The 11th Baku International Book Fair continues until 7 October 2025, bringing together more than 180 publishing houses and cultural institutions from Azerbaijan and around 20 countries worldwide. Organized by the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan at the Baku Expo Center, the event stands as one of the leading cultural platforms in the Caucasus region, bridging literary creativity and digital publishing. The fair seeks to reaffirm the book’s enduring role as a tool for human understanding and intercultural dialogue through a rich program of discussions, workshops, and activities dedicated to children and young readers.
This year’s edition offers a diverse agenda that blends literary tradition with innovation in publishing. Panels explore the future of reading in the digital age, while art exhibitions celebrate the book as both a visual and cultural medium. The fair has also drawn strong participation from emerging writers, illustrators, and translators, many of whom are showcasing their debut works. These contributions enrich Azerbaijan’s cultural scene with fresh voices and perspectives, transforming the fair into a vibrant meeting ground for generations of readers, from lifelong book lovers to young audiences discovering the joy of reading beyond screens.
Among the most notable highlights is the launch of a documentary volume titled “Fifty Years After Akinchi,” marking 150 years of national journalism in Azerbaijan. The book traces the evolution of print and literary journalism since 1875 and features rare archival materials that shed light on the role of writers and journalists in shaping the nation’s cultural consciousness. The launch ceremony was attended by leading literary figures, media professionals, and scholars, who praised the publication as a valuable contribution to preserving Azerbaijan’s literary heritage.
Attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year, the Baku International Book Fair continues to strengthen Azerbaijan’s publishing presence on the global stage while opening new channels of cooperation with publishers and libraries across Europe, Asia, and the Arab world. The event also reflects the country’s steady progress in book production, from enhanced printing quality and greater thematic diversity to the growing appeal of translation and co-publishing projects. Between stands of classic works and contemporary releases, the fair remains a cultural bridge between East and West, a continuous celebration of the written word as both the memory and the imagination of humanity.
