The BA Kicks Off its International Book Fair
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The Bibliotheca Alexandrina has launched the 19th edition of its International Book Fair on Monday, 15 July 2024, which will run from 15 to 28 July, with the participation of nearly 77 publishing houses, in cooperation with the General Egyptian Book Organization and the Egyptian and Arab Publishers Association.
The Fair was inaugurated by Prof. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, accompanied by Dr. Ahmed Hanno, Minister of Culture; Lieutenant General Ahmed Khaled, Governor of Alexandria; and a number of ambassadors and consuls of Arab and foreign countries. During his opening speech, Dr. Zayed announced the launch of the "Bibliotheca Alexandrina Reading Award", pointing out that the award aims to connect Egyptian readers with their identity through reading competitions, as the first edition of this competition will focus on Egyptian heritage during the nineteenth century.
Dr. Zayed stated that 100 readers will be granted valuable financial prizes and will be invited to stay in Alexandria for a month to engage with the Egyptian cultural and literary community, where meetings will be organized between young people and intellectuals.
The BA Director also mentioned that the BA is about to announce a major international competition in the coming period, which aims at honoring creators in the various fields of art, culture, and natural sciences.
For his part, Lieutenant General Ahmed Khaled Saeed, Governor of Alexandria, stressed the importance of the BA cultural role. He said that Alexandria is a city of culture and arts and has been a destination for all the peoples of the Mediterranean basin.
Additionally, Dr. Ahmed Hanno, Minister of Culture, said that the BA is a beacon of science and culture, pointing to its major role in the dissemination of knowledge.
It is worth noting that, on the sidelines of the BA International Book Fair, 160 cultural events will be held, with the participation of more than 600 intellectuals, artists, and media professionals.