TEHRAN -- The cultural 
landscape of Iran welcomes once again a prestigious moment in contemporary letters. 
The eighteenth edition of the Jalal Al-e Ahmad Literary Prize—one of the nation’s most respected literary awards—has officially announced its call for submissions, with the deadline set for September 6.
Founded in honor of Jalal Al-e Ahmad, the celebrated Iranian writer and intellectual whose critiques and narratives shaped modern Iranian thought, this state-sponsored prize has become a touchstone for literary excellence. 
Since its inception in 2008, the award has sought to spotlight and elevate the finest contributions to Iranian narrative arts—serving both as a barometer of the country’s vibrant literary culture and as a platform for emerging voices.
This year’s competition invites authors, researchers, creators, and publishers to submit works across four distinct categories: novellas and novels, short story collections, literary criticism, and documentary writing. 
A stipulation is that submitted books must have been published for the first time in the Iranian calendar year 1403 (March 2024–March 2025), with official licensing from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
Entrants are asked to submit four physical copies of their work along with a completed application form, accessible via the official website of the House of Books and Literature of Iran. This rigor ensures a meticulous evaluation by the prize’s distinguished panel, whose discerning taste and commitment to literary quality have cemented the award’s reputation.