Full Breakdown
Damascus Book Fair Marks Cultural Shift in Post-Assad Syria
2/12/2026, 9:31:26 PM
Display of Previously Banned Texts
The recent Damascus International Book Fair, held for the first time since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, showcased a significant cultural shift in Syria. Once-banned Islamist texts, including Sayyid Qutb's "Milestones," were prominently displayed and sold well, reflecting changes in the country's intellectual landscape. The fair, which began on February 6, 2023, featured not only Islamist literature but also works by secular critics of the former regime and a dedicated section for Kurdish culture, which had been suppressed under Assad's Ba’athist rule.
Zuhair al-Barri, the event coordinator, emphasized that the fair symbolizes a new era where "no book is banned," except those that threaten "civil peace and social cohesion." The demand for Qutb's works, particularly "Milestones," has surged, with publisher Atef Namous reporting the sale of 150 copies since the fair's opening. Qutb, a significant figure in Islamist thought, was executed in 1966, and his writings have been influential among militants, including former al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.
Acknowledgment of Kurdish Culture
The inclusion of Kurdish literature at the fair is particularly noteworthy, as Kurdish culture was previously marginalized. The Kurdish pavilion displayed poetry and historical publications, marking a step towards recognizing Kurdish identity within Syria. Salah Surkji, director of the Kurdish section, noted that such works were hidden during Assad's regime, where possession of Kurdish texts could lead to severe repercussions.
Voices from the Fair
Veteran rights activist Haitham Maleh, whose memoirs were featured, remarked on the exhibition's significance, stating it represents "the beginning of an openness to ideas and global thought." Maleh, who faced imprisonment under Assad, views the fair as a progressive step for Syrian society.
Official Statements and Responses
Bashar al-Assad's successor, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has pledged to uphold rights and freedoms in the new Syria. Sharaa, who previously had ties to al-Qaeda until 2016, is seen as a pivotal figure in this cultural transformation. However, not all works were permitted; a book linked to al-Qaeda's former leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, was blocked from display following a request from the Iraqi government due to its promotion of sectarianism.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the fair's progressive atmosphere, concerns remain regarding the limits of this newfound openness. Critics argue that while some texts are now available, the government still exercises control over what is deemed acceptable, raising questions about the true extent of freedom in post-Assad Syria.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the fair has been hailed as a step forward, there are discrepancies regarding the extent of freedom in the cultural sphere. Some sources suggest that the government retains significant influence over published materials, while others highlight a genuine shift towards greater intellectual diversity.
Verbatim Quotes
“Reading them was done secretly, or they were circulated discreetly, because anyone caught with such books would be subject to questioning and investigation,” — Salah Surkji, Kurdish Section Director
“This exhibition represents the beginning of an openness to ideas and global thought,” — Haitham Maleh, Veteran Rights Campaigner
“In the new Syria, it’s a fair where no book is banned,” — Zuhair al-Barri, Event Coordinator
