Digital Reading Booms in Kurdistan as Libraries and Social Media Drive Literary Engagement
Despite the rise of digital reading, translation and publishing efforts remain strong, reflecting a sustained interest in books across Kurdistan.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Digital reading has gained significant momentum in Kurdistan, with an increasing demand for e-books and the role of social media in promoting a reading culture. Libraries and online platforms have played a key role in attracting new readers, while intellectuals and publishers strive to adapt to this shift.
Speaking to Kurdistan24, reader Hamed Amin shared his experience: “I read on my mobile phone, and sometimes, I even read the Quran in the mosque using it. Smartphones have made reading much more accessible, allowing me to explore interpretations instantly.”
This digital transformation is not limited to individuals. Many bookshop owners acknowledge that readers now rely on their smartphones and social media to discover books before deciding to purchase them.
Shafiq Mohammed, a bookstore owner, noted: “Most people have limited time. They use their phones and social media to explore books they are interested in before deciding whether to buy them.”
A Persistent Demand for Books
Despite the rise of digital reading, translation and publishing efforts remain strong, reflecting a sustained interest in books across Kurdistan. Intellectuals and cultural advocates continue to encourage readership, whether through digital formats or traditional printed books.
Erbil has long been at the heart of Kurdistan’s literary scene, hosting an annual international book fair that attracts a global audience. The 16th Erbil International Book Fair, held from Apr. 17 to 27, 2023, showcased over 1.5 million book titles from more than 300 publishing houses across Kurdistan, Iraq, and beyond.
Under the theme “Read… Your Intelligence is Not Artificial,” the event emphasized the importance of human creativity in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. Political and intellectual figures attended, with former President Masoud Barzani inaugurating the fair.
Fakhri Karim, head of the Al-Mada Foundation for Media, Culture, and Arts, highlighted the fair’s role in fostering cultural renaissance and modernity, serving as a platform for intellectual exchange. Meanwhile, the event’s director, Ihab Al-Qaisi, noted that the program featured literary seminars, poetry evenings, book signings, and musical performances, alongside substantial book discounts to encourage public participation.
With preparations underway, Erbil is set to host the 17th edition of the fair from April 9 to 19, 2025, reinforcing its commitment to promoting reading and authentic human creativity.
As a cornerstone of Kurdistan’s cultural landscape, the Erbil International Book Fair continues to unite authors, publishers, and readers in a dynamic literary environment, promising another year of enriching discussions and intellectual exploration.
