Baghdad Int'l Book Fair opens amid strict anti-coronavirus precautions

The Baghdad International Book Fair opened on Thursday amid strict measures to protect visitors from coronavirus. The 10-day exhibition is held at the Baghdad International Fair ground in the west of the Iraqi capital, with the participation of more than 228 local, Arab and foreign publishing houses from 14 countries including Iraq. 

"Holding this year's exhibition confirms the insistence of Iraqis on celebrating such important cultural events despite the current health conditions," said Iraqi Minister of Culture Hassan Nadhim during the opening ceremony. Director-General of the Baghdad International Fair Sarmad Taha said, "the exhibition is witnessing a huge participation from publishing houses, with many new publications available to enrich the Iraqi library."