AMMAN — On behalf of His Majesty King Abdullah, Culture Minister Mustafa Al Rawashdeh on Thursday inaugurated the 25th Amman International Book Fair.

 

Held at the Royal Cultural Centre under the theme “Jordan: The Land and the People”, the fair brings together 400 publishing houses and local, Arab and foreign institutions representing 22 countries.

 

During the opening ceremony, Rawashdeh highlighted Jordan’s historical and cultural significance, noting that the roots of the Nabataean script, from which the modern Arabic script later developed, emerged on Jordanian soil in the late first century AD.

 

He said Jordan’s land represents an important historical site as the cradle of numerous civilisations.

 

Rawashdeh welcomed Syria as the guest of honour, represented by Culture Minister Mohammed Yassin Saleh, highlighting the country’s rich cultural and civilisational heritage.

 

He said that the current edition comes amid a knowledge revolution and rapid technological advances that require the publishing and print-book industry to develop innovative solutions and new mechanisms to adapt to digital transformation.

 

Rawashdeh also highlighted challenges facing the book industry due to technological advances, digital transformation and social media.

 

He said the ministry is focusing on children at this year’s fair, aiming to encourage greater attention to content provided to future generations in line with technological and knowledge developments.

 

Rawashdeh also highlighted the fair’s role in enriching cultural dialogue through its diverse programme.

 

For his part, Saleh expressed Syria’s appreciation for participating in the fair as guest of honour, highlighting the brotherly ties and cooperation between Jordan and Syria.

 

He described Jordanians as a cultured people, attributing this to the Kingdom’s geographical location, rich social environment and diverse heritage.

 

Jordan Publishers Association President and Fair Director Jabr Abu Fares said the fair’s 25th edition marks a milestone in its history and celebrates 25 years of contribution and development.

 

He expressed appreciation for the Royal patronage of the fair, saying it has provided key support and strengthened its intellectual and regional standing.

 

Abu Fares said the fair has developed into an annual intellectual and cultural event that attracts writers, intellectuals, researchers, students, children and readers and contributes to cultural and tourism activity.

 

He said the current edition features 400 publishing houses and institutions from 22 countries, with new participation from Kuwait, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

 

A dedicated pavilion for Sudan, organised through the Sudanese Embassy, will showcase Sudanese intellectual and literary publications.

 

Abu Fares also highlighted cooperation among the Ministry of Culture, National Library Department, Greater Amman Municipality and Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation in preparing the fair’s expanded cultural programme, with contributions from other cultural institutions.

 

The programme includes activities at the main exhibition hall, the Royal Cultural Centre and the National Library Department.

 

Abu Fares announced that the Jordan Publishers Association plans to submit Amman’s nomination to be designated “World Book Capital” under the UNESCO programme.

 

The opening ceremony included a poetry segment, with Syrian poet Anas Daghim reciting the patriotic poem “Al Joudi” and poet Ali Al Faaouri reciting three patriotic poems, including one welcoming the Syrian guests.

 

The ceremony was attended by Ministry of Culture Secretary General Nidal Al Ahmad, National Library Department Director General Firas Dhabaa and Syrian Embassy Chargé d’Affaires in Jordan Ihsan Rumman.

 

The fair is organised by the Jordan Publishers Association in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Greater Amman Municipality and Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation.