Syria’s civil war has decimated the local publishing business, all-but-ending the printing and sale of new books, and forcing many publishers and authors to emigrate.
Is Poetry More Difficult to Translate Than Prose?
Translating poetry is more than just how the language is structured, but also how thoughts and emotions are structured as well, says Adonis.
Egyptian Publishers Diversify in Face of Uncertain Future
Ongoing political uncertainty has resulted in a depressed local book market leading Egyptians to look elsewhere in the Arab world and further abroad to bolster business.
Author Who Died in Syria Wins Arab American Book Award
The late New York Times Reporter Anthony Shadid, who died in Syria last year, is among the winners of the 2013 Arab American Book Awards.
Like an Oasis in a Hot Desert: Pakistan’s Maqbool Books
Publishing in Pakistan has always been challenging. Third-generation publisher, Babar Maqbool, reflects on his family business and the changes since independence.
Can a Literary Festival Supersede Politics? Tenacious PalFest Tries
In its sixth year, the Palestine Festival of Literature (PalFest) is expanding beyond Gaza and taking a roadshow across all of historic Palestine.
Using Arabic Literature to Bridge Cultures in a Post 9/11 World
Arabia Books, celebrating its 5th anniversary, is on a mission to promote cross-cultural communication by publishing English translations of top Arabic writers.
Scenes from the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival
The recent Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival offered a unique spectacle for readers and a snapshot of children’s book publishing issues in the Middle East.
When Will Amazon Come to the Arab World?
In the short run, the limited size of the Arabic market, particularly in ebooks, makes it a low priority for Amazon, but as a company with global ambitions, don’t count them out.
Dubai Arabic E-bookseller Rufoof Attracts 100,000 Users
Dubai’s Rufoof e-bookseller offers 5,000 titles in Arabic and has attracted 100,000 users, 50% from Saudi Arabia, starting with free Islamic titles.