The 50th edition of the Sofia International Book Fair, a prestigious event in the literary world, commenced this Tuesday at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria’s vibrant capital. This year’s fair is notable for its extensive showcase of Chinese literature, highlighting the cultural exchange between China and Bulgaria.
Over 300 Chinese titles grace the booth of CBT China Book Trading GmbH, a subsidiary of China International Communications Group, marking the company’s debut at this six-day literary extravaganza that sees participation from more than 170 publishers globally. Bao Jianguo, CBT’s business director, emphasized the significance of this participation, viewing it as a vital step in enhancing communication and cultural exchanges between the two countries. This event is seen as a bridge to future collaborations, fostering a deeper mutual understanding.
A notable aspect of this year’s fair is the presence of Chinese books translated into Bulgarian, proudly displayed at the booth of Bulgarian publishing house Iztok-Zapad (East-West). The selection includes revered classics such as Cao Xueqin’s “Dream of the Red Chamber” and “The Book of Songs: The Ancient Chinese Classic of Poetry.” Modern works like “Illustrated Myths and Legends of China” and “An Illustrated Brief History of China: Culture, Religion, Art, Invention” are also featured, along with Chinese language textbooks tailored for Bulgarian learners.
Luben Kozarev, the founder and president of Iztok-Zapad, revealed that nearly 30 Chinese titles are presented at the event. Since 2003, the company has introduced almost 100 Chinese books to Bulgarian readers, reflecting a growing interest in Chinese literature within the country. Kozarev attributes this curiosity to various factors, including China’s emerging status as a global leader and a growing fascination with Chinese culture and language among Bulgarians.
This interest was palpable on the opening day of the fair. Gabriela Nikolova, a student from Sofia University, was among the first visitors to explore the CBT booth, expressing her admiration for China’s rich cultural heritage. Like many others, she showed a keen interest in delving deeper into Chinese culture and literature.
The Sofia International Book Fair, through its inclusion of Chinese literature, is playing a crucial role in bridging cultural gaps. It is not just a venue for book sales but a platform for cultural diplomacy, where literature becomes the medium for sharing stories, ideas, and traditions across borders. This exchange is vital in an increasingly interconnected world, where understanding and appreciating diverse cultures is key to global harmony and cooperation.
This year’s fair stands as a testament to the power of books in building bridges between nations and peoples. The showcasing of Chinese literature in Bulgaria is a celebration of shared human experiences and stories, transcending language and geographical barriers. It is an opportunity for Bulgarian readers to explore the depths of Chinese history, philosophy, and art, and for Chinese authors to reach a wider, international audience. The 50th Sofia International Book Fair thus marks a significant milestone in the ongoing cultural dialogue between China and Bulgaria, paving the way for a richer, more inclusive global literary landscape.
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