Basra, Iraq :: Logos Hope is the first GBA Ship to ever visit Iraq. Many special guests attend the official opening of the bookfair to the public.
Logos Hope is the first of GBA Ships’ vessels to ever travel to Iraq. Having journeyed up the Shatt al-Arab River, she arrived in Basra on the 26th of March and was warmly welcomed with fireworks, music and the cheers of excited onlookers. Logos Hope’s crew responded with their traditional percussion performance and flag waving, displaying the cultural diversity of the ship community.
During the official opening ceremony, Ronnie Lappin (Scotland) said, “It’s historic that Logos Hope could come to visit Iraq for the first time ever. You have one of the world’s oldest civilisations. The first writing system, mathematics, law and astrology, so many things find their foundation here. It is only fitting that a ship with books comes to where writing first took place. We are privileged to be able to visit Iraq.”
Captain Ed Verbeek (Netherlands) added, “I am happy to welcome you on board Logos Hope. All crewmembers are unpaid volunteers. We joined Logos Hope because of the international community on board and the unique opportunity to meet people in the countries we visit. Iraq is a very special country to see and experience. You made us feel welcome, even before we reached Basra. We look forward to learning from you and serving you.”
Mr. Muhammad Taher Al-Tamimi, Technical Deputy of the Governor of Basra, said, “Thank you all officials of Basra for your active participation and cooperation to make this ship visit possible. We hope that it will enrich the life and understanding of the people of Basra. Logos Hope, with its scientific, intellectual, cultural experiences through books, the arts and creative arts, is included in the vision of the local government of Basra. Books have an essential role in a healthy society, as they are the source of information. We hope that readers visit the bookfair and find what they need. Iraq, the pearl of the Gulf, warmly receives Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating bookfair.”
Logos Hope looks forward to a fruitful partnership during her time in Basra, Iraq. Her crew are eager to meet and learn from the Iraqi people, and experience Iraqi culture.