends, with titles spanning literary criticism, fiction, intellectual thought, biographies and science.
Discounts are available throughout the fair, while new titles are being added daily to give visitors a wider selection.
The exhibition also includes educational books and interactive learning materials for children, including resources designed for early childhood development.
Visitors welcome diverse selection
Visitors praised the range of books and the organization of the exhibition, saying it offered opportunities to discover new authors and explore subjects beyond their usual interests.
Organizers hope the fair will become a regular cultural event in Tartous, bringing readers and publishers together while encouraging book exchanges and greater access to literature.
The event forms part of broader efforts to support reading and cultural engagement in the coastal city.
R A H/ ABD
