The 9th International Book Fair "Astana Eurasian Book Fair-2026" continues in Astana. It is one of the largest cultural and educational events in Central Asia, bringing together publishers, experts, and readers in one venue.
WHO IS PARTICIPATING IN THE FAIR
According to the official website of the city akimat, the book fair is organised by the publishing house 'Foliant' with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the capital's akimat.
This year, the 'Astana Eurasian Book Fair-2026' venue has brought together around 80 participants — scientific, educational and printing organisations, and publishing houses. Not only Kazakhstani companies are taking part, but also those representing Russia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Spain, China, Iran, Belarus, Portugal, Venezuela and the United Kingdom.
The event's packed programme includes meetings, book presentations, autograph sessions, discussions, masterclasses, and much more.
WHY PUBLISHERS ARE PARTICIPATING
The President of the publishing house 'Almatykitap baspasy', Gaukhar Saimasaeva, describes participation in the fair as part of their regular work.
'We traditionally take part in the Eurasia Book Fest and travel to international venues — Frankfurt, Beijing, London, Italy. Here we are presenting our products and new projects. Our key line is the 'My Kazakhstan' series. It has been published for 25 years in three languages — Kazakh, Russian and English. The founder is Eleonora Nygmetovna Batalova. This year, at this event, we presented a new book,' she said.
Executive producer Aliya Ashim also sees participation in the book fair as a necessary stage of this work.
'Such platforms give us the opportunity to talk directly with the reader. We sit here, explaining why it is important to read contemporary authors, including those who are still relative 'no names'. It is essentially field information work. Basic groundwork, without which nothing further happens,' she noted.
FIRST EXPERIENCE AND OBSERVATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS
A representative of the Belarusian publishing house, Sergey Tsiunel, said that for his team this is a first foray onto a Kazakhstani platform, although the company itself has long worked abroad and is seeking partners in various regions.
'We are a publishing house from Minsk. We have two areas — 'New Knowledge' and 'Open Book'. We began actively looking for partners in different regions. We have been almost everywhere except Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. 'Foliant' invited us, and we decided to come and have a look. For us, this is a new platform,' he said.
The main observation he makes after the first few days of the fair concerns not the range of products, but the demand from the audience.
'I can see that people of different ages come here. But the main interest is not simply in fiction, but in children's learning and development. Parents are looking for books that deliver results. That is noticeable. And that, perhaps, is the most important thing we are noting for ourselves,' he added.
According to him, the reaction to the books is generally positive, and part of the audience is already familiar with the publishing house's products.
DATES OF THE EVENT
The International Book Fair 'Astana Eurasian Book Fair-2026' will continue in Astana until 26 April.