On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the curtain will rise on the 26th edition of the Baghdad International Book Fair, which runs until September 21 in the Al-Mansour district. This year’s event gathers more than 600 publishing houses and cultural and research institutions from Iraq, the Arab world, Europe, and Asia, in a renewed platform that celebrates the written word and reaffirms Baghdad’s historic place as a capital of thought and knowledge. For book lovers, the fair has become an eagerly awaited annual occasion, one that unveils new titles, hosts intellectual forums and workshops, and offers direct encounters between readers and authors.
Qatar is the guest of honor at this edition, presenting through its pavilion a rich program that bridges thought, art, and heritage. The program features intellectual discussions, cultural lectures, poetry evenings, and musical performances, alongside displays of traditional arts, and a photography exhibition highlighting Qatar’s architectural and cultural renaissance. Live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as wooden shipbuilding and goldsmithing will also be offered, giving visitors an immediate and authentic glimpse into Qatari culture while underscoring the depth of cultural ties between Iraq and Qatar.
The program extends to include the participation of distinguished Arab figures in literature, art, and media. Among them is Egyptian actor Ahmed Amin, celebrated for his original comedic works and acclaimed roles in drama and cinema, as well as for his creative presence on digital platforms. His participation promises to bring a fresh artistic dimension to the fair, blending humor with intellectual vision, and affirming that books and ideas can seamlessly intertwine with the arts to create a richer, more diverse cultural experience for audiences of all ages.
Yet amid the abundance of events, controversy emerged around the participation of Egyptian researcher Mahmoud Salah, accused by some intellectual circles of promoting contentious ideas and unscientific theories. The fair’s organizers clarified that his presence was arranged through his publishing house, not as an official guest, stressing that the exhibition remains a space for intellectual plurality. Despite the debate, the Baghdad International Book Fair endures as a remarkable cultural landmark, testament to the city’s enduring role as a beacon of creativity, and a reminder that books remain bridges uniting peoples and a vital medium for dialogue and imagination.
