Greece To Showcase Literary Excellence And Cultural Heritage At SIBF 2025 In Sharjah

The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) will feature Greece as its Guest of Honour, showcasing its rich literary and artistic heritage. From 5th to 16th November 2025, attendees can explore a diverse cultural programme that includes literature, theatre, music, and cookery. This event celebrates Greece's significant contributions to global culture and learning.

Greece's participation will include a national pavilion spanning 200 square metres, inspired by ancient Greek architecture. It will host 58 Greek publishers and cultural institutions, with 28 attending in person. Around 600 titles in both Greek and translated editions will be showcased. A sculpted olive tree symbolising resilience, peace, and wisdom will be a central feature.

The exhibition "Greek Literature – The Long Journey" will trace the evolution of Greek language and literature from ancient times to today. This exhibit highlights the enduring influence of Greek intellectualism on national identity and world culture. More than 70 Greek participants, including writers, poets, translators, illustrators, academics, musicians, librarians, and publishing professionals, will enrich the cultural agenda at SIBF 2025.

Ten prominent Greek writers, poets, and playwrights such as Antonios Skiathas and Eugenia Daglas will headline the Guest of Honour Programme. They will lead reading sessions and discussions on Greece’s contemporary literary scene and translation between Greek and Arabic. Their participation underscores the ongoing global influence of Greek writing.

Visitors can enjoy interactive workshops like The Life and Writing Workshop led by Aimilia Bantouna and Mata Gavroglou. These sessions introduce children to Greek heritage through symbolism and creativity. Collaborative sessions between Greek and Emirati creators will further expand cultural dialogue.

Anastasia Georgaki curates a roaming theatre production that combines poetry, live music, and expressive movement for an immersive experience. Additionally, a musical-theatrical performance inspired by Greek poetry by Nikolaos Platanos and Kyriaki Vlachogianni will highlight the fair’s opening day.

Culinary Delights at Cookery Corner

Greek cuisine takes centre stage at SIBF’s Cookery Corner with Chef Alexandros Sperchos leading live culinary sessions. His demonstrations blend authenticity with innovation while highlighting the deep connection between Greek food and heritage.

Greece's involvement extends beyond cultural showcases to professional engagement in the 15th Publishers Conference held before the fair. Here, Greek publishing professionals join counterparts from over 70 countries in seminars shaping the future of global publishing.

Professional Engagements

The Sharjah International Library Conference will also see Greece participating in discussions on innovation in library sciences and promoting reading culture. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, this edition of SIBF gathers 2,350 publishers from 118 countries featuring over 1,200 activities.

Greece has prepared translations of its works into Arabic for national participation at SIBF 2025. These include anthologies of State Prize-winning poetry as well as contemporary poetic dramatic monologues. This initiative aims to foster greater understanding between cultures through literature.

With inputs from WAM