Celebrate Culture at “I Am Iraqi, I Read”

In a dynamic celebration of culture and knowledge, the annual “I Am Iraqi, I Read” festival celebrated its 11th year by sharing over 45,000 books to readers, surpassing last year’s total by 5,000. The festival, held in Baghdad, plays a vital role as a cornerstone of Iraq’s cultural and intellectual revival. 

The festival was launched in 2012 to inspire social change. Prominent authors such as Aqeel Mahdi, Zaeem Nassar and Khayal Al-Jawhari have previously attended as guest speakers. 

I Am Iraqi, I Read festival attracts a wide audience, from academics to younger readers eager to learn, with a diverse display of books available for free- spanning genres from science, philosophy, literature and history. 

The event has grown to become one of Iraq’s most anticipated annual gatherings. Other literary events such as the recent Al-Husseiniya Reads Festival distributed 2,500 books, and featured artistic and musical performances. These events serve as a tribute to the commitment and strength of the Iraqi people to cultivate a culture of reading. For the team behind the festival, this was more than just a logistical achievement; it was an embodiment of Iraq’s ongoing journey toward healing and hope. 

The “I Am Iraqi, I Read” festival not only celebrates the written word but also reinforces the idea that access to books and education is a fundamental right for all. By making these 45,000 books available for free, the festival continues to spark a movement that encourages literacy and creates an informed, active community culture—a vital step in rebuilding a vibrant, educated society.

Source: Ana Aqraa