The 11th edition of the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair is currently underway in Istanbul, Turkey. Held at the Eurasia Exhibition and Art Center in the Yenikapı district from August 15 to 23, 2026, the event runs under the theme "The Story Continues."

More than 300 publishing houses from over 30 countries are participating in this cultural event, which brings together publishers, authors, readers, and cultural and academic institutions. It stands as one of the most prominent events dedicated to Arabic books outside the Arab world. Accredited by the Arab Publishers Association, the fair features a diverse range of participants—including Arab, Turkish, and international publishing houses—alongside official and cultural representation from various nations. Delegations and institutions from Qatar, Algeria, the Sultanate of Oman, Morocco, and Kuwait are participating, joined by figures and organizations active in the fields of culture, art, and politics.

Exhibitors are showcasing publications across a wide spectrum of subjects, including literature, intellectual thought, history, the humanities, Islamic studies, children's books, languages, and translation, as well as the latest titles released by the participating publishing houses.

The fair derives additional significance from its location in Istanbul—a city that serves as a bridge connecting the Arab world, Turkey, and Europe—and from the presence of a large Arab community in Turkey, alongside students, researchers, and enthusiasts of the Arabic language.

This provides publishers with the opportunity to reach a diverse audience of readers and fosters cultural cooperation between Arab and Turkish institutions. During the opening ceremony, officials highlighted Istanbul’s significance as a hub for intercultural exchange. Meanwhile, the head of the Turkish Publishers Association emphasized the importance of the Arabic language as a vital cultural link in the region and underscored the need to foster cooperation between Turkish and Arab publishing houses. According to the organizing committee, the fair is expected to attract over 120,000 visitors during its nine-day run.

Alongside the book exhibits, the fair offers a cultural and intellectual program featuring seminars, lectures, intellectual discussions, poetry readings, book signings, and artistic activities.

The program features a host of prominent cultural, intellectual, and academic figures, including novelist Ahmed Fal El-Din, writer Adham Sharqawi, novelist Saud Al-Sanousi, thinker Issam Ahmed Al-Bashir, and physician-writer Ahmed Shaker, as well as Turkish academic Yasin Aktay and other notable personalities.

The events cover a wide range of topics, such as the future of books and reading in the age of artificial intelligence, the importance of reading and translation, and the role of books in preserving the collective memory and culture of peoples. The fair also dedicates a specific area to the publishing rights and translation sector, enabling publishers, authors, academics, translators, and industry professionals to explore collaborative opportunities, new projects, and intellectual property rights.

The "Tulia" project for Turkish literature in Arabic is also participating, aiming to boost translation from Turkish to Arabic, showcase translated Turkish works, and establish channels of communication between Turkish authors and translators and the Arab cultural community.

Sabah Al-Taliqani