Istanbul, August 18 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has taken part in the 11th International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair, which kicked off in Istanbul, Turkiye.

Running through Aug. 23 under the theme "The Story Continues”, the event brings together over 300 publishing houses from more than 30 countries.

Qatar's participation comes through the Ministry of Culture's booth, which showcases part of Qatar's cultural and knowledge production to visitors, reflecting an effort to strengthen cultural ties with Arab audiences abroad.

This includes showcasing Qatar's cultural scene, supporting the movement of publication and books and knowledge exchange between Qatar and Turkiye, and highlighting elements of Qatari identity and heritage.

Dr. Mohammed Aghir Aqcha, the fair's general coordinator, said Qatar's participation is an important addition to the cultural scene and reflects the nation’s commitment to bolstering its cultural presence and showcasing its intellectual and literary production to Arab audiences in Turkiye.

He noted that Qatar has significant experience in organizing book fairs and supporting publishing and culture.

For his part, Director of the Doha International Book Fair Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain said the Qatari booth showcases a number of publications by the Ministry, alongside books translated into Turkish, opening the way for Qatari books to reach Turkish readers and introducing Qatar's cultural and literary scene.

The participation also provides an opportunity to promote the Doha International Book Fair and engage with publishing houses and institutions operating in Turkiye's publishing sector, helping build new cooperation and exchange expertise, particularly in publishing and translation, Al Buainain added.

The fair offers another opportunity for Qatari books to reach a broad Arab audience living in Turkiye, as well as Turkish and international publishers and cultural institutions participating in the event.

It is the largest Arabic book fair beyond the Arab world and receives the approval of the Arab Publishers Association.

The fair also provides ample space for students studying in Turkiye, academics and educators, as well as readers, authors, journalists and researchers of various nationalities interested in the Arabic language. (QNA)