The 11th edition of the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair has opened in Türkiye under the theme “The Story Continues,” in a gathering that extends beyond the bookshelves to bring publishers, authors and readers together around language, culture and questions of knowledge. More than 300 publishing houses from over 30 countries are taking part in this year’s edition, which runs until 23 August 2026 at the Eurasia Show and Art Center in Istanbul’s Yenikapı district, with more than 120,000 visitors expected to attend.
In a city long accustomed to serving as a crossroads between East and West, the fair continues to strengthen its position as one of the most prominent gatherings dedicated to Arabic books outside the Arab world. It attracts Arab communities from Türkiye and Europe, alongside Turkish audiences interested in the Arabic language. The fair’s official website describes it as a non-profit cultural event that seeks to strengthen the presence of Arabic and deepen Arab-Turkish cultural ties, giving it a role that extends beyond the book market to building lasting bridges between readers and cultures.
This year’s edition goes beyond showcasing new releases, opening the door to a broader conversation about the future of publishing and reading. Its programme ranges from publishing rights and translation meetings bringing together publishers, authors, translators and industry professionals, to discussions on the place of books in the age of artificial intelligence. The TULIA project for Turkish literature in Arabic is also taking part, seeking to bring Turkish literature closer to Arab readers, introduce translated works and open new avenues for collaboration between book professionals on both sides.
Syria is the Guest of Honour at this year’s edition, represented by the Ministry of Culture through a dedicated pavilion, alongside the participation of Syrian institutions and publishing houses. Its presence reflects one of the defining features of this year’s fair: positioning the book as a meeting point between cultural memory and contemporary publishing. The Syrian programme focuses on exchanging expertise, building partnerships and supporting translation, while Istanbul continues, until 23 August, to write a new chapter in the “story” the fair has chosen to keep going.