A memorial ceremony for Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish is among the highlights of this year's Alexandria Arab Book Fair, reports Nevine El-Aref The fort of Qeit Bey, built on the foundations of the Pharos, the ancient lighthouse, dominates Alexandria's Eastern Harbour. This summer, Alexandrians and holidaymakers from further afield, have flocked to the magnificent citadel not only to admire the architecture and artefacts exhibited within its walls but also to tour the halls and corridors which are currently playing host to the Alexandria Arab Book Fair (AABF). From 13 to 23 August 57 publishers from seven Arab countries are displaying their wares at the AABF. Lebanon, the capital of which, Beirut, was chosen by UNESCO as this year capital of books, is the AABF guest of honour. Chairman of the General Egyptian Book Organisation (GEBO) Nasser El-Ansari describes the AABF, which was inaugurated by Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni, as an opening shot in promoting Arabic literature and highlighting Arab visions in publishing. The fair is divided into three sections; the first dedicated to Lebanon as guest of honour, the second to other Arab participants and the third to the Million Books Project. Among the cultural activities taking place on the fringe of the AABF are lectures on Egypt and Lebanon, seminars on the Arabic press, discussions of women's issues and the influence of pioneer intellectuals and writers on the current direction of Arab literature. The life of poet Darwish will also be celebrated in a number of readings of his works.
