International Arab Book Fair book fair emerges as platform for Islamist axis, Hamas support

The 11th International Arab Book Fair, which opened in Istanbul, has emerged as a venue for the Islamist axis and demonstrates Qatari-Turkish cooperation concerning the Palestinian issue. The fair, running until August 23, features over 300 publishing houses from more than 30 countries, with Qatar actively participating through its Culture Ministry.

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The theme of this event extends across the story of a united nation, in the hope that the fair will help strengthen ties between people in the Islamic world across a variety of platforms.

During the event, Sheikh Dr. Ali al Qaradaghi, secretary general of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), called for aid to be transferred to the Gaza Strip "by all possible means." The IUMS, operating from Qatar, is described as an organization affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, to which Hamas also belongs. The article claims the union's call for financial support is intended to assist Hamas.

Dr. Yasin Aktay, a former advisor to the Turkish president, stated that the fair's aim is to strengthen the Islamist axis, with its theme extending to the "story of a united nation." However, the article notes that such events have previously been used to spread messages rejecting Israel's existence and encouraging Palestinian terrorism. It references the Doha International Book Fair in May, where books by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar were sold, along with literature praising terrorists and denying the Holocaust, despite sponsorship from the U.S. Embassy in Doha.

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Dr. Ariel Admoni of Ariel University and the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security commented on this cooperation, suggesting it highlights the Qatari role. The fair's focus on the Palestinian issue and the involvement of organizations linked to the Muslim Brotherhood underscore the ongoing geopolitical dynamics and the use of cultural platforms for political messaging.

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The issue of the Palestinian people to remain at the forefront and for aid to be transferred to the Gaza Strip by all possible means.