A Festival of Pages and Paradox: Damascus Book Fair Returns Amid Economic Strain and Shifting Tides

A Festival of Pages and Paradox: Damascus Book Fair Returns Amid Economic Strain and Shifting Tides

The Damascus International Book Fair has returned—reviving its familiar joy, its layered contradictions, and its perennial stumbles. For the first time since 2019, the fair has reclaimed its Arab and international character, drawing crowds that spill into Bab Touma Square. Dedicated buses are scarce, forcing book lovers to squeeze into whatever transport they can find, yet the very act of attending feels, for many, like a small act of cultural r…

Damascus International Book Fair returns

The Damascus International Book Fair, also known as the Syrian National Book Fair has returned after a hiatus from 2020. This is the 57th edition of the fair. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa inaugurated the fair last Thursday February 5th. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan also visited the inauguration. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are guests of honour in this edition of the fair. In his speech, President Al-Shara…