Does Khartoum still read?

BY Ali Nooreddin

There was a time when proper or even makeshift libraries were essential part of most Sudanese homes in Khartoum and other major cities. Parents were keen to raise their children in an atmosphere that values and recognize the numerous benefits of reading. They were aware of the fact that reading can broaden the minds of youngsters, increase their knowledge and enrich their imagination.

Reading a book can change your perspective of life, your way of thinking and inspire you to achieve your ambitions.

Today’s Khartoum is a city for which reading is luxury. Books are difficult to afford for most of the people, given the current average rate of wages amid pressing economic hardships.  The need for public libraries established or supported by government authorities or private sector is highly important.

Although there are efforts being exerted in this domain by civil society and individual entities but these initiatives still need to be encouraged and financially supported.

The Khartoum International Book Fair is a once a year bright spot in the dark gloomy scene but it had been politicized during the past thirty years. Many publications were barred from display at the fair and heavy censorship was routinely imposed on others.

A well-known saying quite popular in Arab countries during the 1970s and 1980s had it that “Cairo writes, Beirut prints and Khartoum reads”.

This statement reflected a recognition of the fact that Sudanese in general were once known to be avid readers. We still believe that we as Sudanese are really passionate about learning and expanding our knowledge but the damage that took place during the last 30 years affected all walks of life including the important cultural aspects.

I have a dream of seeing a library or a book club in every neighborhood of our cities.