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Damascus International Book Fair: An Exceptional Event Revitalizing the Cultural Scene The Damascus International Book Fair concluded its exceptional edition, which ran from February 6th to 16th, reaffirming Syria's position as a vital center for knowledge and intercultural dialogue. Since its inception, the fair has served as a unifying national space for writers, publishers, creators, and readers, and a platform for enriching national awareness and strengthening confidence in the pivotal role of culture in human development and the consolidation of national identity. This reflects the return of culture to the heart of public life after years of challenges. The Fair at the Heart of the Arab and International Cultural Scene This edition witnessed the participation of more than 500 Arab and international publishing houses from approximately 35 countries. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar were guests of honor, a move that underscores the depth of Arab cultural relations and strengthens bridges of cultural cooperation and the exchange of intellectual and knowledge-based production. Freedom of the Book… The End of Censorship For the first time in Syria's history, books were displayed with complete freedom, without any restrictions or prior censorship. This transformation reflects the end of the era of the former regime, which imposed limitations on knowledge. The diversity of titles and the richness of topics sent a powerful message: national culture is now able to flourish freely, and the book is no longer merely a commodity of knowledge, but a bridge for expression and intellectual interaction. High-Level Official Presence… Culture at the Heart of Public Policy The state's appreciation for culture was evident in the prominent official presence at the exhibition. President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Minister of Culture Muhammad Yassin al-Saleh and Deputy Minister Saad Naasan, along with a select group of participating Arab poets, writers, and intellectuals. He emphasized the role of culture in strengthening Arab ties and consolidating the values of knowledge and openness, and discussed the current state of the literary movement and its prospects for development. All ministers and senior officials also visited the exhibition, sending a clear message that culture occupies a prominent position in the state's public policy, and that the book fair is a strategic platform for raising awareness and supporting the publishing industry. A Comprehensive Program and Cultural Inclusivity… Knowledge is a Right for All The exhibition presented a rich program that included intellectual and literary seminars, specialized dialogue sessions, and meetings with writers and researchers, in addition to events for children and young adults and artistic and cultural activities. This contributed to creating an attractive environment for all age groups. Humanitarian initiatives were also highlighted, such as welcoming delegations of people with disabilities, underscoring the exhibition's commitment to cultural inclusivity and making knowledge accessible to all citizens without exception. The Exhibition's Pavilions and Book Signings… Intellectual Diversity and Lively Interaction The exhibition pavilions included Arab and international publishing houses, pavilions for ministries, cultural institutions, and libraries, spaces for children and young adults, and others showcasing academic and contemporary publications. This fostered Arab cultural dialogue and highlighted the richness of the Syrian intellectual landscape. The book signing sessions provided an opportunity for direct interaction between authors and their audiences, emphasizing that books are not merely texts to be read, but rather a bridge for interaction between the creator and society. New Cultural Projects… A Gateway to the Future During the exhibition, the Ministry of Culture announced the Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation Forum, scheduled for next June. This forum will serve as a unifying platform for Syrian calligraphers both within the country and abroad, featuring training workshops and events implemented through international partnerships to promote this art form. The “Syrian Cultural House” project was also presented. This initiative aims to be the first national cultural incubator, fostering collaboration and launching digital and training projects across three tracks: the Cultural Partner, the Mentor Platform (Ugarit), and the Cultural Academy (Ufuq). This aligns with the Ministry's vision to empower youth and support the contemporary cultural landscape. Honoring Creators… Celebrating Makers of Meaning The closing ceremony honored distinguished guests, creators, and participating publishing houses. Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin Al-Saleh and his deputy, the exhibition director Saad Naasan, honored Khalid Al-Qarmi, representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Jassim Buainain, representing the State of Qatar. International Creativity Awards were presented to the best publishing houses: Rawai’ Al-Kutub and Dar Al-Ansar Library from Syria, Dar Al-Rushd from Saudi Arabia, and Dar Riyad Al-Rayyes from Lebanon. Children's book publishers were also recognized, with Dar Al-Rabee’ winning the Children's Book Publishers Award in Syria, while Dar Al-Banja from Qatar and Dar Al-Manhal from Jordan received the Children's Book Award. Individually, International Creativity Awards were presented to writer Ibrahim Al-Jabin, young writer Bana Al-Abdullah (Active Writer Award), and Dr. Ayman Al-Shawa (Exhibition Personality Award). Appreciation awards were given to Dr. Ahmed Najib Al-Sharif and writer Ayman Shekhani, while writer Bashir Al-Bakr won an award for his book "A Journey to Lost Time." Books: A Cornerstone of National Recovery The Damascus International Book Fair has proven itself to be a comprehensive national platform for thought and knowledge, and an effective bridge of communication between creators, institutions, and the public, affirming that culture will remain a pillar of national recovery, and that books will continue to be an essential tool for building awareness, fostering hope, and strengthening the path of cultural advancement in Syria.