Al-Diwan Exhibition in Berlin… 100 publishing houses meet in the presence of the Arab book culture

The Arab Book Fair, “Al-Diwan – Arab Cultural House,” which was held by the Embassy of the State of Qatar to Germany, concluded in the heart of the German capital, Berlin, where cultures intertwine and voices intertwine. The exhibition served as a beacon for dialogue and a platform to present the Arabic book as an authentic knowledge partner.

Over the course of three days, from October 24 to 26, the Estrebel Hotel hosted the third edition of the Diwan Arabic Book Fair, under the eloquent slogan: “In the presence of the book, cultures meet and dialogues flourish,” with the participation of about 100 Arab and foreign publishing houses.

The exhibition was not just a book market, but rather a vital space for intellectual interaction, which was confirmed by Dr. Lawrence Al-Hinnawi, Director of the Diwan, in an exclusive interview with Al-Jazeera Net.

Al-Hinnawi believes that the Arabic book, in the face of the hustle and bustle of the era and its shifts, can be a cultural antidote and an effective tool for rebuilding bridges of understanding, especially between the Arab and European shores. He explained that choosing Berlin, with its richness and diversity, gives this dialogue its vital dimension, transforming the Arabic book “from an isolated entity into a part of a common cultural movement,” an approach that intersects with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places human and cultural development at the center of its attention.

Novel and translation are a window on the Arabs

The exhibition witnessed a remarkable focus on contemporary Gulf translation and novels. Al-Hinnawi explains that this choice reflects a shift in the way Arabs define themselves to the world, moving “from the traditional political and historical narrative to a multi-dimensional human narrative.” Translation opens a bridge of knowledge for European readers, while the Gulf novel – especially the Qatari one – provides “a window on the modern Arab reality in all its diversity and richness.”

This interest was embodied in two prominent seminars: the first, a panel discussion on “The Contemporary Arab Novel in the Gulf Region: Women Writers in the Spotlight – The Model of the Qatari Novel,” which was held on the last day of the exhibition, and included in-depth discussions on the development of the Gulf novel, especially the Qatari one, and the factors influencing it, while highlighting the role of women. The other was a lecture by Professor Dr. Noura Al-Khanji, Professor of Literature and Literary Criticism at Qatar University, which witnessed a remarkable interaction.

The exhibition also celebrated poetry as a bridge between languages ​​and cultures, through a unique discussion session entitled: “From the sands of Sealine to the sidewalks of Berlin: poetic dialogues between the classical, the Nabataean, and the German.” This session, moderated by the prominent Orientalist Professor Dr. Claudia Ott, hosted the Qatari poet Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, the German translator and writer Stefan Weidner, and Dr. Sargon Karam. The discussion focused on the challenges of translating poetry, the importance of conveying meaning and intent, and criticizing the impact of electronic translations.

Translation, youth and institutional impact

The exhibition did not ignore the challenges facing Arab writers in Europe. An important session was devoted to discussing “the current state of translation between Arabic and German,” in which prominent experts such as Dr. Günter Oort, Samir Greiss, Stefan Weidner, and Leila Shammaa participated. Dr. Al-Hinnawi identified two main challenges: the shortage of culturally and linguistically qualified translators, and the degree of Arab institutions’ support for translation, stressing the work of the Bureau as a link to bridge this gap.

Another symposium discussed “The importance of holding book fairs in international cultural exchange and the challenges it faces,” with the participation of Mr. Jassim Al-Buainain (Director of the Doha International Book Fair), Mr. Bashar Shabaro (Secretary General of the Arab Publishers Union), Dr. Muhammad Aghir Akca (Director of the Istanbul International Arab Book Fair), and Dr. Mustafa Al-Sulaiman (Director of the Kalima Translation Project).

In the face of the digital challenge and the changing reading habits of the young generation, Al-Hinnawi stressed the Diwan’s endeavor to integrate the paper experience with digital interactive elements, workshops and direct meetings with creative people, to create a comprehensive cultural experience that motivates young people to participate as key actors. The exhibition halls have already witnessed the influx of many Arab families residing in Germany with their children, to view the various children’s books that the organizers were keen to provide.

Al-Hinnawi rejected the description of Arabic book fairs as mere “celebrations without an institutional impact,” stressing that the Diwan Fair seeks to have a sustainable impact embodied in professional partnerships and translation initiatives. He cited the signing of a tripartite cooperation agreement between Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press, the Diwan, and the German Edition Orient publishing house, to issue bilingual children’s books in Germany, as an example of this tangible impact.

At the conclusion of his speech, Al-Hinnawi noted a growing German interest in Arabic literature, which presents human and social narratives, away from the traditional focus on politics, and this reflects a European desire to understand the Arab world from a closer and more vibrant human perspective.