Romania at the Cairo Book Fair
Romania is currently the guest of honour at the Cairo International Book Fair, one of the most important publishing events in the world
Corina Cristea, 26.01.2026, 13:50
Until February 3, Romania is participating as guest of honour in the 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair, marking 120 years of diplomatic relations with the Arab Republic of Egypt. Romania’s presence is built around a comprehensive and diverse program that highlights contemporary literature, cultural dialogue, translation, academic research, cultural diplomacy, heritage, and education, bringing together authors, researchers, translators, publishers, artists, and cultural professionals from Romania and Egypt, as well as diplomats, former diplomats, and Romanian academic figures.
In figures, Romania’s participation in the Cairo International Book Fair includes: 30 distinct cultural events over 13 days, 60 special guests (authors, publishers, translators, artists, academics, etc.), including 15 artists, 10 titles translated into Arabic for the first time, and 10 participating Romanian publishing houses. Romania’s literary program includes debates and round tables dedicated to contemporary Romanian literature, poetry, prose, and intercultural dialogue. An important emphasis is placed on translations and editorial dialogue, through the launch of Romanian books translated into Arabic, as well as the presentation of trilingual editions (Romanian-French-Arabic) published by Junimea Publishing House.
At the same time, professional meetings are held between Romanian and Egyptian publishers, dedicated to the development of editorial cooperation and literary translations. The academic and research dimension is supported by events dedicated to Arabic studies in Romania, which will celebrate their 75th anniversary in 2026, the history of Arabic printing, cultural diplomacy, and international relations, with the participation of renowned Romanian specialists. The program also includes a debate on Romania and Egypt at 120 years, as well as a round table organized in partnership with the EUNIC cluster in Egypt and the RCI. Young audiences and families are invited to a rich program of children’s literature, with interactive readings, workshops, and presentations of the latest Arabic translations of Romanian children’s books.
The cultural program is complemented by the Romanian-Egyptian photo exhibition “The Unknown Beauty of Romania,” dedicated to Romanian landscapes and traditions with photographs by Mihaela Năstase, as well as performances of traditional Romanian music and dance. A special moment is the event “Panait Istrati in Egypt,” dedicated to the Romanian writer who was deeply connected to the Mediterranean region. On the occasion of the Fair, the Ministers of Culture of Romania and Egypt, Demeter Andras and Ahmed Hanno, respectively, agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cultural cooperation between the two ministries. (MI)
