TEHRAN -- Iran is presenting a broad
selection of its literary, artistic and cultural production at major international book fairs in Baghdad and Moscow, using the two events to introduce Iranian publications to foreign audiences while expanding contacts between publishers, writers, artists and cultural institutions.
At the 27th Baghdad International Book Fair, the Iranian Book and Literature House is representing Iran with 1,150 titles alongside a program of cultural and specialist sessions. The fair opened on Wednesday, with more than 600 publishers from 28 countries and will continue through September 12.
The Iranian pavilion features works covering Iranian history and art, literature, children’s and young adult books, women’s issues, psychology, resistance, Islamic jurisprudence and principles, fine Qur’anic editions, Persian-language education, tourism and Iranian studies. The selection is intended to introduce Arabic-speaking audiences to the breadth of Iran’s cultural and intellectual production.
The Iranian presence in Baghdad also includes a session on Iran-Iraq cultural relations from the perspective of the martyred Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The program brings together three Iraqi scholars and university professors and an Iranian scholar to examine the historical, cultural and civilizational ties between the two countries and the shared potential of their societies.
Iran’s participation in Baghdad comes against the backdrop of longstanding cultural
and civilizational links between Iran and Iraq, while also providing an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in publishing and expand the presence of Iranian books in the Iraqi market.
A similar effort is underway in Moscow, where the Iran Book and Literature House is participating in the 39th Moscow International Book Fair, which opened on September 2 and runs through September 6.
The Iranian pavilion is displaying more than 500 titles, alongside works by Iranian illustrators and a program of cultural and literary events.
Representing the Deputy Ministry for Cultural Affairs of Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, the pavilion is also being used to introduce the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Grant Scheme and follow up on agreements reached with Russian publishers through the Tehran Publishing Fellowship.
The books on display in Moscow cover literature, culture and art, children’s and young adult literature, religious themes and aspects of Iran’s national and cultural identity. Iranian illustration has a prominent place in the pavilion, particularly through works intended to highlight the country’s artistic and creative capacities in children’s and young adult publishing.
The pavilion’s visual design similarly draws on Iranian cultural and historical references. One section features Hakim Abol-Qasem Ferdowsi and his enduring poetry alongside imagery inspired by Iranian miniature and traditional painting.
Another brings together representations of Iran, the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. A special section is dedicated to images of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution and a memorial to the child martyrs of Minab, emphasizing themes of national identity, territorial integrity, Iranian culture, remembrance and resistance.
Beyond displaying books and artworks, the Iranian delegation in Moscow is holding literary and cultural meetings, book presentations and programs devoted to illustration and art. Meetings with publishers, booksellers and publishing officials from Russia are also intended to strengthen professional links and develop future cooperation.