Sharjah Makes History as First Arab Guest of Honor at Thessaloniki International Book Fair
Thessaloniki, The Gulf Observer: Today marks the inaugural participation of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, as the esteemed Guest of Honour at the 20th Thessaloniki International Book Fair (TIBF), an event revered as a beacon of literary excellence and cultural exchange. As the fair unfolds, showcasing the literary prowess of 850 exhibitors and hosting over 1,500 authors, speakers, and book professionals from 40 nations, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), delivered a profound message on the transformative power of reading in fostering intercultural understanding.
In her address at the fair’s opening ceremony, Sheikha Bodour underscored the significance of literature as a bridge between nations, citing the average time it takes an adult to read a page as a simple yet compelling testament to the potential for mutual enrichment in an increasingly polarized world. She extended a heartfelt invitation to attendees to explore the events, exhibits, and offerings at the Sharjah Pavilion, offering a captivating glimpse into the cultural tapestry of Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates.
The official inauguration of the Sharjah Pavilion, presided over by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, marked the commencement of Sharjah’s tenure as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Greece, was among the distinguished guests who were welcomed to the pavilion, where they were treated to a diverse array of exhibits showcasing the literary legacy of Sharjah, including works by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, alongside contributions from Emirati authors and displays highlighting the rich heritage of the Emirates.
The warm reception extended by the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, reflected the deep-rooted cultural connections fostered by Sharjah’s global cultural outreach efforts. Acknowledging Sharjah’s role as a timeless bridge between Greek and Arab cultures, Christos Dimas, Deputy Minister of Culture of Greece, expressed pride in hosting the Sharjah delegation and reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration in the realm of literature and culture.
Nikos A. Koukis, President of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, lauded Sharjah’s pivotal role in promoting cultural exchange and dialogue, highlighting Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi’s leadership and vision in advancing the publishing industry and supporting women publishers. He emphasized Sharjah’s active engagement in fostering enduring ties between Greek and Arab literary traditions, paving the way for future collaborations and mutual enrichment.
Nopi Chatzigeorgiou, Director of TIBF, commended Sharjah’s dynamic Guest of Honour programme, featuring a diverse array of panel discussions, workshops, and heritage shows. Notable highlights include sessions exploring the transformative power of children’s literature, the influence of Greek philosophy on literature, and the significance of women’s narratives, alongside the release of Greek translations of Emirati literary works, fostering a deeper understanding of Emirati culture and heritage among attendees.
As Sharjah’s GoH week unfolds, attendees can look forward to an enriching cultural journey, characterized by vibrant exchanges and meaningful dialogues that transcend geographical boundaries, reaffirming the timeless value of literature as a catalyst for mutual understanding and collaboration.
