Egypt: Cairo Book Fair celebrates creativity

An International book fair to promote the importance of knowledge in the creative world has opened in Egypt bringing together book sellers from the region.

The annual fair kicked off on Wednesday, January 27 and will end on February 10.

PHOTO GALLERY: #Cairo International Book Fair opens with 850 publishers https://t.co/1UbLincy3j pic.twitter.com/wtn2pHI6kF

— Ahram Online (@ahramonline) January 28, 2016

This 47th edition is being held under the theme: “Culture on the Frontline.” The theme acknowledges the tumultuous events in the region.

Visitors at the fair see books as a way to combat extremist ideologies which dominate headlines.

Here we are. Cairo International book fair #cibf2016 pic.twitter.com/GWtuszcWRr

— steffenmeier (@steffenmeier) January 31, 2016

“Culture and knowledge are important tools for the development of the human mind. When we develop a person, we are developing a society, a country; we develop new horizons. Through culture, we can build the minds of youth. Existence of such cultural exhibitions for the Arab world is crucial at this point in time due to the conflicts we are facing, and we need to be patient in order to overcome this dark period,” Ahmed Bin Riqad, head of Sharjah book authority said.

Ahmed Radwan is the author of “One Year, Three Days” which focuses on the stay of former president Mohamed Mursi in power.

Radwan says he has not experienced any censorship from authorities despite a recent government crackdown on activists and journalists.

“In this year’s book fair, there was a lot of room for creative freedoms, and many opportunities for young writers to present their ideas, some of whom were brave enough to undertake topics that encourage change. It’s an exhibition full of different ideas. In all cases, it’s up to the readers to decide what they want to read,’‘ he added.

A series of lectures were held to deliberate on problems facing publishers. The book fair also encouraged children’s interest in graffiti and other outdoor activities.

Bahraini Poet Hasan Kamal shares his poetry at Cairo International Book Fair, part of Bahrain Guest of Honor Program pic.twitter.com/NdaNcETlof

— BH Culture Authority (@culturebah) January 31, 2016