Over 85,000 Visitors Attend International Book Fair in Madinah

The fair was organized by the Literature and Authors Association under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Culture. SPA
The fair was organized by the Literature and Authors Association under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Culture. SPA
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Over 85,000 Visitors Attend International Book Fair in Madinah

The fair was organized by the Literature and Authors Association under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Culture. SPA
The fair was organized by the Literature and Authors Association under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Culture. SPA

The International Book Fair 2024, which took place at the Islamic University of Madinah, concluded its activities on Wednesday, with over 85,000 visitors attending this year's edition.

The fair was organized by the Literature and Authors Association under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Culture and was held under the theme "The Book is a Window to Life."

The fair lasted seven days and saw the participation of over 130 publishing houses from inside and outside the Kingdom, 10 Saudi universities, seven cultural centers, and at least 15 charitable societies.
The book fair's program was diverse and rich, offering a variety of intellectual and cultural activities for different segments of society. The activities included panel discussions with intellectuals and writers discussing contemporary cultural issues. The cultural program also featured specialized writing, publishing, and translation workshops, diverse lectures, and poetry evenings.



Lightning Damages Rome’s Ancient Constantine Arch During Violent Thunderstorm 

The damaged part of Constantine's Arch is seen after lightning struck it during a storm in Rome, Italy September 3, 2024. (Reuters)
The damaged part of Constantine's Arch is seen after lightning struck it during a storm in Rome, Italy September 3, 2024. (Reuters)
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Lightning Damages Rome’s Ancient Constantine Arch During Violent Thunderstorm 

The damaged part of Constantine's Arch is seen after lightning struck it during a storm in Rome, Italy September 3, 2024. (Reuters)
The damaged part of Constantine's Arch is seen after lightning struck it during a storm in Rome, Italy September 3, 2024. (Reuters)

Lightning struck Rome's Constantine Arch near the Colosseum during a violent thunderstorm, loosening fragments from the ancient structure.

The fragments from Tuesday's lightning strike were immediately gathered and secured by workers at the Colosseum Archeological Park, officials said. The extent of the damage was being evaluated.

“The recovery work by technicians was timely. Our workers arrived immediately after the lightning strike. All of the fragments were recovered and secured,” the park said in a statement.

The lightning occurred during a storm that felled trees and flooded streets in the Italian capital.

The honorary arch, more than 20 meters (nearly 70 feet) in height, was erected in 315 A.D. to celebrate the victory of Emperor Constantine over Maxentius following the battle at Milvian Bridge.