The Sarajevo Book Fair under the motto “Read me – Book, Memory, Media” was opened yesterday, and until April 14th in the “Mirza Delibasic” hall and Youth Center Skenderija, it will gather exhibitors, authors, and book lovers from the country and abroad.
More than 10.000 square meters of exhibition space will offer visitors the opportunity to explore rich literary content, meet authors, attend promotions, and participate in inspiring discussions.
The President of the Book Fair Program Council, Ibrahim Spahic, speaking at the opening ceremony of the Fair, pointed out the importance of books, translation, and mutual dialogue.
The Director of the Skenderija Center, Senaj Avdic, thanked all the authors and publishers who took part in this year’s Book Fair.
The Prime Minister of Canton Sarajevo (CS), Nihad Uk, emphasized that he is pleased that Sarajevo these days is a regional meeting place for lovers of the written word.
The guest of honor at this year’s Book Fair is Greece.
The Secretary General of Contemporary Culture of Greece, Eleni Doundoulaki, thanked the organizers for the honor shown to Greece.
“Our country has given so much to culture and because of that can contribute to the global dialogue of cultures,” said Doundoulaki, adding that modern Greek literature is deeply rooted in storytelling, philosophy, poetry…
She emphasized that at international book fairs, the openness of Greek publishing is promoted and that they are developing communication with the global reading public and networking with publishing houses abroad.
“This is for us another important opportunity to share with professionals from the world of publishing and lovers of books the richness of the Greek written word and the diversity of voices of contemporary Greek literature,” said Eleni Doundoulaki.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Greece to BiH, Ioanna Efthymiadou, emphasized that one should seek out literature because literature brings us closer to each other, and makes us richer with experiences…
“Literature is a journey through human experiences. Our participation here represents Greek literature in a long journey. We come from Homer’s shores and still carry the same voice. It is the voice we are born with and carry throughout our whole lives,” said Efthymiadou.
This year’s Book Fair was opened with the playing of the anthems of BiH, Greece, and the European Union (EU).
