Algeria's 29th International Book Fair Concludes with Record Attendance

The 29th edition of the Salon international du livre d’Alger (SILA) has concluded at the Palais des expositions des Pins maritimes (SAFEX) with an exceptional outcome. The event saw a record attendance of over 6.27 million visitors, creating a vibrant atmosphere with numerous literary events and a showcase of new Algerian publications. The fair gave significant attention to decolonial reflections and African cultural sovereignty issues.

The closing ceremony took place at the salle Abou El Kacem Khammar, at the Safex, and was attended by several high-profile figures, including Minister of Culture Malika Bendouda, President of the Constitutional Court Leïla Aslaoui, and representatives from Saudi Arabia, the guest of honor. Minister Bendouda praised the event, describing it as the "most important cultural event and major popular manifestation in Algeria and the region."

During her speech, Minister Bendouda announced that the Sultanate of Oman will be the guest of honor at the 30th edition of SILA. She also commended the Saudi participation, describing their program as "rich and diversified." The minister emphasized that the event continues to achieve success and set records, becoming a global manifestation.

The event featured a record number of publications, with nearly 300,000 titles presented, according to Mohamed Iguerb, the commissioner of the Salon. The stands were frequently visited, and the atmosphere was lively, allowing readers to discover a wide range of new publications across various genres.

The cultural program included literary meetings, debates, and book presentations, making the Salon a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences. The decolonial dimension added depth to the program, focusing on the relationships between memory, identity, and emancipation. The event also paid tribute to several cultural, intellectual, and literary figures.

The closing ceremony included the awarding of prizes for various competitions, including the "Mon premier livre" prize, which was awarded to Meroua Ziane and Dahia Hamitouche. The Translation Prize was awarded to Mohamed Sari, and the Saudi Arabian stand won the best stand award. Several other personalities were honored for their contributions to Algerian intellectual life.

The 29th edition of SILA has set a new benchmark for future events, with an ambition to grow even further. The event has demonstrated its significance as a cultural and intellectual gathering, providing a platform for authors, publishers, and readers to come together and celebrate literature.

Key points

• A record 6.27 million visitors attended the 29th edition of Algeria's International Book Fair.
• The Sultanate of Oman will be the guest of honor at the 30th edition of SILA.
• The event featured nearly 300,000 publications and a diverse cultural program.