Norway as Guest of Honour at the Cairo Book Fair
NORLA launched its largest international initiative outside of Europe when Norway was the Guest of Honour at the Cairo International Book Fair in 2024, one of the world’s largest public book fairs, attracting nearly 5 million visitors.
A Literary Bridge to the Arab World
Norway’s guest country initiative at the Cairo Book Fair was a major success.
With support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in close collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy in Cairo and a range of Norwegian and Egyptian partners, a comprehensive and successful program was carried out by NORLA, the Norwegian Institute for Children’s Books, and MUNCH. The initiative provided exceptional visibility for Norwegian literature throughout the Arab region.
H.R.H. Crown Princess Mette-Marit opened the Norwegian pavilion, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide also attended the opening, both contributing to significant media attention and sending a strong signal about Norway’s commitment to cultural dialogue and cooperation.
Photo: Ahmed Raafat
During the course of a week, NORLA organized 23 events featuring authors such as Jostein Gaarder, Terje Tvedt, Hanne Ørstavik, Linn Stalsberg, and Jørn Lier Horst. Author talks, panel discussions, and readings were held both at the fairgrounds and at the Diwan bookstore chain. A special program dedicated to Jon Fosse, including lectures and musical performances, was particularly well received.
Especially overwhelming for the participating authors, whose recent works had been translated into Arabic, was the media impact: 144 media features, coverage in 39 newspapers and websites, appearances on eight TV channels, and widespread recognition of all participating authors, several of whom were featured in in-depth interviews and reports. The Cairo Book Fair has significantly increased the visibility of Norwegian literature in the Arab world.
Photo: Ahmed Raafat
A key goal of the project was to strengthen the translation of Norwegian literature into Arabic. Results are already visible: Several new translators have been recruited, translation seminars are underway, and rights sales have been reported following the fair.
The initiative also laid the foundation for further cooperation: Egyptian publishers are participating in fellowship programs in Norway.
In early May 2025, the House of Literature in Oslo hosted three award-winning authors. Leïla Slimani, Youssef Rakha, and Soukaina Habiballah participated in powerful and engaging conversations on freedom, revolution, and women’s lives in Morocco and Egypt. An evening held in Arabic, in collaboration with Mela House, also provided space for Arabic-language conversations.
Through a rich and diverse program, the breadth of Norwegian literature was showcased: from children’s books and nonfiction to fiction and Sámi literature, creating new arenas for cultural dialogue and engagement with Arab readers.
