TEHRAN-The 25th Nairobi International Book Fair is underway in the capital of Kenya with Iran presenting more than 300 titles.

Held at the Sarit Expo Center in Nairobi through September 29, the fair hosts hundreds of Kenyan publishers alongside participants from countries such as Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and India, IRNA reported.

Iran's Cultural Council of the Embassy of Iran in Kenya is representing the Iran Book and Literature House and Iranian publishers at the event. The Iranian pavilion showcases more than 300 books covering a variety of subjects, including literature, religion, arts, tourism, and children's books. Visitors are also introduced to Iran’s publishing industry, the Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF), and Iran’s book translation initiatives, known as the “Grant” and “TOP” program.

During the opening ceremony, the Iranian ambassador to Kenya Ali Gholampour highlighted the cultural significance of books, emphasizing that “reading enhances focus, awareness, and critical thinking within societies”.

Praising nations that invest in literature and book publishing, he stated that such efforts help preserve cultural heritage and foster intellectual growth.

“Despite economic pressures on the publishing industry, Iran remains a leader in book publishing, with over 8,000 publishers and the production of 70,000 titles annually,” the ambassador noted.

He also cited the success of the Tehran International Book Fair, which has been held for 35 years. “This year, more than 3,000 local and hundreds if foreign publishers attended the TIBF. It attracted over five million visitors and generated more than $5 million in sales,” he added.

Gholampour pointed out that the fair is a reflection of Iran's commitment to cultural activities and literature. “This year, one of the senior officials from the Kenya Publishers Association visited the TIBF. As a result, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Tehran and Nairobi book fairs. The agreement aims to facilitate collaboration between publishers, illustrators, and authors from both nations, while encouraging the exchange of book rights,” he stated.

Furthermore, the ambassador expressed interest in boosting book exchanges between Kenya and Iran, emphasizing that the Iranian publishing market is open to Kenyan literature, both in physical and digital formats. 

Also at the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by representatives from UNICEF, Argentina’s ambassador to Kenya, and the president of the Kenya Publishers Association.

Organized annually by the Kenya Publishers Association, the Nairobi International Book Fair has brought together publishers, authors, booksellers, print suppliers, media, and readers from Africa and worldwide since the first edition in 1996.

Photo: Kenyan visitors at Iran pavilion during the 25th Nairobi International Book Fair, September 27, 2024

SS/SAB