People visit the 24th edition of the Baghdad International Book Fair in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
BAGHDAD, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The 24th edition of the Baghdad International Book Fair has kicked off in the Iraqi capital Baghdad with the participation of about 600 local and foreign publishing houses from 15 countries.
Ahmed al-Zaki, director of the Baghdad International Book Fair, told reporters on Tuesday that the 10-day exhibition, which opened on Monday with various cultural and artistic activities, is an important cultural event in Iraq.
Al-Zaki said the book fair witnessed a huge turnout on the first day, adding that people are eager to learn about Arab and international cultures through reading.
A child browses a book at the 24th edition of the Baghdad International Book Fair in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
He added that many artistic and cultural events are also held during the fair, including book signings, in addition to seminars of various themes with the participation of cultural, artistic, and political figures.
Basim al-Azawi, a visitor to the fair, said "the book fair is an opportunity to enrich the cultural movement in Iraq and encourage the people, particularly young people, to enhance the habit of reading."
People visit the 24th edition of the Baghdad International Book Fair in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)■
