Amman International Book Fair Wraps Up, Draws 600,000 Visitors

AMMAN: The 23rd Amman International Book Fair, organized under the theme "Jerusalem, the Capital of Palestine," successfully concluded, drawing a crowd of 600,000 visitors and featuring participation from 400 publishing houses. According to Jordan News Agency, the fair saw significant involvement from Arab ministries and cultural institutions, with notable participation from the Qatari Ministry of Culture, the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, and the Egyptian General Book Authority. This year's event marked a first with the inclusion of a pavilion dedicated to national institutions such as the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces - Arab Army and the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh praised the collaboration between the Ministry and the Union of Jordanian Publishers, underscoring the fair's importance in fostering cultural dialogue and supporting Jordan's creative and publishing sectors. He noted the ministry's commitment to enhancing public knowledge through initiatives like the Family Library Program and the Reading Festival. Jaber Abu Fares, President of the Union of Jordanian Publishers, expressed appreciation for the fair's achievements, highlighting its role as a pivotal platform for the exchange of ideas throughout the Arab region. Algeria was recognized as the guest of honor this year, with the Algerian Minister of Culture, Soraya Mouloudji, heading the official delegation. The exhibition also paid tribute to Dr. Youssef Bakkar, a critic and researcher, acknowledging his academic contributions to writing and literary criticism by honoring him as the cultural figure of the event.