Syria highlights the role of books in struggle and reconstruction

Damascus, Sep 13 (Prensa Latina) Vice President of Syria Najjah Al-Attar inaugurated the 31st Book Fair, held in the National Library of the capital Damascus.

Some 150 Syrian and 87 international publishers are taking part in the current event, where some 50,000 titles will be presented and some 400 new books will be signed.

In contrast to previous editions, this year the Fair highlights the broad participation of countries such as Russia, Indonesia, Denmark, Iran, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan and Oman.

The Syrian vice president stressed the importance of culture in the fight against obscurantist ideology.

'Books are one of the essential instruments of the struggle and their role is increasingly essential to overcome the impacts of the terrorist war on Syrian generations,' said Al-Attar.

The high-ranking Syrian official added that 'Books are one of the main weapons of resistance and a pillar for the development of society and the consciousness of the people.

'It is a national necessity to preserve our glorious past, enhance our present and achieve a better future,' the Syrian vice president concluded.

Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammed al-Ahmad told reporters that the Fair is an event eagerly awaited every year by literature enthusiasts and represents a challenge to those who seek to destroy Syria's culture and heritage.

'Culture has been one of the instruments used in the war against Syria, and the aim was to undermine the cultural and historical legacy, and alienate generations from their identity,' the Syrian minister stressed.

According to the Director of the National Library, Iyad Murshed, the event shows that culture has defeated obscurantism in Syria. He explained that the focus of the current edition is the reconstruction of consciousness in the younger generations.