Book fairs in different countries... Books serve to pass on knowledge and history from generation to generation. Book fairs have a special significance all over the world.

Books serve to pass on knowledge and history from generation to generation. Book fairs have a special importance all over the world. Book fairs mean a meeting of different languages, opinions or civilizations and cultures. Book fairs in every country have their own history, tradition and culture. Even in this age of technology, book lovers are very excited about printed books. They wait for book fairs all year round.

Ekushey Book Fair

 

Known as the 'Ekushey Book Fair', this fair is also known as the 'Fair of the Soul'. Every year, the Bangla Academy of Bangladesh organizes this fair. This book fair, which runs throughout February, has been held on the Bangla Academy premises since its inception. 

However, since 2014, the fair has been extended to Suhrawardy Udyan. The Amar Ekushey Book Fair has been dedicated to the language martyrs of 1952. Organizing a book fair for martyrs like Bangladesh is rare in the history of world book fairs. The Ekushey Book Fair began in the Battala of the Burdwan House premises adjacent to Dhaka University. On February 8, 1972, Chittaranjan Saha started the book fair by arranging 32 books by Bangladeshi refugee writers published by the Swadhin Bangla Sahitya Parishad (now Muktadhara Publishing House) on burlap. He continued the book fair alone until 1976. In 1976, others were inspired. In 1978, Bangla Academy became directly involved with the fair. In 1979, Bangladesh Book Sellers and Publishers Association joined the fair. This organization was also founded by Chittaranjan Saha. During the fair, Bangla Academy organizes various cultural programs at the Nazrul Mancha throughout the month. There is no entry fee for this fair. A large number of buyers and visitors come to the fair, view and buy books and exchange views with their favorite writers and poets in the writers' corner. Books are sold at the fair on commission. In addition, the Bangla Academy gives special honors to eminent personalities in recognition of their special contributions to the literary and cultural arena.

Frankfurt, Germany

 

The Frankfurt Book Fair is one of the oldest book fairs in the world. It is more than 500 years old and traditional. Today it is the largest book fair in the world. In Germany, it is called the Frankfurter Buchmes. Johannes Gutenberg's name is associated with it. About 500 years ago, Gutenberg was able to create an easily portable printing press or printing press in the city of Mainz, near the city of Frankfurt. Soon after that, a revolution took place in the printing industry. Overnight, the price of books decreased and became accessible to the common people. Until then, books had to be written by hand. This was time-consuming and labor-intensive, as well as expensive. Therefore, at that time, books in the church libraries of Germany were chained for fear of losing them. But a few days after the Gutenberg printing press revolution, a small-scale book fair was organized in Frankfurt due to the interest of some local booksellers. Gradually, this fair attracted the attention of visitors, buyers, and readers. Until the 17th century, this fair became the most important book fair in Europe. Later, the fair was moved to the Leipzig Book Fair for political and cultural reasons. After a long break, the Frankfurt Book Fair resumed in 1949 at the end of World War II at St. Paul's Church. This book fair regained its lost tradition. After 15 years, the fair gained international recognition in 1964. The five-day fair began in October. The first three days were reserved for those involved in the book trade; the remaining two days were open to general visitors. Thousands of publishers, sellers, authors, readers, visitors, businessmen, journalists, and many others from all over the world participate here every year. The fair is organized by the German Publishers and Booksellers Association. Currently, this book fair is held every year at the Frankfurt Trade Fair Grounds in Frankfurt, Germany.

Paris, France

 

This is a world-famous book fair held in Paris, the capital of France. Its official journey began in 1981. Later it became known as the International Book Fair. Keeping in mind the rich cultural heritage of the city of Paris, the fair has created a platform for cultural exchange and discussion among writers, artists and readers. New books by French writers and poets are first published around this fair. Countries including France, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, the United States, Canada and China participate in this fair. The Paris Book Fair is a wonderful gathering of not only books but also other arts such as paintings.

Tokyo, Japan

 

A modern and technology-based book fair is held in Tokyo, Japan. It is known as the popular book fair in Asia. There, technology and literature complement each other. The fair began its journey in 1951. Since then, it has become one of the largest book fairs in the world. Its aim is to increase interest in literature and the publishing industry and to introduce Japanese literature to the international level. Sessions and exhibitions are held here on new aspects of e-books, audiobooks and digital publishing. Various universities and research institutions participate in the fair. There are drama, film, music and art exhibitions. Apart from this, discussions and workshops are also organized on various branches of literature.

 

Moscow

 

This autumn book fair was first held on September 1, 1977. Since then, the Moscow International Book Fair has been held every year from September 3 to 7 at the Moscow Exhibition Center. International publishing houses, including Russia, participate here. Readers can buy books at special prices. The Moscow Book Fair began on the first day of September 1977. Since then, this fair has been held every year from September 3 to 7. Like the children's corner of our Ekushey Book Fair, the Moscow Book Fair also has a corner for children called 'Let's Read'. Like the Ekushey Book Fair, honorary awards are given to writers at the end of the Moscow Fair. The most significant event in the world of Russian literature is the Moscow International Book Fair. More than two hundred thousand book lovers are welcomed to this six-day event every year. More than two thousand institutions from more than 60 countries bring books for them. This fair is very notable because the contribution of Russian writers to world literature is unforgettable.

Cairo, Egypt

 

This is the oldest and largest book fair in the Arab world. This fair is held in the last week of January; it lasts for three weeks. Books in various languages, including Arabic and English, are available at the fair. On average, three out of every five books written in Arabic in the world are published by Cairo-based publishing houses. Therefore, this fair has become the biggest name for books in the Arab world. The crowd is about two million. It is the second largest book fair in the world after the Frankfurt Book Fair. This international book fair began in 1969 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of the city of Cairo. The fair is organized by the 'General Egyptian Book Organization' at the Cairo International Fair Ground in Madinatu Nasser, near Al-Azhar University in Egypt. 1,200 publishing houses from 77 countries participate in this fair, which has an area of ​​80,000 square meters. In addition to the book exhibition, 550 literary and cultural events and discussions are held at the fair. Visitors must purchase a ticket worth five pounds to enter the Cairo Book Fair.

 

London Book Fair

 

This is the second largest book fair in the world. The fair began its journey on November 5, 1971. Currently, more than 100 countries participate in this fair. This fair is organized in London every year in mid-April. This London book fair is known as a pilgrimage site for European publishers, sellers, and agents. Until 2006, this fair was held at the Olympia Exhibition Center. Although it was moved that year, it was brought back there in 2015. Since then, it has been decided to continue the event there. The largest number of books are published at this London book fair. Spread over an area of ​​​​about two hectares, the London Book Fair hosts more than two hundred events over three days. Where various famous speakers give speeches; there are discussions, question and answer sessions. There are numerous sections inside the book fair such as 'Authors HQ', 'Children's Hub', 'Cross-Cultural Hub'. One of the attractions of this book fair is the 'Authors of the Day' and 'Illustrators of the Fair' programs. Although there is no specific date for the fair, it is of great importance to book lovers all over the world. On the occasion of this book fair, publishers bring out all the rare publications on various subjects. More than 25,000 publishers, booksellers, agents, librarians and media workers participate in this fair. The London Book Fair is mainly big in terms of book publishing and trade. This fair is usually held in London, England in March every year. Although this book fair is not bigger than the Frankfurt Book Fair, its size and importance have been increasing recently. Publishers come to this fair to promote their books to be published and to buy and sell book rights or translation rights in other languages. While the Frankfurt Book Fair is famous for the participation of general readers, the situation is almost the opposite in the London Book Fair. The presence of general readers here is comparatively low.

More book fairs

 

America

This book fair began in 1947 in Washington, DC as the 'American Bookseller Association Convention and Trade Show'. In 1971, the name was changed to 'Book Expo America'. This book fair is held in turn in major cities across the country. In 2008, it was held in Los Angeles, New York City from 2009 to 2015, and most recently in Chicago in 2016. One of the attractions of this fair is 'The Bookcorn'; which is basically storytelling and cultural display. It is the largest book fair in America. This fair is held in the largest city in the state of California, located on the west coast of the United States. It is mainly a fair for the exhibition and sale of ancient books, manuscripts, printing paper, maps, etc. About 30 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Denmark, Spain, and the United States, participate in this fair.

 

Italy

 

The Bolgan Children's Book Fair is the main book fair for children's literature. This book fair is incredibly popular all over the world. Since 1963, this fair has been held in Bolgan, Italy, for four days every year in March and April. Those who work with children's literature, children's films, and animation mainly come here to discuss issues related to children's literature. People from various professions, including children's book writers and publishers, gather here. Book rights are bought and sold here for translation and creating art in other media from books. Those who make children's films from children's books mainly buy book rights from here. Apart from this, the Turin International Book Fair is held in Turin, Italy in mid-May. It is the largest book trade fair in Italy. This fair started in 1988. The fair was inaugurated on May 18 of that year. It was inaugurated by Nobel laureate Russian poet Joseph Brodsky. Businessman Guido Aconero and bookseller Angelo Pezzana named the book fair Melone del Libro. Later renamed the Turin International Book Fair, it attracted 1,400 publishing houses in 2015. That year, the number of visitors was over 341,000.

 

Argentina

 

This fair is held in the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires. The fair mainly focuses on Spanish literature. With the participation of at least 50 countries, the number of visitors to this fair has reached 1.2 million. The book fair is organized by the non-profit organization 'Fundacio El Libro', established by the Argentine Society of Writers. It is one of the five best book fairs in the world. Conferences and meetings are open to everyone with the participation of authors, publishers, editors, translators, sellers and those involved in publishing. Special conferences are organized for researchers and librarians.

 

Hong Kong  

 

This book fair is organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Hay-on-Wye is a small town in the Brecon Beacons District of Wales; abbreviated as ‘Hay’. Hay is called the ‘City of Books’. In fact, it is the National Book City of Wales. This book fair started in 1990. This fair starts every year in mid-July. The aim of the fair, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, is to provide domestic and foreign books at low prices to the people of Hong Kong. This fair mainly encourages the international book trade. About 80,000 visitors gather at this 10-day event. Comics are very popular in Hong Kong. Hong Kongers call it Any-Com Hong Kong. For this reason, a separate comics fair is also held here.

 

Abu Dhabi 

 

This is a new book fair among the major fairs in the literary calendar. It is held once a year. The Abu Dhabi authorities organized this fair in collaboration with the Frankfurt Book Fair to preserve literature and heritage. Through this, the United Arab Emirates wants to establish itself as a major global center for the publishing world. This fair is very important for buyers of book conditions and licenses. In addition, it is the best book fair for Arabic language, Middle Eastern and North African publishers. The fair starts from March 15 to 20. It is currently the largest book fair in the Middle East.

 

Mexico  

The Mexican city of Guadalajara hosts this Spanish-language book fair. This fair ensures the best commercial environment for professionals in the book world. It also creates a unique experience in the minds of readers. It is a famous book fair for Spanish speakers. It starts in Jalisco, Mexico, on the last Saturday of November every year. It lasts for 9 consecutive days.

 

Tehran, Iran
 

The Tehran International Book Fair has been held in Tehran, the capital of Iran, for 24 years. This book fair is famous for books on the history of Islam, Iran, the world, art and literature, and the defensive war. This fair has a special similarity with the Bangladeshi book fair. The Tehran Book Fair is also like a fair of life for Iranians. The fair is grandiose every day with a crowd of writers, readers, and book lovers. This fair is held every year from May 4 to 14.

 

China 

 

The Beijing International Book Fair is held every year in Beijing, the capital of China. The fair highlights not only Chinese literature but also international literature. This book fair was established in 1986. Since then, it has become the main stage of China's publishing industry. The Beijing Book Fair emphasizes the promotion of Chinese literature and culture. It showcases new works by Chinese writers and poets as well as old works by renowned writers. The fair showcases China's literary heritage through exhibitions.

 

Gothenburg, Sweden

 

This is a unique literary and cultural event in Sweden. This is the largest and most important book fair in the Nordic region. It is not only a center for buying and selling books, but also a global literary and cultural gathering. This fair is held every year in September in Gothenburg, Sweden. It has become a meeting place for Nordic and international writers.

 

Kolkata, India 

 

Every year, about 3 lakh readers gather at this fair. Its common name is 'Kolkata Book Fair'. This book fair started in 1976. This fair, which is held for 12 days from the last Wednesday of January to the first Sunday of February, also has a separate pavilion for Bangladesh. Due to the wide popularity of the Kolkata Book Fair, the Frankfurt Book Fair authorities have nominated it as 'Guest of Honor'. This fair, which was launched in 1976, achieved recognition as an international book fair in 1984. The current venue of the fair is the Milon Mela premises in East Kolkata.