OMM Newsroom
The 12th International Book Fair has opened in Baku. Held at the Baku Expo Center, the event brings together writers, publishers and cultural representatives from 30 countries to promote literature and international cultural exchange. The seven-day fair began on October 21, AnewZ reported.
Members of Milli Majlis (National Assembly), government officials, literary figures and international guests attended the opening ceremony organized by the Ministry of Culture.
Held under the slogan “Life is bigger than a screen: one child, one book, one real world,” this year’s fair aims to promote reading, particularly among young people, and highlight the importance of books as the digital world expands. The exhibition features publications across a range of genres, including philosophy, science, fiction, education and children’s books.
Fair showcases countries’ literature and culture
Alongside its book displays, the fair serves as a platform for international cultural exchange. Participating countries are presenting their literary traditions and cultural heritage to Azerbaijani audiences.
Saudi Arabia is among the 30 participating countries. Its pavilion features publications about the Two Holy Mosques, books printed by the King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex, and works on Saudi Arabia’s history.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Issam bin Saleh Al-Jutaili told AnewZ that his country’s participation in the fair was an important opportunity to introduce Saudi culture to Azerbaijani audiences and strengthen cultural exchange between the two countries.
Portugal is also taking part as it prepares to open an embassy in Baku. Portugal’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Jaime Van Zeller told AnewZ that the fair was significant for his country. As part of its first cultural initiative, Portugal is presenting a range of books, including translations into Azerbaijani. He added that one of Portugal’s well-known books had been translated into Azerbaijani, with the aim of introducing the country’s culture to the Azerbaijani public.
Georgia is participating in the fair for the second year and has brought more publications this time. Ketevan Dumbadze, head of the Writers’ House of Georgia, said the delegation had brought more books than last year, including Azerbaijani translations of Georgian literature.
Program features presentations and workshops
The fair’s program includes prominent Azerbaijani writers and poets, young authors, and literary figures from Türkiye, the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, Poland and Saudi Arabia.
Visitors can attend book presentations, discussions on contemporary topics, and workshops for children and adults. The fair also gives publishers and authors opportunities to establish international contacts, exchange ideas and reach new audiences through translations.
The 12th Baku International Book Fair will continue at the Baku Expo Center until October 27.
