Syria is present at the 11th International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair as the guest of honor with a large stand. At the stand, many works related to Syria's literature, history, art and cultural heritage are presented to the readers. Objects related to Syrian culture are also exhibited at the stand, where the country's rich cultural heritage and production in the publishing world are introduced. Syria's participation in the fair opens a new door for cultural partnerships in different parts of the world.
Syrian Deputy Minister of Culture Saad Naasan stated that Syria's participation in such a fair as a guest of honor is important for the country's active involvement in the cultural life of the Arab world and the international community. Expressing his pleasure to be in Istanbul and to represent Syria in the cultural field, Naasan said, 'The importance of this participation stems from the fact that Syria has started to actively participate in the cultural life of the Arab world and the international community in general. This also opens a new door for cultural partnerships in different parts of the world.' he said.
Stating that Syria has been the source of civilizations throughout history, Naasan said that he aims to introduce the cultural heritage of his country to different parts of the world through book fairs and various cultural events. 'We hope that more Syrian publishing houses will take part in the fair in the coming years.' Naasan stated that they promoted the publications of many different institutions, as well as the Syrian General Book Organization, which is based in Damascus and operates under the Syrian Ministry of Culture, and the Syrian National Library, and said: 'The International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair has given great importance to the role of Syrian publishers since its establishment. Even before the liberation of Syria, Syrian publishing houses were taking part in the fair. Today, after the liberation of Syria, these participations have started again. We hope that more Syrian publishing houses will take part in the fair in the coming years.'
Drawing attention to the historical and cultural ties between Istanbul and Syria, Saad Naasan stated that there are strong partnerships between the two countries and said, 'Although there are differences in language, we generally have common cultures.' he said. Naasan added that Syria's participation in the fair in Istanbul will contribute to strengthening the common cultural values between the two peoples.
Ministry of Culture and Tourism Deputy General Director of Libraries and Publications Abdülsamet Taş pointed out that international book fairs play an important role in strengthening cultural relations and said that, as the Ministry, they provide participation and content support to such events. In his evaluation of Syria's participation as a guest of honor in the 11th International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair, Taş stated that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism supports international fairs to develop cultural relations within the scope of the legislation. Stating that, as the Ministry, they contribute to the content and technical aspects of the programs organized as well as stand support at fairs, Taş emphasized that culture is an important element in the development of relations between countries. Taş stated that Türkiye continued to support Syria after the war, as well as during the war, and added that culture has a special place in the process of eliminating the material and moral destruction suffered by the country. Pointing out the importance of Syria returning to its cultural codes and eliminating the cultural deformation, Taş said, 'As the Ministry, we are trying to stand by our Syrian brothers as much as we can, today as we did yesterday.' he said.
Academician and writer Prof. Dr. Yasin Aktay stated that the 11th International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair was established during the period when Syrians left their country and came to Türkiye, with the aim of providing cultural services to the Arab community in Türkiye, and explained that the fair has today turned into an important cultural meeting with Syria as the guest of honor. Stating that the need for Arabic books and cultural events increased after the Syrians came to Türkiye, Aktay said, 'After finding security, of course, it was necessary to stand up again in a different way against these people who destroyed their country, history and homeland. The way to do this was books, culture, memory. 'Memory is what keeps people alive.' shared his views. Aktay underlined that Syria is now participating in the fair as a state, not as a representative of a refugee community, and evaluated that this situation indicates the beginning of a new cultural era. Noting that the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair is one of the most important Arabic book fairs outside the Arab countries, Aktay drew attention to the historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and the Arab world. Pointing out the importance of the fair reaching its 11th year, Aktay stated that a cultural bridge has been established between Turkey and the Arab world and said, 'Arab culture has become a part of Turkish culture, Turkish culture will hopefully become a part of Arab culture.' he said.
'11. 'International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair' will end on August 23.
