28.10.2016, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
“We can’t stop printing books just because there’s a war.”
Berlin
Discussion with
Samar S. Haddad, Publisher, Atlas for Publishing & Distribution, Syria & Lebanon
Marwan Adwan, Publisher, Mamdouh Adwan Publishing House, Syria & UEA
Klaus-Dieter Lehmann, President of the Goethe-Institut
Moderation: Shoshana Liessmann
Just a few weeks ago, the first book fair since 2011 took place again in Damascus – a signal of hope for a country which once had numerous private publishers, well-stocked bookstores, and enthusiastic readers. Many publishers and bookstores have had to close, bowing to economic and political pressure. It is thanks to committed publishers like Samar Haddad and Marwan Adwan that high-quality (secular) books are being printed and distributed at all in present-day Syria, a service to society they view as indispensable. We would like to join them in a talk about the publishing scene in Syria, about the remnants of Syrian publishers and booksellers, and what books are still on the market. What are Syrians reading these days and how do they get their reading material? What effect has the civil war in Syria had on the publishing landscape in the Arab world?
The Goethe-Institut Damascus, opened in 1955, was one of the first of its kind in the world. It was shut down in 2012 for security reasons. Many people have been forced to leave the country and are now in exile in Europe. The Goethe-Institut in Berlin would like to set an example, creating a symbolic space of cultural encounter, the "Goethe-Institut Damascus | in Exile." From October 20 to November 5, 2016 the venue will host discussions, workshops, film series, installations, exhibits, concerts, and performances.
Languages: German / Arabic
Friday, October 28, 2016, 7–8:30 p.m.
Goethe-Institut Damascus | in Exile
Rosa-Luxemburg-Strasse 16
10178 Berlin
Samar S. Haddad, Publisher, Atlas for Publishing & Distribution, Syria & Lebanon
Marwan Adwan, Publisher, Mamdouh Adwan Publishing House, Syria & UEA
Klaus-Dieter Lehmann, President of the Goethe-Institut
Moderation: Shoshana Liessmann
Just a few weeks ago, the first book fair since 2011 took place again in Damascus – a signal of hope for a country which once had numerous private publishers, well-stocked bookstores, and enthusiastic readers. Many publishers and bookstores have had to close, bowing to economic and political pressure. It is thanks to committed publishers like Samar Haddad and Marwan Adwan that high-quality (secular) books are being printed and distributed at all in present-day Syria, a service to society they view as indispensable. We would like to join them in a talk about the publishing scene in Syria, about the remnants of Syrian publishers and booksellers, and what books are still on the market. What are Syrians reading these days and how do they get their reading material? What effect has the civil war in Syria had on the publishing landscape in the Arab world?
The Goethe-Institut Damascus, opened in 1955, was one of the first of its kind in the world. It was shut down in 2012 for security reasons. Many people have been forced to leave the country and are now in exile in Europe. The Goethe-Institut in Berlin would like to set an example, creating a symbolic space of cultural encounter, the "Goethe-Institut Damascus | in Exile." From October 20 to November 5, 2016 the venue will host discussions, workshops, film series, installations, exhibits, concerts, and performances.
Languages: German / Arabic
Friday, October 28, 2016, 7–8:30 p.m.
Goethe-Institut Damascus | in Exile
Rosa-Luxemburg-Strasse 16
10178 Berlin
28.10.2016, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM