Saqi Books is a leading independent publisher based in London. Founded in 1983 out of the pioneering Al Saqi Bookshop in Westbourne Grove – one of the UK’s first specialist booksellers of Arabic literature – Saqi was established to amplify bold, original voices from the Middle East, North Africa and the wider diaspora, voices underrepresented in western publishing and global discourse.
From its early focus on translated fiction, critical theory and political history, Saqi has evolved into a global publisher with a diverse and distinguished list. Its titles span genres and geographies, united by a commitment to literary quality, editorial independence and intellectual integrity.
For over four decades, Saqi has championed courageous, thought-provoking writing across genres. Our Saqi Bookshelf series showcases both timeless classics and dazzling contemporary voices from the region, featuring authors such as Nobel Laureate Naguib Mahfouz and RSL Fellow Leila Aboulela. Landmark nonfiction titles include The Crusades through Arab Eyes by Amin Maalouf, Beyond the Veil by Fatema Mernissi and Black Britain by Paul Gilroy.
