Arab Cultural House “Al Diwan” Book Fair Concludes in Berlin

The third “Al Diwan” Book Fair in Berlin gathered 100 publishers, celebrating Arabic literature, translation, and cultural exchange across borders.

on Oct 28, 2025

Arab Cultural House “Al Diwan” Book Fair Concludes in Berlin

Berlin recently hosted a lively celebration of literature, language, and cultural exchange as the third Arab Cultural House "Al Diwan" Book Fair concluded. The three-day book fair, located at the center of Germany's capital, hosted close to 100 Arab and foreign publishing houses, authors, and intellectuals under one roof — each bonded together by a common love for books and ideas.

The fair was more than a literary event; it became an arena for cultural interaction and informed discussions of the changing place of Arabic literature in the world. Traders could browse a wide variety of publications — from poetry and fiction to translation studies and children's literature — to see the vibrancy of Arab intellectual and creative expression.

One of the highlights on closing day was an engaging panel discussion entitled "From the Sands of Seleen to the Sidewalks of Berlin." The panel discussed poetic exchanges between Modern Standard Arabic, Nabṭī (a classical genre of Arabic poetry), and the German language. Poets and translators shared insights on the craft of maintaining rhythm, tone, and emotional resonance when translating verse — a process that tends to walk the tightrope between loyalty to meaning and cultural sensitivity. The discussion also touched on the rising dominance of machine translation and the threat it brings to the authenticity and soul of literary work.

A third compelling session concerned the modern Arabic novel of the Gulf, highlighting the growing presence of female authors and the development of the Qatari novel. Presenters explained how Gulf literature has developed through various stages of history and society, inheriting from indigenous traditions while accepting universal literary models. The topic highlighted the groundbreaking work of women writers in redefining models and articulating contemporary Arab identity and experience.

Hosted by the Arab Cultural House "Al Diwan," a section of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Germany, the yearly book fair has now evolved into an institution's cultural activity staple. It showcases Qatar's continued commitment to fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and intercultural appreciation between Arab and European societies.

By gathering authors, publishers, and readers from different continents, the "Al Diwan" Book Fair continues to confirm literature's potential to cross distances — the fact that although languages may be different, the passion for stories and ideas is universal.