TEHRAN-Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla (prayer grounds) is hosting the 35th Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF), where more than 2,600 local and 50 foreign publishers from 25 countries are showcasing their latest titles (published in the past four years) to visitors.

The Tehran Times has conducted interviews with directors from Ghadyani Publications, Hermes Publishing Company, and Amir Kabir Publishers, which are among the most well-known publishing houses in Iran. They have attended the event with hundreds of books covering various subjects to a wide range of readers, from children and teenagers to adults.

Speaking to the Tehran Times, Nader Ghadyani, Managing Director of Ghadyani Publications, said that his company has published a total of 3,800 titles in the last four years, of which 450 are first editions and the remainder consists of reprints of previously published books.

“Approximately 85 percent of the books are showcased in our pavilion in the Children’s section,” he noted. The titles for children, teenagers, and young adults are published under the title of Banafsheh Books. 

“Our pavilion in the Public section of the fair presents a variety of titles, with a focus on educational content for parents and teachers,” Ghadyani added.

Pointing to the public reception of the fair, he said: “Despite the relatively high price of the books, it is heartening to see people visiting the book fair and showing interest in books and reading”.

“Almost 55 percent of our titles include translations from other languages and the rest is written by Iranian authors,” he stated.

On translating Persian works to other languages, he said: “Lots of our titles, especially children’s books, have been being published by foreign publishers in the past two decades”. 

Replying to the query about the effectiveness of such book fairs in promoting book reading culture among the people, Ghadyani said: “Since its first edition, people have always swarmed to the fair and shown their interest”. However, he believes that the cultural authorities and managers should think of providing a permanent place to present books throughout the year so that people have access to a wide range of books in one location.

The Managing Director of Hermes Publishing Company Morteza Kardar also explained his company’s presence at the fair, saying that Hermes Pavilion has brought more than 550 titles to the fair.

“Our titles are in the fields of fiction, literary criticism, art, history, and children’s among others. Most of the books are translations. We have also published books by Iranian masters of philosophy, logic, and literature,” he said.

According to Kardar, the TIBF has experienced ups and downs during its past editions. “Sometimes it was warmly welcomed and, in some editions, it was not very successful in attracting the masses. This year also it seems to be experiencing one of those not-very-crowded editions; at least the beginning days prove to be so. But the number of visitors may rise in the coming days”.

Referring to the measures taken to translate Persian titles into other languages, he said: “We are collaborating with literary agencies to translate the works of renowned Iranian masters in various fields. We hope for such works to be published by international publishers”.

Also speaking with the Tehran Times, Mehdi Saroukhani, Director of Research and Publications at Amir Kabir Publishers, said they have participated in the fair, presenting 350 titles including first editions and reprinted ones, both for adults and children.

“About one-third of the books are by Iranian authors and the rest have been translated including literature, fiction, history, and children’s books,” he noted.

Saroukhani stated that many titles by renowned Iranian authors published by Amir Kabir have been translated and published in other languages such as English and Arabic.

He is of the opinion that book fans always attend the fair and their presence is heart-warming for all publishers. “However, due to the rise in book prices, many people have difficulty purchasing books. And this has resulted in lesser reception of the fair this year compared to the previous editions,” he rued.

Calling the TIBF one of the greatest cultural events in the country, Saroukhani said that it is necessary to hold it regularly. “Nevertheless, it is not enough. I believe promoting books and book reading should begin within families and continue through schools and by all relevant state organizations such as the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance”.

“It is of high importance that parents introduce children to books from an early age. Unfortunately, our schools are not equipped with useful libraries and valuable books. Moreover, many public libraries do not have new and practical books for younger generations. All these bodies need to work in this field to promote the book-reading culture. If children get used to reading books from an early age, it becomes an indispensable part of their life and they cannot do without it as grownups as well,” he asserted.

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.

SS/