Young readers fuel interest in English books at Iraq book fair

BAGHDAD — International publishers are seeing engagement at the ongoing Iraq International Book Fair in Baghdad, with booths from PHI and Laval Bookstore — both specializing in scientific and medical publications — and English-language sellers reporting steady interest from visitors.

More than 450 Arab and international publishing houses are taking part, showcasing titles in Arabic and other languages, including hundreds of new releases for 2025, according to organizers.

Tabarak Salam, a seller at the PHI booth, told 964media the Indian publisher specializes in engineering, software, and medical books. “The demand has increased, especially from postgraduate students and professionals,” she said. “Programming sources are among the most requested due to the growing interest in the field.”

Omar Ibrahim, another seller at the booth, said, “We’ve seen a bigger turnout this season compared to last year, especially for English-language books. Titles on pharmacy, general medicine, and anatomy are the most popular.”

At the Amazon English Books booth, Hussein Ali told 964media, “Interest in English reading is growing, especially among young readers who lean toward social development topics.”

He added that more readers are asking for English-language titles each year, prompting the store to expand its offerings globally.

The fair is held from Dec. 3 to Dec. 13 at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds. This year’s fair also celebrates the contributions of 100 Iraqi women to the country’s cultural, intellectual, and artistic life over the past century.