US Edition
The Damascus Book Fair Draws Crowds, with Censorship Eased in Post-Assad Syria
The fair drew 250,000 visitors with 500 publishers from 35 countries showcasing books freely, including previously banned Kurdish and Islamic texts amid eased Assad-era censorship.
- On Feb. 16, 2026 the 57th Damascus International Book Fair concluded as the first edition since Assad was unseated, with about 500 publishing companies from 35 countries participating.
- After last month's decree by Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Kurds gained citizenship, Kurdish became an official language, and Newroz was recognized, easing restrictions and prompting publisher return.
- Previously banned religious works including Ibn Taymiyyah's appeared openly, and the banned title 'Have You Heard the Talk of the Rafida?' was removed after Iraq's protest.
- Kurdish publishers displayed books in Damascus for the first time in decades, and Kurdish readers and buyers were prominent, while religious minorities expressed concern as Islamist texts sparked anxiety amid sectarian killings over the past year.
- Shuttle buses ferried visitors to fairgrounds about 10 miles from Damascus city center, boosting attendance and offering younger generations emerging from war important access to knowledge.
13 Articles
13 Articles
In Syria, this Sunday, February 15, is the last day of opening of the international book fair in Damascus. First such event since 2011, this fair has aroused a real popular craze: a few tens of thousands of visitors over ten days, 500 publishing houses and the presence of 35 countries. The transitional power sought to make this exhibition the showcase of a new freedom of expression, with the presence of numerous works banned at the time of the r…
In Damascus, the book fair aroused a strong enthusiasm: in ten days, it attracted tens of thousands of visitors, 500 publishing houses and 35 countries. The transitional power in Syria wants to showcase a new freedom of expression. A very political symbol.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 82% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
