A scene from the activities of the Mosul International Book Fair at the University of Mosul. (Photo: 964media)
Mosul book fair draws leading Arab authors and celebrates city’s cultural revival
NINEVEH — Renowned Iraqi writer Zuhair Al-Jazaeri signed copies of his latest books on Friday during the fifth day of the Mosul International Book Fair, held at the University of Mosul and organized by the Al-Mada Foundation.
The session was followed by an open discussion featuring journalist Imad Al-Khafaji and Syrian novelist Lina Huyan Al-Hassan, who is from the Syrian desert region bordering Iraq.
The week-long fair, organized in cooperation with the University of Mosul and UNESCO, concludes Saturday with a lecture by Iraqi intellectual Haider Saeed.
Al-Jazaeri described the event as a “major achievement” for Mosul, saying the city’s cultural energy remains strong despite years of conflict. “This is my second visit to Mosul after 40 years, the first was in the 1970s. I toured war-affected neighborhoods and listened to personal stories. The people of Mosul have a peaceful spirit despite the war’s devastation,” he said.
The Islamic State group captured Mosul in June 2014 and made it the center of its operations in Iraq until its defeat in July 2017. The city suffered widespread destruction and civilian displacement during the fighting.
Al-Jazaeri said his recent work in historical fiction explores Iraq’s wars and repression through new literary forms. “There are amazing works coming out today that need promotion and support. Workshops are needed to develop young writers’ narrative techniques,” he said.
Al-Khafaji said his discussion with Al-Hassan focused on cultural links across the Syrian desert. “The desert once launched a military raid on Mosul, and today the city hosts a novelist from that same place, along with poets and writers. That means a lot to me personally,” he said.
He added that the exhibition also features events by publishers and musical performances.
Publishers previously told 964media that fiction titles have been the top sellers at this year’s fair, with strong demand for both contemporary Iraqi literature and international classics.