Comment: Beirut book fairs shatter stereotype image of Arabs

Arabs do not read and Gulf Arabs are notoriously poor readers." This often heard observation has now become so common that many take it for granted. Is it true? The answer is a resounding no even if much more can be done to increase reliance on the written word.

Although what follows is anecdotal, I was happily surprised to be in Beirut in early November when not one, but two international book fairs were being held simultaneously.

Thousands of visitors attended the 47th Arab and 12th French book fairs that, for at least three weeks, gave the Lebanese capital its justly deserved name as a centre of learning. To be sure, Beirut's past glory - best displayed in its numerous world class universities - has taken something of a beating in recent years, but it is still remarkable to witness first hand the quest for knowledge.

As I strolled through the two fairgrounds - typically audiences were quite distinct even if overlaps inevitably existed - I was delighted to observe and speak with many attendees.

Younger readers, bussed in from various schools, were exposed to unique materials that they would not have otherwise seen. Covered as well as uncovered women - that is the essence and beauty of Lebanon as a truly multi-cultural society - mingled in groups, gravitating from one booth to another in search of wisdom and delight.

Young men eager to find bargains among sale items that are usually available towards the end of the fair were also commonly spotted. Curious to known what interested many of these attendees, I asked several what they were scrutinising and what types of books they were looking for.

According to my non-scientific poll, a majority of my "confidants" revealed that science and technology lured them.

Religious publications

Since we are constantly told that a huge percentage of Arab University graduates are earning non-marketable degrees, this interest was doubly delightful. Philosophy, spirituality and literature books were also in demand and, not surprisingly, publications on religion and religious interpretation were widely available.

Although several Arab publishers specialising in history and politics were visibly conducting brisk business, available titles were limited. In fact, the French fair included a lot more on contemporary affairs than the Arab venue, reflecting an inclination among Western writers for critical essays on war and peace.

According to a local representative, however, the French book exposition - after Paris and Montreal - was now a major Francophone cultural event. In conjunction with the fair, a number of radio and television shows were organised to discuss some of the books available for sale.

Actual debates, presenting critical evaluations, were conducted at the fair aired live on local and satellite television stations on a nightly basis. Mingling among curious book lovers allowed me to learn far more in two long afternoons about Arab readers than I could in any other setting.

There is an old adage that "Egyptians write, Lebanese publish, and Iraqis read" which, based on the available fare, was certainly true. Over 150 Lebanese publishing houses and more than 40 other Arab publishers displayed thousands of titles. Yet, Egyptians are no longer the only Arabs writing, the Lebanese are not the only Arabs publishing and the Iraqis - even under occupation - are no longer the only Arabs reading.

Gulf Arab publishers, from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait in particular are writing, publishing and reading as well. Others, especially in Egypt, continue to labour under difficult financial circumstances. Authors throughout the Arab World strain to meet the growing demand - in numbers far larger than many of us realise.

Joseph Kéchichian, author of several books, is an expert on the Gulf and Middle East affairs.