Qamishli hosts book fair despite economic crisis

QAMISHLI, Syria — Thousands of books in different languages were showcased at a rare book fair on Monday in the city of Qamishli in northeast Syria, known to Kurds as Rojava. 

Some 40 publishers and a number of writers filled the shelves with about 120,000 books, mostly in Kurdish and Arabic. 

“Various books about religion, ethnicity and history as well as dictionaries have been brought from many places” said Khabat Ibrahim, who attended the event.

About 700 books were showcased by Turkey-based Kurdish publishers, having been transported to Rojava via the Kurdistan Region. No publisher from the Kurdistan Region participated in the event. 

The six-day event comes as the country’s economy further spirals into crisis. 

Syria’s economy has plunged further into crisis in recent months, with the Syrian Lira plummeting in value. 

Visitors told Rudaw that the prices of some books, especially those sold in US dollars, are so high that they cannot afford them, despite discounts being offered.  

“Prices are high and we cannot afford some even if there is a discount,” said visitor Ali Haji. 

Visitor Jwan Deriki said that the prices of some books are fair but those sold in US dollars are expensive, especially English dictionaries. 

Although most Syrian Kurdish writers write in Arabic, many Kurdish books were on sale - thanks to those brought from Turkey. 

Reporting by Rangin Sharo