34th Edition of the Tehran International Book Fair 2023

Additionally, the fair coincided with rising inflation, which increased the cost of paper and made it more difficult for some book lovers to participate fully.

on Jun 07, 2023

34th Edition of the Tehran International Book Fair 2023

The 34th Tehran International Book Fair, which took place from May 10th to 30th, provided a platform for publishers, authors, and avid readers to come together and celebrate literature.

The annual event, held at Imam Khomeini Mosalla in central Tehran, showcased a vast collection of books from both domestic and foreign publishers. This year, the fair took a step forward by launching a virtual exhibition, allowing access to books for people across the country.

With 2,700 domestic publishers and 100 foreign publishers participating, the fair offered a diverse range of literary works. Notably, for the first time, book store owners were given the opportunity to join the exhibition and compete with publishers in the virtual realm. To make the experience even more convenient, the website provided services round the clock, with books delivered to purchasers' doors free of charge.

The fair also brought exciting discounts for book enthusiasts. The virtual exhibition offered a 10% discount, while attendees at the physical book fair could enjoy discounts of up to 20%. The aim was to make books more accessible to the public and encourage a love for reading.

Under the theme "the future is worth reading," the 34th Tehran International Book Fair aimed to inspire readers to explore new ideas and perspectives. However, this edition of the fair faced challenges. Some publishers and members of the public chose to stay away due to concerns about perceived alignment with government interests.

Additionally, the fair coincided with rising inflation, which increased the cost of paper and made it more difficult for some book lovers to participate fully.

Despite these challenges, the fair welcomed Tajikistan as the guest of honor, further strengthening cultural ties between Iran and Tajikistan. The Tajikistan culture minister, along with a delegation of cultural figures and writers, attended the fair. A memorandum of understanding was scheduled to be signed between the culture ministers of Iran and Tajikistan, aiming to enhance book trade between the two countries.

The fair provided an opportunity for the Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, to engage with book fans and publishers. He visited the largest cultural event in the Middle East and interacted with attendees, appreciating the new titles on display.

Iranian publishing houses, as well as more than 200 major bookstores, participated in the fair, demonstrating the vast potential of Iran's publishing industry and fostering cultural exchanges.

Having evolved over three decades, the Tehran International Book Fair remains a significant event in the literary world. It continues to bring together diverse voices, ignite a passion for reading, and promote the exchange of ideas. As Ayatollah Khamenei has actively participated in most editions of the fair, his support has been instrumental in its continued success.