As so often with fairs of this nature, the stress was on books and reading in the pursuit “knowledge” rather than the art of storytelling and literature for entertainment.
The recent inauguration of the 47th Islamic Book Fair in Kuwait, held under the slogan “Towards a Civilisational Awareness,” underscores the enduring importance of the book as a cornerstone of cultural and intellectual development within the Islamic world.
Organised by the Social Reform Society, this annual event, running from April 21st to May 3rd, 2025, is once again drawing a diverse and engaged audience, highlighting the continued vitality of the book market and intellectual discourse within the region.
A Gathering of Minds: International Participation and Endorsement
A key address was delivered by Saham Al-Dawwas Al-Azmi, Director of the National Library and representative of the Minister of Information. Her remarks emphasised the fundamental importance of reading and culture in societal advancement, the timing of the fair coinciding with Kuwait’s designation as the Capital of Arab Culture.
Dr. Khaled Al-Mathkur, Chairman of the Social Reform Society’s Board of Directors, articulated a vision of the Islamic Book Fair extending beyond a mere annual occurrence, positioning it as a crucial vehicle for disseminating moderate thought, championing culture, and safeguarding Arab and Islamic identity.
Engaging the Next Generation: Educational Initiatives and Competitions
A notable feature of the fair’s early activities was the “Genius Challenge” competition, which saw enthusiastic participation from student teams across a range of subjects including the Quran, Sunnah, history, geography, Islamic culture, medicine, and the natural world.
The fair also incorporated specific initiatives aimed at educators, such as a training course on “Cultural Formation for Islamic Education Teachers.” This course, led by experts from the Ministry of Education, focused on equipping teachers with the necessary knowledge and methodological tools to cultivate a comprehensive cultural awareness rooted in Islamic principles relevant to the contemporary world.
Celebrating Artistic Heritage: The Art of Arabic Calligraphy
Beyond the realm of literature and intellectual discourse, the fair also provided a platform for celebrating Islamic artistic heritage. A well-attended workshop on Arabic calligraphy, led by a renowned calligrapher, offered students a hands-on experience with this significant Islamic art form. The aesthetics of Arabic writing are a fundamental aspect of Islamic and artistic identity.
The View From The Beach
As so often with fairs of this nature, the stress was on books and reading in the pursuit “knowledge”, and while there was talk of culture and the arts, there is a stark contrast between reportage from this event and reportage from the UAE or Morocco, where the art of storytelling and literature for entertainment is given equal value with reading to expand the mind.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
