This summer season, the Egyptian city of Alexandria enthusiastically welcomes its 19th book fair, an event which takes place over two weeks until July 28. The overflowing shelves of books lined up on the shelves, tables and walls of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina bear witness to the cultural richness present during this event.
The elaborate architecture of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inaugurated in 2002, offers a setting conducive to literary discovery. This year, 77 publishing houses are present at the fair, including a section dedicated to children’s literature, underlines Mohamed Soliman, head of cultural awareness at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Many visitors take the opportunity to take their children to this 19th book fair. The two weeks of exhibition will be punctuated by 160 cultural events involving around 600 artists and intellectuals, as mentioned on the library’s website.
Ahmed Diouf, director of the Koutoubia publishing house, highlights the growing popularity of events offered at the book fair each year. “The exhibition continues to grow. Every year, new events emerge, alongside new publishing houses,” he explains.
Alexandria, Egypt’s second city, offers an ideal setting for summer visitors, with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop. Many locals in the country choose Alexandria as their summer destination, making the book fair particularly accessible for visitors from far and wide, as Yousef Shammah, an event participant, pointed out.
The latter said he was impressed by the diversity of the works exhibited. “As for prices, I think they are neither too high nor too low, given that prices have increased overall,” he added.
City of a thousand stories, Alexandria has gone through many trials over the centuries. Founded by Alexander the Great over 2,000 years ago, the city has survived invasions, fires and earthquakes. But its famous ancient Library fell prey to flames when Julius Caesar, in 48 BC. BC, set fire to an enemy fleet.
The Alexandria Book Fair is not only an unmissable event for literature lovers, but also a place where history, culture and a passion for books combine. The wealth of works presented and the enchanting atmosphere of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina make it a special place for all reading lovers.