Publishers Threaten to Boycott Baku International Book Fair Over Dispute

Baku/07.11.23/Turan:  Two prominent figures in Azerbaijan's literary scene, Shahbaz Khuduoglu, the owner of Ganun publishing house, and Nigar Kocharli, the owner of the Ali&Nino bookstore chain, have issued a stern ultimatum to the organizers of the 9th International Book Fair in Baku. They have declared their intention to boycott the event unless the Ministry of Culture permits the display of a "Book Kiosk on Wheels" for visitors, a key element of their book promotion efforts.

Scheduled to take place from November 22 to 26, 2023, at the Baku Expo Center, the 9th Baku International Book Fair is organized by the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan. Khuduoglu and Kocharli had made a substantial financial contribution, amounting to 12,000 manats, to support the joint exhibition stand. Their intended contribution also included the display of their mobile "Book Kiosk on Wheels," a vehicle they use to visit various communities weekly, fostering a love for reading and offering books at affordable prices ranging from 1 to 3 manats.

However, a disagreement has arisen over the inclusion of the book kiosk in the exhibition. The Ministry of Culture has thus far declined to allow the vehicle to be parked on the exhibition premises, despite Khuduoglu's commitment not to sell books from it during the event.

Today, Khuduoglu held a meeting with Deputy Minister of Culture Farid Jafarov, during which the reasons for the refusal were discussed. Deputy Minister Jafarov reportedly attributed the decision to the management of the Expo Center. Khuduoglu countered, arguing that the conditions of the exhibition are ultimately determined by the Ministry of Culture, which has rented the exhibition space.

In response to this impasse, Khuduoglu stated that if an agreement cannot be reached, neither Ganun publishing house nor the Ali and Nino network will participate in the exhibition. Additionally, they will seek the return of the 12,000 manats they had paid in advance for their joint stand. Khuduoglu asserted that they would take the matter to court if necessary to recover the funds.

Turan News Agency reached out to the Ministry of Culture for clarification on the reasons for their refusal. However, the department's representative declined to provide an explanation, indicating that the Ministry's decision would be communicated to the press at a later time without specifying when.

The dispute highlights the importance of open dialogue between organizers and participants in such cultural events, as the absence of key publishers and their book kiosk would be a significant loss to the Baku International Book Fair.

In early October, Nigar Kocharli, and Shahbaz Khuduogu unveiled an innovative and ambitious project that aims to bring the world of books closer to even the most remote corners of Azerbaijan. This groundbreaking initiative, aptly named the "bookstore on wheels," seeks to break down barriers to access by making books readily available to those living in isolated villages and distant regions.

The "bookstore on wheels" is a novel concept, a mobile store housed within a single vehicle. Its primary mission is to offer books at affordable prices to individuals residing in areas where traditional bookstores and libraries are a distant dream. The project embodies the belief that one's geographical location should not impede personal growth, and if people cannot access books because they reside in remote locales, then the books must come to them.

Nigar Kocharli, in describing the inspiration behind the project, highlighted the dearth of book access in remote villages. She emphasized that the absence of bookstores and libraries in these areas presents a significant challenge for residents. Kocharli declared, "Our goal is to make the book accessible to these villages and those who live in them."

The "bookstore on wheels" will not only make books available at the affordable price range of 1 to 2 manats but also infuse a newfound passion for literature. As part of the initiative, the project will bring renowned writers, cultural figures, poets, and artists to engage with local communities under the starlit sky, fostering captivating discussions around the campfire.

Kocharli articulated their vision, stating, "To this end, we lifted the book onto wheels, giving them life to move. We have big goals, and Azerbaijani borders will not limit us. Every week, Shahbaz-Bek and I will venture into a remote village."

This bold endeavor represents a commendable commitment to spreading the joy of reading and enriching the lives of individuals living in even the most distant regions. The "bookstore on wheels" promises to be a catalyst for change, breaking down barriers and celebrating the enduring power of literature.--0--