The kick-off for the 21st edition of the International Fair of Algiers book was given on 26 October, in the presence of Culture Minister Azzedine Mihoubi. The 11-day event running until 5 November features 50 Arab and non-Arab countries. Egypt has been announced the ‘Guest of Honour’, to share the country’s rich intellect and experience in literature, and to celebrate the creativity of Egyptian authors.
Organised under the slogan, ‘The Book, Total Connection’, the 21st edition has witnessed participation by 991 publishers, including 290 Algerian and 671 foreign publishers. Five countries are seen making their debut. They include India, Greece, Denmark, Russia and Canada. This year, the SILA celebrates the memory of senior Arabic authors such as the late Algerian novelist, At-Taher Wattar, and the late Egyptian novelist, Naguib Mahfouz.