Sharjah is the guest of honor of the 20th session of the Thessaloniki International Book Fair
Thessaloniki, Greece, May 17 / WAM / Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Book Authority, confirmed that Sharjah’s presence as a “guest of honor” at the 2024 Thessaloniki International Book Fair represents an extension of the deep cultural ties between the Arab and Greek civilizations, which established Its pillars are an elite group of senior scholars and philosophers from both civilizations, who established bridges of cultural dialogue and preserved, with their immortal scientific achievements, the Arab and Greek human cognitive heritage, noting that Sharjah today carries the same torch carried by the pioneers of Greek philosophy and Arab and Muslim scholars, who left their luminous marks on the path of Science and knowledge.
This came in a keynote speech by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, during the opening ceremony of the 20th session of the “Thessaloniki International Book Fair”, which was launched yesterday evening, celebrating Sharjah as the first Arab guest of honor in appreciation of its cultural and civilizational role, which constitutes a living testimony to the historical ties between Greece and the Arab world. In the presence of an elite group of heads and directors of cultural and literary institutions in the country, a wide range of thought, literary and cultural leaders, and representatives of press and media institutions in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates and the world, as the exhibition hosts, in the largest session in its history, 850 publishers, and more than 1,500 writers, speakers and experts. In the book industry from 40 countries, to provide more than 400 events.
(The flame of knowledge lit by the ancestors)
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: We, in the Arab world and Greece, are proud of two great civilizations that have enriched humanity throughout the ages, and our Arab and Greek scholars were bridges of science and knowledge, as they worked to translate and preserve literary and scientific works, thereby immortalizing a priceless cultural legacy, and it is a great honor to see their descendants today. They continue to preserve this rich heritage, and strengthen the bonds of cooperation and friendship established by our ancestors, and through events such as the Sharjah International Book Fair and the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, we carry the torch that our ancestors lit, proud of knowledge and celebrating the language of understanding and dialogue that they cultivated.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi pointed out that Sharjah’s participation as guest of honor at the exhibition is an ideal opportunity to deepen the bonds of communication and cooperation between the Republic of Greece and the UAE.
At the end of her speech, she invited everyone to visit the Sharjah Pavilion, which includes a rich collection of cultural events and activities, which opens a window for them on the UAE’s literary heritage and its global cultural initiatives.
(An open horizon for dialogue)
Stelios Angeloudis, Mayor of Thessaloniki, welcomed the delegation of the Emirate of Sharjah participating in the exhibition, and pointed out that the cultural efforts led by Sharjah at the global level have put Greece once again in live and effective contact with the current and history of Arab and Emirati culture, stressing that Sharjah has remained a pioneer in opening the horizon of dialogue. And communication with Greece and various European countries.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, His Excellency Christos Dimas, Deputy Minister of Culture of Greece, expressed his pride in welcoming the Greek guests to the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, saying: It is a great honor for us to host you in this prominent cultural event, as books constitute the magical force to bring together… Cultures and nations, which is the best tool for cultural communication and building bridges between peoples.
Dimas added: Despite the long distance that separates Thessaloniki and Sharjah, which is estimated at 4,569 kilometres, we believe that books bring us closer together and connect our societies. Greece is committed to reducing this cultural distance and will be strongly present in the next session of the Sharjah International Book Fair. We look forward to building More cultural bridges with Sharjah and the UAE, we want to explore the role of books in playing a greater role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between us.
(Cultural Capital of the Emirates)
Nikos Koukis, President of the Hellenic Culture Foundation, said: This year we celebrate Sharjah, the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates, and the first city in the Arab world to be a guest of honor at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, which has been distinguished over the past decades and years by its global initiatives and programs that support the presence and influence of books.
He added that the exhibition witnesses an exceptional presence of Sharjah’s women who specialize in the publishing sector, led by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, to whom we hold all appreciation and gratitude for the insightful insights, cooperative spirit and innovative initiatives she provided, stressing that Sharjah’s participation in the exhibition goes beyond being a guest of honour, but rather is an integral part. From the exhibition, because it has always formed a cultural bridge to enhance dialogue between Greece and the Arab world, and has made continuous efforts in preparing and implementing programs with the participation of Greek writers and content makers, which we look forward to developing and expanding its influence in the future.
( a guide person )
Nobi Chatzi Giorgio, Director of the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, pointed to the international efforts led by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi to advance the publishing industry and her support for the presence of female publishers in the book industry sector, and said: In Sharjah, there is a leadership figure who has a tangible and significant impact on global publishing, and her initiatives towards women have made a big difference. Towards the contribution and presence of women publishers globally.
His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, told the Emirates News Agency, WAM, that the presence of the Emirate of Sharjah as a guest of honor in the 20th edition of the Thessaloniki International Book Fair confirms the strength of the UAE’s role in building bridges of communication, and also confirms the success of His Highness’s project. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in conveying the cultural message of the Emirate of Sharjah to all parts of the world, and today we witness, through this large gathering, the meeting of Emirati intellectuals with their Greek counterparts to introduce them to Arab culture, which is a matter of pride for every Arab and Emirati.
He added that the large and distinguished presence in the Thessaloniki International Book Fair on the part of Sharjah institutions confirms the importance of culture, science, the Arabic language and Arabic literature in building close relations between the peoples of the world, and comes to introduce our culture, heritage, customs, traditions, writers, artists and painters, pointing out that this is not new to the Sharjah Cultural Project. The grand celebration, which is adopted by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, by heading the delegation of the Emirate of Sharjah and attending the opening of the Thessaloniki International Book Fair.
Following the official celebration of the exhibition, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi unveiled the Sharjah Pavilion, announcing the launch of the emirate’s participation as “guest of honor” in the Thessaloniki International Book Fair 2024, where the pavilion witnessed the visit of His Excellency Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to Greece, who viewed the pavilion’s exhibits. , including books by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and publications by Emirati writers, in addition to heritage exhibits and tools that highlight the aesthetics of Emirati heritage.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi continued her tour around the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, where she met a group of exhibitors and publishers, and reviewed the publications of the participating Emirati and Arab publishing houses, expressing her admiration for the cultural and literary richness of the exhibition.
(full program)
The program of Sharjah, the guest of honor of the exhibition, includes a diverse group that includes more than 30 discussion sessions, workshops and heritage displays, including a session being held today entitled “Discovering Worlds… Children’s Literature and World Book Capitals”, during which Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi highlights the ability of children’s literature to enhance awareness of world capitals. World Book Capital, and delves into the inspirations behind these literary works, in addition to their efforts to introduce Arab culture at the global level, alongside Anna Rutzi, the communications expert for the World Book Capital programme.
In the context of focusing on enhancing dialogue and cultural cooperation, Sharjah is showcasing 10 publications by Emirati writers that have been translated into Greek, including poetry, novels, arts and studies. These translated works are a bridge linking literary styles and trends, and invite visitors to the exhibition to explore the aesthetics of Emirati literature and Arab culture.
In addition to literary works, the Sharjah Guest of Honor program includes a number of sessions and seminars that explore the impact of Greek philosophy on literature, the importance of women’s narratives and the novel, the evolving scene of young adult literature in the UAE and Greece, and other poetry evenings and sessions that celebrate the world of poetry and translation, and workshops. Which enriches children’s creative skills.
The cultural program of the Emirate of Sharjah at the “Thessaloniki International Book Fair 2024” provides a rich experience for attendees and visitors, enhancing communication and cultural dialogue.
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