Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair has set a historic attendance record, drawing more than 2.5 million visitors on its sixth day, according to Amira Qamar, correspondent for Extra News. The fair, organized by the General Authority for the Book under the Ministry of Culture, had welcomed around 2 million visitors the previous day, signaling unprecedented public interest in literature and cultural events.
Officials attribute the surge in attendance to growing awareness of the importance of reading, creativity, and culture in personal and societal development. The fair, which extends far beyond the sale of books, hosts a wide array of activities including cultural seminars, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and artistic performances. This year’s edition features nearly 400 events and around 100 book-signing sessions, reflecting its position as one of the most comprehensive cultural gatherings in the Arab world.
The 57th edition is also the largest in terms of exhibitors and international participation. Nearly 1,400 publishing houses from 83 countries are taking part, alongside approximately 6,600 exhibitors from both Arab and non-Arab countries. This extensive participation underscores Cairo’s role as a regional hub for literary and cultural exchange.
On the sixth day of the fair, visitors attended high-profile sessions including a seminar titled “Naguib Mahfouz and the New Wave of Writing,” a conference on the role of law faculties in Egypt’s justice system, and discussions exploring the arts and heritage of Halaib and Shalateen. Another session focused on the role of thought, culture, and soft power in supporting the Palestinian cause, demonstrating the fair’s blend of literary, cultural, and socio-political engagement.
The record-breaking turnout at the Cairo International Book Fair highlights the enduring significance of books and cultural dialogue in Egypt and the wider region, reinforcing the fair’s status as a key platform for knowledge, creativity, and cross-cultural exchange.
