Book Fair Inauguration, on Fairouz melodious voice

(ST) – The Book Fair has always been a great occasion for all Syrians to get introduced to new titles from all over the world; especially since it brings to mind the great memories of Syria before the war. Therefore, for the third consecutive year the Book Fair under the patronage of President al-Assad, was inaugurated by al-Attar at al-Assad National Library. “Our celebration of the opening of the Book Fair today, after overcoming all adversity, is a celebration of all cultural values that  are carried out throughout the ages – the torch of future.”Dr. Najah al-Attar affirmed in her press statement after the inauguration. She also stressed the importance of such occasions to emphasis the key role of the (book) as a carrier of knowledge and a developer of potential and creativity.

Syriatimes first station was at Syrian Book Commission, “Book Commission is the biggest publishing house!” exclaimed Mr. Mahmoud Abd Elwahed, Minister of Culture Counselor, who also affirmed the Ministry of Culture’s tremendous work throughout the year to organize the Book Fair event, despite all constrictions.

 “Over our book shelves you find over 1500 titles, in various domains: political books, scientific books; but as well fiction books in all its literary genres: novels, plays, short stories, poetry collections.” explained Dr. Thayer Zeneldin, Head of Syrian Book Commission; who was welcoming visitors at the entrance of Book Commission pavilion which is located at entrance of the book fair. In addition, to translated literature which makes a contribution from World literature, with eminent authors from diverse cultures. “You will find as well books in the Seventh Art, the field of film production. And there is series of children books that develop various skills, like a collection of children fiction that encourages children to read the story and then draw it.” Dr. Zeneldin detailed. He concluded “Therefore, the Commission pavilion for this year is very rich in almost all fiction and nonfiction arts.” “We have as well big discounts on books reaching 60%!”He added.  If you consider visiting the book fair, Syrian Book Commission pavilion is definitely a remarkable station at the beginning of your tour.

Syriatimes has noticed the participation of cultural centers of some embassies, like Russia, Iran, and Indonesia; on the side lines of the inauguration we met Mr. Abo Elfadel Salehi Nia, Cultural Counselor at the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, who affirmed that the Book Fair is the most important cultural event in the country. “We are keen as a Cultural center at the embassy to participate in such events.” He affirmed.  “This year we have a wider participation, since the Iranian Ministry of Culture is participating with an independent wing that displays the latest releases of a number of Iranian publishing houses in the scientific, artistic, literary and cultural fields, in three languages Persian, Arabic and English.” Mr. Salehi Nia explained. In addition to dictionaries from and into Persian and Arabic since the translation productivity is being enlarged between the two countries.

At Areslan publishing house, we interviewed the representative of the Russian Cultural Center, Dr. Ala’a Arealan Ala Eldin, who confirmed that the Russian participation is symbolic of the deep mutual Syrian-Russian correlations dating back to the Soviet Union in all fields “The Russian Cultural Center participation is an affirmation of the importance of cultural ties between the two countries. The wing includes a number of books in both languages Arabic and Russian, especially the translated classical Russian fiction like Chekhov, Tolstoy and Gorky.” Dr. Ala Eldin explained.

Throughout Syriatimes tour at the Book Fair opening, we noticed a larger participation of Arab publishing houses, especially Egyptian and Lebanese, and we met eminent Syrian writers and thinkers, and cultural personalities. The most influential effect was the great ambiance enhanced by the accompanying magical voice of Fairouz, which brings to mind nostalgic emotions of previous sessions of the book fair particularly at the beginning of the romantic season: Autumn.

Interview & Report: Lama Alhassanieh