Berlin Bebelplatz is the book fair for censorship-free russian-language literature that takes place in Berlin every spring.

Its aim is to create an open space for free Russian-language literature and book culture and to bring them more strongly into the European and international public discourse.

Many of the books presented at the fair can now only be published outside Russia. Their authors have been declared “foreign agents,” are banned from publishing, face criminal prosecution, or live in exile. Over the past four years, numerous independent Russian-language publishing houses have emerged in exile.

The Focus is on texts dealing with the war in Ukraine, human rights, political persecution and forced emigration, but also with colonialism, historical responsibility, women’s rights and queer issues – as well as simply strong, compelling literature. The Book Fair shows that Russian is not the language of state propaganda, but also a vibrant language of free contemporary literature.

The first fair took place in April 2025: 25 publishing houses participated, around 300 Russian-language book titles were presented, and approximately 2,500 visitors attended.

In 2026, the fair grew to 30 publishing houses, 15 magazine projects, 116 events, 126 speakers and around 4,000 visitors.

Participated have, amongst others, Daniel Kehlmann, Viktor Yerofeyev, Alexander Delfinov, Mikhail Shishkin, Karl Schlögel, Sasha Skochilenko, Ivan Filippov, and Vladimir Sorokin.

The team is currently preparing the third Berlin Book Fair for spring 2027. In a short period of time, it has developed into the leading forum for free Russian-language literature in Germany and an internationally visible platform for independent publishers, authors and readers.