Under the patronage and in the presence of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the Damascus International Book Fair was inaugurated on Thursday evening, Jan. 5, in an exceptional edition, the first since liberation. The opening ceremony was held at the Damascus Conferences Palace under the slogan, “History We Write… History We Read,” and was attended by senior Syrian officials and Arab and international delegations participating in the fair.
A Strong, United, and Knowledgeable Syria
In a keynote address, President Sharaa emphasized the central role of knowledge in shaping nations and societies. “Humanity has always sought truth, knowledge, and the secrets and treasures of the world,” he said. “The more knowledge a person gains, the greater their awareness becomes, and the greater their awareness, the greater their need for knowledge grows. It is like a spring that never runs dry, yet never fully quenches your thirst, you remain in constant need of it whenever you return to it.”
He noted knowledge can empower both good and evil, stressing those striving to acquire it first often prevail. “What distinguishes people of good,” he said, “is that when they exert sincere effort in seeking knowledge, victory becomes their reward. Knowledge carries responsibility; whoever learns but does not act will find knowledge a testimony against them, not for them.”
President Sharaa underscored that ignorance has historically been associated with weakness, while nations combining knowledge with action are defined by strength. He pointed out seeking justice, upholding truth, and abolishing falsehood require strength, but warned that strength without knowledge leads to ruin, just as a sword without wisdom strikes its own bearer.
Sharaa highlighted Damascus’ enduring cultural and intellectual legacy, describing the city as a historic beacon of science and learning that had been targeted by corruption and attempts to erase its identity. “Today, Damascus has returned, and we have returned with it, to rebuild its structure, heal its wounds, and restore its brilliance,” he said.
“This is Syria, worthy of our sacrifice so that goodness may prevail and people may find solace within it. Together, we will restore history’s glory, pride, and dignity.” President Sharaa concluded by describing the book fair as “a blessed return and a precious beginning following the liberation of all of Syria.”
