Greece named Guest of Honour at SIBF 2025

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), this year’s edition celebrates Greece’s enduring contribution to global thought, philosophy, and art. Focusing on cultural exchange and creative dialogue, the Greek Pavilion will feature more than 600 titles from 58 publishers and cultural institutions, highlighting the country’s literary riches and artistic innovation.

Through performances, workshops, and professional engagement, Greece’s Guest of Honour programme enhances the Sharjah International Book Fair’s role as a link between cultures, promoting global understanding and creative collaboration.

A national pavilion celebrating heritage and creativity

At the heart of Greece’s participation is its 200-square-metre National Pavilion, inspired by ancient Greek architecture and designed as an interactive space for exploration. Featuring a sculpted olive tree—a symbol of peace, wisdom, and resilience—the pavilion will function both as a literary showcase and a cultural meeting point.

Greece’s exhibit will bring together 28 publishers in person, with 58 institutions participating in the programme overall. The pavilion will feature book displays, discussions, and art installations that connect Greece’s ancient epics with modern voices, embodying the spirit of timeless creativity.

Greek literature: the long journey

A major highlight of the programme, the exhibition “Greek Literature – The Long Journey,” will trace the development of Greek language and literature from classical antiquity to the modern era. The showcase will emphasise the lasting influence of Greek thought and writing on global culture, examining how ancient philosophical and literary traditions continue to inspire readers and writers today.

Distinguished Greek authors and poets

Over 70 Greek participants—including writers, poets, playwrights, translators, academics, and publishing professionals—will take part in cultural and professional activities throughout SIBF 2025.

Ten leading literary figures, including Antonios Skiathas, Eugenia Daglas, Eurypidis Garantoudis, Konstantinos Katsoularis, Persa Koumoutsi, Panagiotis Mendis, Danai Siozou, and Anastasia Venetouli, will lead readings and discussions focused on translation, cross-cultural dialogue, and the development of Greece’s literary identity.

To celebrate cultural exchange, Greece has also offered Arabic translations of several renowned works, including anthologies of State Prizes for Poetry and Novella, as well as contemporary dramatic monologues.

Theatre, music, and cultural expression

Visitors to SIBF 2025 will experience live performance art curated by Professor Anastasia Georgaki from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, combining poetry, movement, and music into an immersive theatrical showcase. A special musical-theatrical production by Nikolaos Platanos and Kyriaki Vlachogianni, inspired by Greek poetry, will open the fair. In contrast, another production based on the works of Yannis Ritsos will add dramatic depth to Greece’s cultural presence at the event.

Interactive workshops and culinary arts

Family-friendly workshops, such as “The Life and Writing Workshop,” led by Aimilia Bantouna and Mata Gavroglou, will involve children with the symbols and storytelling traditions of ancient Greece. Collaborative sessions between Greek and Emirati authors, publishers, and translators will promote intercultural dialogue.

Greek cuisine will also take centre stage with live demonstrations by Chef Alexandros Sperchos, showcasing Greece's flavours through the Cookery Corner. His presentations will blend culinary artistry with storytelling, reflecting the strong link between food, culture, and heritage.

A platform for professional dialogue

Besides its cultural programme, Greece will play an important role in the 15th Publishers Conference, taking part in discussions about the future of global publishing. Greek experts will also attend the Sharjah International Library Conference, focusing on innovation in library sciences and promoting reading culture.

With participation from 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries and over 1,200 activities, SIBF 2025 continues to establish itself as one of the world’s leading literary and cultural festivals.