Egypt's Minister of Culture, Ahmed Hanno, along with Ahmed Khaled, Governor of Alexandria, and Ahmed Zaid, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inaugurated the 19th edition of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Book Fair. Organised by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in collaboration with the General Egyptian Book Organization and the Egyptian and Arab Publishers Unions, the fair will run from 15 to 28 July. Hanno emphasised the Bibliotheca Alexandrina's role as a beacon of knowledge and culture—a meeting point for diverse cultures and a platform for dialogue between civilisations. It serves as a central hub for preserving and disseminating cultural content. The Minister of Culture stated: "The Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Book Fair has consistently drawn attention and illuminated Alexandria and its intellectuals. It fosters a significant cultural movement that grows year after year. The fair attracts global publishing houses, intellectuals, and an eager public seeking knowledge." Hanno highlighted that this event bridges Egyptian culture with other Arab and international traditions. It extends Egypt's historical influence in various fields of knowledge, reinforcing its cultural leadership. He also noted that the fair provides a cultural arena where intellectuals engage with new ideas and knowledge. It complements the Cairo International Book Fair. The Ministry of Culture actively participates in this significant event. The Egyptian General Book Organization's pavilion showcases its rich production, alongside contributions from various Ministry of Culture bodies and sectors, reflecting a collaborative spirit. Continuing their fruitful cooperation, the Ministry of Culture and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina will host the "Annual Conference of the Heritage Research Center" at Dar al-Kutub, the National Archives, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. This year's conference celebrates Alexandria's heritage on September 24 and 25, 2024. The Governor of Alexandria affirmed that the book fair, featuring over 77 Egyptian and Arab publishing houses, serves as a meeting place for intellectuals and a cultural window for the people of Alexandria, especially the youth. Zaid explained that this year's fair includes 160 events organised by 77 publishing houses, with 600 guests from Egypt and abroad. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina will also launch the "Alexandria Reading Competition in Egypt," honouring a hundred winners, and introduce the "Bibliotheca Alexandrina World Prize for Researchers in Various Sciences."
