A book fair has been launched in the western city of Herat to promote the culture of reading among the youth amid a drop in book sales across the city.
Booksellers said that sales have dropped considerably in the last year due to the high unemployment rate and crippled economy.
Abdullah Momini, one bookseller, said business has been very slow since last year.
But a number of youth in Herat have started efforts to promote reading among the people, especially among women and girls who are banned from attending high school and university.
“Those who don’t read books, I recommend they read books because if we are familiar with reading books, our society wouldn’t be in the current situation,” said Khatira Jami, a bookseller.
A number of women from Herat said that women and girls’ interest in reading has been disrupted by restrictions on their education.
“I speak on behalf of women who are not working and when they don’t have an income they cannot buy books,” said Fareshta, a Herat resident.
“Women are not in a situation to buy books. Rather they try to afford their basic needs,” said Marjan, a Herat resident.
In the past, Afghanistan had 525 bookstores, including 100 bookstores in Herat.
Afghanistan: Book fair opens in Herat to promote the culture of reading
Booksellers say sales are extremely slow, while women say restrictions on them getting an education is impacting the industry
A book fair has been launched in the western city of Herat to promote the culture of reading among the youth amid a drop in book sales across the city.
Booksellers said that sales have dropped considerably in the last year due to the high unemployment rate and crippled economy.
Abdullah Momini, one bookseller, said business has been very slow since last year.
But a number of youth in Herat have started efforts to promote reading among the people, especially among women and girls who are banned from attending high school and university.
“Those who don’t read books, I recommend they read books because if we are familiar with reading books, our society wouldn’t be in the current situation,” said Khatira Jami, a bookseller.
A number of women from Herat said that women and girls’ interest in reading has been disrupted by restrictions on their education.
“I speak on behalf of women who are not working and when they don’t have an income they cannot buy books,” said Fareshta, a Herat resident.
“Women are not in a situation to buy books. Rather they try to afford their basic needs,” said Marjan, a Herat resident.
In the past, Afghanistan had 525 bookstores, including 100 bookstores in Herat.
