Book Fairs
Media report on the opening of the 28th edition of the Algiers International Book Fair (SILA 2025)
This morning, the 28th edition of the Algiers International Book Fair was inaugurated at the Exhibition Palace in Bois des Pins, Algiers, under the distinguished patronage of the President of the People's
Democratic Republic of Algeria, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and under the supervision of the Prime Minister, Mr. Saifi Gharib, who officially launched this prominent cultural event.
The opening ceremony was attended by several members of the government, senior state officials, representatives of national institutions and bodies, and a large number of Arab and foreign ambassadors in Algeria, alongside prominent Arab and international cultural figures, reflecting the prestigious position this fair holds within the Arab cultural scene.
The opening was also attended by a delegation from the Arab Publishers` Association, led by Mr. Mohamed Rashad, President of the Association, and Secretary-General Professor Bachar Chebaro, Dr. Mohamed Saleh Al-Maalej, Head of the Media and Public Relations Committee, Mr. Yasser Meziane, Board Member, Mr. Abdelhamid Al-Ghouthani, President of the Syrian Publishers` Association and Board Member, in addition to a number of directors of Arab book fairs among others, In addition to a number of Arab exhibition directors, including Mr. Ahmed Al-Rawahi, Director of the Muscat International Book Fair, and Dr. Mohammed Al-Saleh Al-Qadri, Director of the Tunis International Book Fair.
During his tour of the exhibition, the Prime Minister met with a delegation from the Arab Publishers` Association, which praised the International Book Salon for the quality of its organization and the excellence of its management and reception. The delegation expressed its sincere gratitude to His Excellency the President, to the Prime Minister, to the Minister of Culture and Arts, and to the Salon Governor, Mr. Mohamed Iguil Ahmi, appreciating the efforts made to support the Arab book and strengthen cultural exchange between peoples. The Algerian side also affirmed its openness and continuous readiness to provide all possible facilities to Arab publishers and contribute to the development of the book and publishing industry in the region.
This session is held under the slogan 'The Book: A Meeting of Cultures,' with the participation of 1,254 publishing houses from 49 countries, distributed across 565 pavilions, including 290 Algerian publishers showcasing more than 240,000 titles in various intellectual, scientific, and literary fields.
Mauritania is the guest of honor for this edition, in recognition of the historical cultural relations between the two brotherly countries, with a special pavilion highlighting the richness of Mauritanian literary and intellectual production.
As for the cultural program of the salon, it was packed with intellectual seminars, literary meetings, and specialized workshops that combine training, professional exchange, and creative experiences, alongside book signing sessions and activities aimed at children and youth, making the exhibition a true space for knowledge and cultural interaction. Observers emphasize that the Algiers International Book Fair has become one of the most important Arab fairs in terms of organization, content, and professional and public attendance, which was reflected in this edition through excellent organization and the wide turnout of both visitors and professionals.
At the conclusion of the opening day's events, the President of the Arab Publishers` Association, Mr. Mohamed Rashad, expressed his happiness in participating in this major cultural event, praising the high level of organization and the attention Algeria gives to books and publishing. He affirmed that this book fair represents a beacon of Arab culture and a pride for all creatives in the Arab world.
We wish for a successful and prosperous edition.
Dr. Mohamed Saleh Al-Maalej
Chairman of the Media and Public Relations Committee