The capital Baghdad is currently witnessing the activities of its international book festival in a new edition bearing a special character, as the city returns to asserting its position as a leading Arab cultural capital. The festival includes wide participation of more than five hundred publishing houses from thirty countries, reflecting global cultural institutions' confidence in Baghdad's recovery of its creative atmosphere. The festival program includes intellectual and literary seminars hosting elite Arab thinkers, in addition to dedicating special pavilions for Iraqi writers in exile. The festival administration announced a major award for works addressing Iraq's civilizational history, aiming to encourage new generations to delve into the heritage of Mesopotamia and highlight it to the world. Intellectuals see this event as restoring Baghdad's cultural position.
