TEHRAN -- The 19th International Holy Quran Exhibition opened during a ceremony in Tehran on Thursday.

The ceremony was attended by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Hosseini and a number of cultural officials at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla.
The exhibit opens annually just a few days before the holy month of Ramadan, which is known as “the spring of the Quran” in the Islamic countries.
A total of 23 artists and activists in the field of Quran were honored with prizes by Ahmadinejad.
He expressed his thanks to the people promoting a “Quranic culture” and described the Holy Quran as the book that leads man toward “the apex of perfection”.
Hosseini also addressed the audience and said that the activities in the field of the Quran are prospering in Iran.
“No individuals and no families are without the need for the Holy Quran and this exhibition has useful items and concepts for everyone,” he added.
A great number of artworks concerning the Holy Book have been showcased at the exhibit, which runs until August 26.
The exhibit is also playing host to over 300 cultural institutes and publishing companies, which are offering their latest works.
Photo: A cleric visits the 17th International Holy Quran Exhibition at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla on August 21, 2009. (Mehr/Ra’uf Mohseni)