Under the patronage of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the Syrian Ministry of Culture announced the launch of the first Damascus International Book Fair since liberation. Held under the slogan “A History We Write… A History We Read,” the fair will open on February 5 at Exhibition City in the Damascus countryside. The event marks the return of the book to its natural role as a driver of thought, dialogue, and societal development.
Minister of Culture Muhammad al-Saleh affirmed this edition of the Damascus International Book Fair represents a unifying national occasion reinforcing Syrian unity through shared culture, while reconnecting the country with the world through science and knowledge. He emphasized that the Ministry is exerting exceptional efforts during this sensitive phase, guided by its responsibility to protect Syria’s cultural identity following the restoration of state sovereignty.
A Return to the Global Cultural Stage
Deputy Minister of Culture Saad Nasan announced the participation of over 500 publishing houses from 35 countries, offering more than 100,000 book titles. He described this wide engagement as a strong indicator of the fair’s importance and the confidence it has regained since its announcement.
Nasan explained the cultural program combines depth with diversity, featuring over 650 intellectual, literary, and historical activities. Special spaces have been allocated for children and youth, viewed as the foundation of the coming cultural revival. The fair will also host more than 500 writers, thinkers, and researchers, alongside the launch of new awards and cultural initiatives.
Presidential Media Affairs Advisor Dr. Ahmad Mawaffaq Zaidan stated that the fair’s revival builds on the cultural event held last year in Idlib, which was the last such fair in northern Syria. He affirmed that this return restores Syria’s natural role in Arab and international cultural life, serving as a bridge between Syria and the world.
Catalyst for Culture and Publishing Sector Growth
Iyad al-Tabbaa, Director-General of the Arab Encyclopedia Authority, noted the Authority’s participation in this landmark edition provides an important opportunity to promote culture and highlight Syrian authors and their works. He explained that the Authority will present around thirty specialized encyclopedias covering science, law, history, medicine, and other academic fields, targeting readers, researchers, and students alike.
Tabbaa emphasized that the fair plays a central role in developing Syria’s publishing sector across scientific, cultural, economic, and social dimensions. By facilitating access to knowledge and research, the event stimulates intellectual engagement, revitalizes the local book market, supports the economy, and strengthens the enduring relationship between readers, writers, and publishers.
