Doha, May 15 (QNA) - The "This is Qatar" book project, launched today as the guest of honor of the 35th edition of the Doha International Book Fair, is a comprehensive cultural and documentary encyclopedia that tells the nation's story to the world through a vision that combines knowledge, documentation, and visual creativity.

The encyclopedic project "This is Qatar" was not limited to writing alone. It was developed as a multimedia initiative that includes printed and audio books, in addition to more than 300 documentary films covering various topics, supported by a rich visual archive of photographs, documents, maps, and informational cards documenting the features of Qatar’s land and people.

"This is Qatar" reflects a global approach to engaging with different cultures, as it has been translated into five languages, while its films have been dubbed into the same languages, with plans to expand into additional languages to serve as a cultural and civilizational window presenting Qatar’s message to the world.

The encyclopedia consists of six main parts, with each one presented in an independent volume documenting an aspect of Qatari identity and its civilizational and cultural history.

The first volume offers a journey through Qatar's history and geography from the dawn of civilizations to the establishment of the modern state. It highlights the deep humanitarian impact of Qatari diplomacy.

The second volume takes readers on a tour through cities, regions, and historical landmarks, showcasing the history, achievements, and landmarks that shaped the memory of Qatar.

The third documents the most important elements of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, reflecting the depth and authenticity of Qatari heritage and society’s attachment to its cultural and civilizational roots.

The fourth volume explores cultural institutions, museums, and festivals, and their role in strengthening civilizational awareness and contributing to the development of individuals and society.

The fifth volume traces the development of sports, education, and healthcare, and how these sectors contributed to building the Qatari individual in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.

The sixth and final volume celebrates the beauty of Qatar's natural environment and ecological diversity, documenting its tourist destinations and wildlife through both text and imagery in a way that reflects the richness and uniqueness of the local environment.

The encyclopedia represents the memory of a nation, a bridge linking the past and the present, and a reference documenting the story of the land and its people while presenting Qatar to the world as a land of history, culture, and life.

The book covers were inspired by the details of traditional Qatari doors, with their engravings and decorations symbolizing local identity and memory. The diverse colors reflect the richness of the cultural landscape and the variety of its themes. The books are gathered within a cover inspired by the traditional Qatari bisht, a symbol of status, generosity, and authenticity, embodying the idea of embracing knowledge under the cloak of Qatari culture and turning the design into a visual narrative expressing belonging and pride in the national cultural heritage.

Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, who serves as Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture of Qatar and Director of the Doha International Book Fair, said that the 35th edition of the fair was the largest in the event's history since its launch in 1972. He stressed that the exhibition continues to strengthen its presence as a leading cultural platform that supports the publishing industry, promotes reading, and localizes book production in Qatar.

Al Buainain added that selecting the "This is Qatar" project as the guest of honor carries important cultural and national significance, reflecting the country's commitment to culture and knowledge. He noted that the project was linked to the idea of presenting a comprehensive image of the state, emphasizing Qatar's strong support for culture, reading, books, and local publishing, which is clearly reflected in the activities and programs of the Doha International Book Fair.

He added that this year's accompanying cultural program features broad diversity, including more than 65 literary and cultural seminars held on the main stage, in addition to cultural salon events and other activities. He said that these events were directly connected to the themes of the "This is Qatar" project and addressed a wide range of cultural, intellectual, and social issues.

The Director of the Libraries Department and Director of the Doha International Book Fair also stressed that the cultural program includes participation from a distinguished group of academics, intellectuals, and specialists from various fields, reflecting the diversity of Qatari society and the richness of the cultural movement showcased at the exhibition. He added that the accompanying seminars seek to connect intellectual and cultural aspects with the civilizational message carried by the project.

Responding to a question from Qatar News Agency (QNA) regarding the fair's success in localizing the book industry, Al Buainain said that the success of the Doha International Book Fair was reflected in the steady annual increase in participating publishing houses, as well as the growing number of Arab and international publishers joining the exhibition for the first time.

He added that this year's fair also featured new Qatari publishing houses, reflecting growing local interest in publishing and intellectual production, and highlighted the development as a sign of successful efforts to localize books and strengthen the publishing industry in Qatar.

Al Buainain expressed his happiness at the addition of new Qatari publishing houses to the country's cultural scene this year, emphasizing that printed books still retain their importance despite the rapid growth of electronic publishing, as cultural reality continues to demonstrate readers’ strong attachment to printed books. 

Regarding the facilities provided to publishers, the Director of the Doha International Book Fair stressed that the Ministry of Culture and the fair’s administration are keen to provide a range of logistical and organizational support measures for Arab and international publishers. These include free visa facilitation procedures and free customs clearance for participating publications, helping to simplify participation and strengthen publishers’ presence at the fair.(QNA)