The 25th International Baghdad Book Fair

The 25th edition of the Baghdad International Book Fair opened last Thursday, themed “Iraq Reads,” attracting over 600 local, regional, and international publishing houses from 20 countries. Among the prominent participants was Dar Al-Mamoon for Translation and Publishing, representing the Ministry of Culture. The event drew a significant number of Arab writers, poets, and intellectuals.

Representing the Prime Minister, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, Dr. Ahmed Fakkak Al-Badrani, highlighted in his opening remarks that book fairs are “fields for the mind and creativity.” He noted, “As we tour the fair, we reflect on the countless minds that have dedicated their efforts, delving deep into the world of thought to produce and present their best works.”

During his visit to Dar Al-Mamoon’s pavilion, Al-Badrani commended the organisation’s diverse range of translated works across multiple languages and disciplines, along with its well-regarded Arabic, English, and French periodicals. He praised the pavilion’s design and the rich content of over 200 featured titles, emphasising the importance of the organisation’s contributions to Iraqi culture.

Dr. Nofal Abu Ragheef, Deputy Minister of Culture for Book Affairs, also visited the pavilion, expressing admiration for the range of literary and cultural works on display, noting the high-quality production and thoughtful selection of studies.

Dar Al-Mamoon participated in the fair with its booth B4, presenting over 200 titles covering various fields including science, literature, poetry, history, and translation studies. Among the showcased publications were the well-known periodicals Baghdad Magazine (French), Gilgamesh Magazine (English), and Al-Mamoon Magazine (Arabic).

In addition to its publications, Dar Al-Mamoon hosted a panel discussion titled “Fields of Translation and the Prospects of Digital Transformation,” featuring speakers Dr. Hanaa Khalif and Dr. Redha Kamel Al-Mousawi. Al-Mousawi shared insights into his experience with machine translation, specifically his work on translating Arabic and Baghdadi dialect proverbs into Persian.

The fair serves as a vital platform for intellectual exchange, reinforcing Iraq’s rich literary heritage and its role in promoting cultural dialogue across the Arab world and beyond.

Media Source: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities