TEHRAN -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Sunday toured the Tehran International Book Fair, highlighting the significance of books in Iranian culture.
After three years of coronavirus-related restrictions, the Leader visited for the first time the Tehran International Book Fair and underscored the importance of books in cultural development, despite the prevalence of digital media.
“Culture-building in the country requires books, and despite the expansion of virtual spaces, books still hold their high status,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Books, the Leader said, are the foundation of all artistic, media, and cultural activities, including theater, cinema, painting, and audio-visual work.
“No one can produce good media and art work without being regularly in touch with books,” the Leader said.
During the three-hour visit, the Leader expressed satisfaction with the large number of visitors and book purchases at the Tehran book fair.
The Tehran International Book Fair is an enormous cultural event for the public and plays a significant role in promoting all aspects of culture in the country, Ayatollah Khamenei said.
When asked about his personal interest in books, the Leader said he has a strong passion for reading and reads books of all genre.
“I read technical and specialized books, as well as scientific and fiction books,” he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei further urged young Iranians to read widely and develop a deep interest in books to enrich their lives.
The 34th edition of Tehran’s International Book Fair kicked off on May 10 and will be running for ten days. The event is held at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla, a grand mosque in north-central Tehran.