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About Saqi

‘A beacon of enquiry and intellectual exchange.’
Kamila Shamsie

Saqi Books is a leading independent publishing house of trade and academic books on the Middle East and North Africa. Founded in London in 1983, but with its roots in Lebanon, Saqi’s publishing programme has led to a rigorous reassessment of Arab cultural heritage. Saqi has been at the forefront of establishing Middle Eastern culture in the UK and beyond for more than four decades.

Saqi’s publishing – encompassing art, photography and cookery books, language, literature and philosophy, history and current affairs and much more – is recognised all over the world. We offer an independent platform for writers and artists from all places and cultures. Our authors have attained international prominence not only for the quality of their prose, but for their authoritative and innovative contributions to public debate.

We are also proud to bring out in English translation the very best in new and classic Arabic literature, including works by renowned authors Tahar Ben Jelloun, Mahmoud Darwish, Adonis and Nawal El Saadawi, as well as writing from twenty-three other languages. Our bestsellers includes The Crusades through Arab Eyes by Amin Maalouf, Beyond the Veil by Fatema Mernissi, Syria: A Recent History by John McHugo, The Calligrapher’s Garden by Hassan Massoudy, and the multi-award-winning C+nto by Joelle Taylor.

Saqi’s imprint The Westbourne Press releases works of trenchant non-fiction that enquire into the leading issues of our time – with passion, intellectual rigour and narrative dynamism. Our Telegram imprint offers new and classic fiction, giving a voice to emerging and diverse talents from around the world.

Saqi was awarded the British Book Industry Award for Diversity in Literature, the IPG Diversity Award and the Arab British Culture and Society award.

  • Small but conscientious publishing houses like Saqi have assembled a diverse cross-section of contemporary work from the Arab world.

    Edward Said

  • Saqi sets the standard of excellence in Arabic and English publishing on the Middle East.

    Eugene Rogan

  • A great publisher at the forefront of opening up high quality books about the Middle East and North Africa. Saqi fulfils a vital role.

    Mary Beard

  • A list of exceptional writers.

    The Guardian

  • ‘Anyone interested in Arab culture is aware of the invaluable role Saqi plays in making available pioneering, specialist and often controversial books that large publishers refuse to go near.’

    The Times