The Iranian House of Books and Literature participated in the 39th Moscow International Book Fair, which took place from September 2 to 6. The stand featured 500 titles of books, an illustration series, and various cultural events.
The pavilion of Iran showcased a diverse collection of works from Iranian publishers. Various programs were organized aimed at presenting Iran's cultural capabilities, promoting the 'Grant' program of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and implementing previously concluded contracts with Russian publishers under the Tehran Publishing House Scholarship Program, as reported by Mehr.
The works presented at the stand covered topics such as literature, culture, and art, children's and youth literature, as well as issues related to religion, faith, and Iran's national and cultural identity.
Additionally, a collection of works by Iranian illustrators was displayed for visitors. This part of the exhibition was created to familiarize the public with Iran's artistic and creative abilities, especially in the field of children's and youth literature.
Elements of the country's culture, history, and identity were used in the design and visual space of the pavilion. On one side of the pavilion, there was an illustration of Ferdowsi and his epic poems, as well as images inspired by Persian painting and miniature art, emphasizing the greatness of Iran's literary and artistic heritage. On the opposite side, there was a composition depicting Iran, the Persian Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz.
This year, a special section of the pavilion was dedicated to images of martyrs of the Islamic Revolution and the Minaba Children's Martyrs Memorial, highlighting concepts such as national identity, territorial integrity, Iranian culture, and the remembrance of martyrs and the culture of resistance.
In addition to the book and art exhibition, numerous attractive events were planned at the Iranian pavilion. These included cultural and literary meetings, programs dedicated to illustration and art, as well as participation in general fair events. Meetings with publishers, booksellers, and representatives of the host country's publishing industry were also arranged.
The main objective of the Iranian pavilion was to demonstrate the potential and output of the country's publishing industry, clarify its national and cultural identity, present Iranian literary and artistic figures and their works, highlight religious and doctrinal themes, and provide narratives about Iran's history and civilization. Some of the works and programs presented also touched upon the themes of war and its impact on children and families.
The presence of the Iranian House of Books and Literature at the Moscow International Book Fair provided an opportunity to showcase the country's publishing and cultural potential, introduce Iranian works to the Russian audience, and establish connections between publishers, authors, illustrators, and activists in the publishing sphere of both countries. These connections can foster broader cooperation in translation, rights exchange, co-production, and cultural interaction between Iran and Russia.
Over the five days, the 39th Moscow International Book Fair gathered 300 publishers from Moscow and various Russian regions, as well as foreign participants from Iran, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and China, who presented hundreds of thousands of titles.