Sudan's publishers enjoy freedom after 30 years

Sharjah - The number of participating publishing houses has increased from two to eight, displaying several books that used to be banned.

Sudanese participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has increased this year as the country is enjoying their newfound freedom. Now, they are free from censorship.
The number of participating publishing houses has increased from two to eight, displaying several books that used to be banned.
According to them, they couldn't participate in any international book fairs or cultural events, as the former regime allowed only publications that promoted its policies.
Hassan Saeed from University of Khartoum Publishing House said Sudanese participation in this year's SIBF is the largest in the last 30 years.
"This is the result of the liberation of Sudanese people. Free from the thoughts of extremism and ignorance, Sudanese publishing houses are activating intellectual partnership through their participation in the SIBF."
He pointed out that the Sudanese cultural participation in previous years were "sub-standard and intermittent".
"Sudan is taking the right path to development, reconstruction and comprehensive renaissance," he added.
Noor Al Huda, owner of Azza Publishing House, said that his stall has 25 distinct titles that are being displayed to the public for the first time.
These include an encyclopaedia on diversity by Dr Amr Mohamed Abbas and a series that examines the abilities and development of women.
Among the other previously banned books were Sex and Sexuality of the Sudanese Woman by Dr Fatima Babiker and My Heart on My Country by Dr Ali Abdel Kader.
Al Huda believed that the diversity of Sudan was brought about by African, Nubian and Arab civilisations coming together, producing distinctive literature.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah