After 44 years, London’s first Arabic bookshop closes down
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Loading... - Tiago Santos
- 28 Feb 2023
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Al-Saqi Books represented a treasure trove of literary works for Arab expatriates in London and visitors alike.
London, United Kingdom – The last days of Al-Saqi Books were some of its busiest.
A closing-down sale ensured a steady stream of customers flitting in and out, most expressing confusion and disappointment at the news that the iconic London bookshop, located in the Bayswater area, would close its doors for the final time on December 31.
“It’s such a sad trend,” muttered one older man in a Syrian dialect as he stood by the cashier. “People don’t want to read books any more; they prefer their tablets and laptops.”
Established in 1978 as the first Arabic bookstore in London, Al-Saqi Books represented a treasure trove of literary works for Arab expatriates living in the city and across Europe. It was an essential destination for Arabs visiting London, who were buoyed by the fact that they could get their hands on books that would otherwise be censored in their own countries.
“For Arab tourists, Saqi Books was a must-see place,” said Badr al-Modaires, a Kuwaiti writer in his late 60s who travels to London four times a year.
“It’s one of the symbols in London,” he added.
“Every visit here, I have to go and buy books for myself and my friends, who give me a list of what they want.” Read More…
