المدى/ سيف مهدي
تصوير / محمود رؤوف
The first edition of the Iraq International Book Fair was organized by Al-Mada Foundation for Media, Culture and Arts, with distinct preventive measures according to the recommendations of the crisis cell and the Ministry of Health during the Corona pandemic in the country, Al Mada Foundation hosted in the corridors of the exhibition in its five halls more than 300 different publishing houses, from 21 different countries.
The distinguished opening ceremony witnessed, International pieces presented by the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra, In addition to a theatrical performance mixed with Arabic poetry between the great poet Muwaffaq Muhammad and the well-known actor Mahmoud Abu Al-Abbas. “Book wedding” is a description launched by the well-known actor Mahmoud Abu Al-Abbas, It describes the book fair, which was organized by Al-Mada Foundation for Culture and Arts, To gather all Iraqi families, And those interested in cultural and cognitive affairs and the audience of writers, Which was characterized by a remarkable presence from the early hours of the morning.
Minister of Culture Hassan Nazim, present at the exhibition, thanked Al Mada Foundation for “its great efforts in organizing the exhibition, and to ensure that it is representative of diverse cultural and artistic sectors”, He added that he saw “many diverse publishing houses that meet the needs of Iraqi readers in terms of cultural, artistic and other books”.
Nazim added that “the exhibition has an activity and a basic program in holding dialogues and seminars to meet the need of intellectuals, academics and artists to see each other and discuss a number of issues after a short period of virtual activities caused by the Corona pandemic.” He pointed out that “the Iraqi reader does not need to be attracted because he will be attracted voluntarily, The Iraqi is passionate about books and is known for it. The exhibition also provided a lot of books and subjects.”
The well-known actor Mahmoud Abu Al-Abbas said, “I think that holding the exhibition in light of the Corona pandemic will attract cultural audiences.” He hoped that this exhibition would be “a key to the opening of exhibitions and major cultural celebrations parallel to it.” Abu al-Abbas pointed out that the large international participation “will add some confidence that the public attendance will be large and parallel to the effort made by Al-Mada Foundation.” “The exhibition is beautiful and organized in a wonderful way, It will add a lot to the visitor, The curators of the exhibition even followed with interest the issue of social distancing, Especially since they put fogging cabins when arrivals enter each suite.”
For his part, the poet Mowaffaq Mohammed confirmed that “the exhibition was carefully studied by the management of Al-Mada Foundation, This institution has a credit to the culture in Iraq, She knows how to cultivate culture among the masses, Congratulations on this occasion to all Iraqis.” Suad Al-Saffar was one of the attendees of the opening ceremony and described it as wonderful, “Reflecting the months of efforts to prepare it, “The exhibition has returned to the space through which the Iraqi family can breathe under the current conditions.”