An Arabic book fair opened here on Friday, meeting an urgent demand of Syrian refugees being sheltered in Turkey.

"With this international fair, we aim to embrace Syrian refugees who found refuge in Turkey and grant them the Arabic publications that they have long needed," said Cezmi Akgul, manager of Turkey's Semerkand publishing house and organizer of the fair.

The Turkish authorities have had difficulties in meeting the growing demand of the Syrian refugees, now numbering some 2.5 million, for Arabic publications like books, magazines and newspapers, Akgul said.

He noted that needs of kids were taken into consideration as well, as Turkish publishers have published an Arabic-language magazine for them.

The fair, the first of its kind in Turkey, is showcasing publications from more than 15 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Morocco and Kuwait.

The ten-day event is expected to draw some 50,000 visitors. Endit

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