Literary Festival: The Middle East… when ideas rise up

Current events often impose their own rules, according to Egyptian Nobel laureate in literature, Naguib Mahfouz. They may even affect the spirit of an international book fair such as the upcoming one in Thessaloniki, that is organized by the Greek National Book Centre (EKEBI).. Hence, most of the Arab states that are now in the headlines because of the popular uprisings and the momentous changes in regime and policy will be represented at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair. Also present will be writers from Turkey, Ethiopia, Israel, Iran and Pakistan. But the main concern of this Fair is not restricted to the momentous events, the successive uprisings and their repercussions on these nations, its main theme is the cultural output of these countries, their literature and the ideas that have made a significant contribution to those historic and decisive changes. The Middle East: so far, so close.

Participants:
Tariq Ali (Pakistan-UK), Salwa Al Neimi (Syria-France) Yohannes Tsegay Gebregeorgis (Ethiopia), Gamal Ghitany (Egypt), David Grossman (Israel), Tuna Kiremitci (Turkey), Hoda Barakat (Lebanon), Sophie Bessis (Tunisia-France), Boualem Sansal (Algiers), Malek Chebel (Algiers), Bahaa Taher (Egypt), Subhi Hadidi (Syria).