By Mohamadreza Seyedagha
TEHRAN-The 35th Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF) is underway in Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla (prayer grounds), bringing together over 2,700 local and 60 foreign publishers from 25 countries attending the event.
Having been held for 35 years in a row, the cultural event serves as the most significant cultural event in Iran and has turned into a landmark, momentous book fair in West Asia.
The International section boasts a diverse selection of titles, primarily in English and Arabic. However, visitors can also explore books in Turkish, Russian, French, German, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
Yemen is the special guest of this year’s edition. Other countries whose pavilions have been set up at the fair include, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Qatar, Lebanon, Pakistan, Mexico, and Venezuela among others.
In an interview with the Tehran Times, Elena Pavlova, the Public Relations Manager of the Russian Book Union, shared insights into Russia's participation in the fair.
Representing her country’s publications at the Russian Pavilion, she said: “We serve as the coordinator for the presence of Russian publishers and authors in the TIBF”.
When asked about collaboration on translations, Pavlova highlighted existing cooperation and emphasized their desire to further strengthen these ties.
“We're presenting works by contemporary Russian authors and hosting public sessions within our pavilion to introduce these books,” she said. “We're particularly heartened by the participation of Iranian translators and their enthusiasm for our works.”
Pavlova expressed her belief that the TIBF is one of the largest book fairs globally, exceeding many in Asia and Europe. “Organizing this event for the 35th edition, the sheer number of books presented, and the enthusiastic crowds attending the fair are testaments to the Iranian people's love for books. I have no doubt the TIBF will continue to thrive for many years to come. I wish the best for the next editions of the fair and hope for more publications and visitors.
She also addressed the challenges faced by the Russian publishing industry, acknowledging the negative impact of rising paper costs on book production and pricing.
When asked how much such exhibitions can influence the promotion of book reading culture among people, Pavlova underlined: “While in a book fair, people are surrounded by a vast array of vibrant books. They hold the books in their hands, open them, and go through the pages; this gives them great pleasure. Then they start reading the books and get deeper pleasure out of them. Therefore, with thousands of books on display, these events offer immense enjoyment and undoubtedly encourage people to read more. This way, book fairs play a crucial role in promoting reading culture”.
The Tehran Times also interviewed Rahman-Ali Mir-Alizadeh, Director General of Publishing and Press for Tajikistan's Ministry of Culture, who is representing his country's publications at the Tajikistan Pavilion.
He expressed his gratitude to the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance for the annual invitation and highlighted the importance of the fair in showcasing new titles, fostering collaboration opportunities, and strengthening cultural ties between nations.
Pointing to the common cultural and literary background and similar language (Persian) between Iran and Tajikistan, he noted that the Tajikistan Pavilion offers a window into contemporary Tajik literature. Visitors will find a selection of poetry, prose, historical works, and research publications, all written in the Cyrillic script. This focus on modern writers and poets provides the Iranian audience with a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the current literary landscape of Tajikistan.
Lauding the Tehran International Book Fair as the largest he has encountered, Mir-Alizadeh said: “Having participated in book fairs worldwide, none compare to the sheer scale of this event. Iran is the cradle of literature and civilization and Iranian people are fond of books”.
He also addressed the challenges facing Tajikistan's publishing industry, saying “The digital age and rising paper costs present new hurdles. However, books remain essential nourishment for the mind, just as food is for the body. Despite price increases, people continue to purchase them.”
When asked about the influence of book fairs on promoting the reading culture in the public despite the challenges, he emphasized: “No effort goes unrewarded. Organizing these grand exhibitions is crucial as the influence of books on society is undeniable”.
Calling the TIBF “one of the world's most magnificent book fairs,” Mir-Alizadeh concluded: “Participating and witnessing the enthusiastic public turnout is truly invigorating”.
Mehmet Burhan GENÇ, Chairman of the Board of Directors at TBYM - Turkish Press and Publishing Professional Association – who was at the Türkiye Pavilion also spoke with the Tehran Times about the presence of Turkish publishers at the TIBF.
“Eight Turkish publishers, supported by the Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, are showcasing about 500 titles in this pavilion. Seven other publishers have also participated in the fair independently,” he said.
Noting that it was his second time in the book fair, he called it an influential event in the region. “However, it can expand its reach by attracting more international publishers.
“I have attended book fairs in Bologna, Frankfort, Sharjah, and more. I see TIBF's unique appeal and believe it has the potential to become a major player on the global stage,” he stated.
On the collaboration between the publishers of the two nations, Burhan GENÇ said: “An ambitious project is underway to translate several books from Persian to Turkish and vice versa. I suppose 200 titles have so far been translated”.
Regarding the challenges the publishing industry in Türkiye faces, he said: “The rising cost of paper is a global concern for publishers. Due to the financial constraints, basic needs such as food and clothing are the main priority of the people, making book purchases less frequent”.
However, he believes that such book fairs can have a great influence on encouraging people to buy and read more books.
Millions of visitors inspect the Tehran International Book Fair every year, including university students, scholars, and their families.
The annual cultural event, which is the largest of its kind in Iran, is being held both physically and virtually. Visitors can explore physical stands at the Mosalla while also participating virtually through the official website ketab.ir. This dual approach allows for broader accessibility and engagement.
The fair covers a wide range of themes, including literature, history, philosophy, science, art, and children’s books.
Throughout the fair, renowned authors and intellectuals will participate in book signings, panel discussions, and talks. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for readers to interact with their favorite writers.
Visitors can purchase books directly from publishers’ stands. Many exhibitors offer special discounts during the fair, making it an ideal time to expand one’s personal library.
Having launched on May 8, the 35th TIBF, with the slogan “Let's Read and Create,” will run through May 18 at Imam Khomeini Mosalla in central Tehran.
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