Iranian books on view at Sulaymaniyah Int’l Book Fair
The 7th Sulaymaniyah International Book Fair opened on Friday with the participation of dozens of foreign and domestic publishers, including a national Iranian pavilion displaying more than 500 titles.
Dedicated as the “President Mam Jalal Edition” in honor of the late Iraqi president and Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani, the 11-day fair runs until October 13 at the Sulaymaniyah Exhibition Hall.
Around 150 publishing houses and institutions are taking part, including 70 foreign publishers from 16 countries such as Iran, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Germany, the UAE, Lebanon, Turkey, Palestine and Jordan.
More than 250,000 books spanning literature, history, politics, children’s works and philosophy are on show.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials including Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Culture and Youth Mohammed Saeed and Sulaymaniyah Governor Haval Abubakir.
Hassan Rahim, the head of the fair committee, described this year’s edition as “different from past years” with broader participation and improved organization, adding that the aim was to “provide better access” and a stronger platform for publishers.
Iran's Book and Literature House has set up a national stand in cooperation with the Iranian Cultural House in Sulaymaniyah. More than 60 Iranian publishers are represented, offering a wide range of works in classic and modern literature, children’s and young adult books, religion, Iranology, Persian language learning and tourism.
Independent publishers such as Cheshmeh, Ehsan, Ravayat-e Fath and Kurdistan are also showcasing their collections.
Alongside the book displays, the fair is hosting author talks, cultural debates and panel sessions in Kurdish, Arabic, Persian and other languages.