Sharjah Joins 20th Thessaloniki International Book Fair As Guest Of Honour

Sharjah, the cultural hub of the United Arab Emirates, has made its mark at the 20th Thessaloniki International Book Fair (TIBF) in Greece. As the fair's first Arab Guest of Honour, Sharjah is showcasing its commitment to intercultural understanding and the power of reading.With over 850 exhibitors and more than 1,500 authors and book professionals from 40 countries, TIBF is a platform for literary exchange and dialogue. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), emphasized the importance of reading in today's polarized world. She stated, "Reading about each other and discovering the beauty in each other's culture should be the mission of every one of us."As the Guest of Honour, Sharjah invites visitors to explore its rich cultural offerings. The Sharjah Pavilion, unveiled by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi after the official opening of TIBF, showcases books by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as well as works by Emirati authors and displays highlighting Emirati heritage.The Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, welcomed the Sharjah delegation and praised Sharjah's efforts in fostering dialogue and communication with Greece. He acknowledged that Sharjah has played a vital role in reconnecting Greece with Arab and Emirati culture.Christos Dimas, Deputy Minister of Culture of Greece, expressed his pride in hosting Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi and the Sharjah delegation. He recognized the power of books to transcend borders and connect cultures. Dimas assured Greece's commitment to participating in the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair and forging stronger ties with SIBF, Sharjah, and the UAE.Nikos A. Koukis, President of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, commended Sharjah's intellectual and cultural contributions. He highlighted Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's leadership in the book industry and her dedication to fostering cultural exchange between the Greek and Arab worlds.Nopi Chatzigeorgiou, Director of TIBF, praised Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's global efforts to advance the publishing industry and support women publishers. She acknowledged Sharjah's significant impact on the global publishing landscape, particularly in empowering women publishers.Sharjah's Guest of Honour programme at TIBF offers a diverse range of panel discussions, workshops, and heritage shows. One notable session is "Unlocking Worlds: Children's Literature and World Book Capitals," where Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi highlights the transformative power of children's literature in raising awareness about World Book Capitals.Sharjah also presents Greek translations of 10 books by Emirati authors, spanning various genres. These translations serve as bridges between different literary traditions, inviting attendees to explore the intricacies of Emirati culture and literature.In addition to literary offerings, Sharjah's programme includes panel discussions on Greek philosophy's influence on literature, the significance of women's narratives, and the evolving landscape of youth literature in the Emirates and Greece. From poetry celebrations to workshops nurturing creative skills in children, Sharjah's cultural showcase at TIBF 2024 promises an enriching experience that fosters connections and dialogue beyond geographical boundaries.Sharjah's participation as the Guest of Honour at TIBF highlights its commitment to promoting intercultural understanding through literature. By showcasing its rich literary heritage and engaging in meaningful dialogue, Sharjah continues to bridge gaps and foster connections between cultures.

With inputs from WAM