• 22 Apr, 2026

The Homs Directorate of Culture, in cooperation with the Homs Governorate and the Directorate of Transportation, has launched a program of daily trips to the Damascus International Book Fair. The initiative aims to support cultural engagement, promote reading, and enable residents of Homs to attend one of Syria’s most significant cultural events.

Facilitating Access to the Fair

According to Mohammad Al‑Alloush, media office director at the Homs Culture Directorate, the trips are designed for culture enthusiasts who wish to explore new publications and participate in the fair’s diverse activities. He noted that 70 to 90 visitors benefit from the program daily, transported via dedicated buses.

Positive Feedback from Participants

Visitor Mohammad Saeed Al‑Jabouli expressed admiration for the fair’s organization and the variety of books available, emphasizing that reading is essential for building individuals and not merely a cultural luxury. Pharmacist Nadia Sahloul highlighted the importance of holding such a major event at this stage, especially as it is the first fair after liberation, and praised the strong Arab participation, particularly from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Meanwhile, Julia Raslan noted that the trips provided a valuable opportunity to visit the fair, adding that the transportation arrangements allowed participants ample time to explore the exhibition halls.

A Major Cultural Event with Wide Participation

The Damascus International Book Fair is held at the Damascus Fairgrounds and continues until the 16th of this month, featuring around 500 publishing houses from 35 Arab and foreign countries, making it a key cultural platform for readers, writers, and publishers.

Promoting Culture as a Daily Value

This initiative reflects the commitment of the Homs Culture Directorate to integrating culture into daily life, encouraging reading as a fundamental value, and strengthening the connection between the public and major cultural events across Syria.