(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- From archaeological manuscripts to novels and translations, to books on philosophy and history and children's literature, the 23rd Muscat International Book Fair is offering publications on diverse subjects.
The book fair started last week at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre under the auspices of H E Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan bin Hamoud al Busaidy, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar.
Some 783 publishing houses from 28 countries are attending the event. The fair concludes on March 3.
With 1,200 pavilions spread over an area of 11,412sq m, the annual exhibition has a number of stalls selling books on various subjects.
Hatem AbdulKarim Ali al Shehhi, a documents and archives specialist in National Records and Archives Authority in the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, said the authority's stall displays nine rare archaeological manuscripts.
'We have been taking part in the event for the last few years. We have put on display nine rare archaeological manuscripts, some documents and books issued by the National Records and Archives Authority,' said Shehhi.
Al Taiminah is one book that is being displayed.
'Al Taiminah was written in 1866. It is a collection of supplications written in the form of poems, to be read by a teacher with pupils repeating the word 'Ameen' after each half of a verse,' said Shehhi.
Said Osman from Egypt is taking part in the event for the first time.
'We sell books for children that aim to develop their IQ. Our prices vary between RO1 and RO2.'
He added that developing the habit of reading in children depends solely on the motivation of parents.
'Only parents can motivate the young to read more. If parents want to see their children really develop into adults with sound knowledge, they need to inculcate the habit of reading in their children when they are very young.'
Ahmed Ghraib from Lebanon said, 'We offer novels, translations and books on philosophy and history. Nowadays, people like to buy translated books – Russian and American literature.'
He added, 'Parents have a great role in encouraging their children to read by taking them to the book fair and buying books for them. Our prices range between RO1 and RO10."
Ghayath Younis from Syria is at the book fair for the fifth time.
'We offer a variety of books such as children's books, Arabic books and English educational books.'
He added 'Children are attracted to bright colours and cartoon characters. The best-selling books are educational ones.'
The 17 Arab countries that are taking part in the fair include: Oman, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Palestine, Sudan, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria and Morocco.
The other countries at the fair include the UK, Japan, Canada, Iran, Turkey, Sweden, Brunei, Pakistan, the US, Germany and Italy.
Timings: All days: 10am-10pm and Friday: 4pm-10pm
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