The 32nd Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF) concluded its activities late on Saturday in the Iranian capital after publishers from several countries, including Syria, have showcased their latest publications.
According to the Iranian media, this year’s fair is aimed at strengthening the publishing industry, boosting international ties and improving cultural diplomacy, noting that China was the guest of honor at the fair with the motto of “Getting to Know China”.
Talking about the Syrian participation in the fair, Representative of the Syrian Publishers Union Maher Abdel Halim said in a statement to SANA correspondent in Tehran that the Syrian participation occupies 12 stands besides the Union’s one. Most important and latest publications, including philosophical, scientific, literary, religious and social books, were exhibited, he added.
According to Abdel Halim, Syria has the widest Arab participation in the fair. He pointed out that this year’s TIBF is characterized by its large size and by the readers who belong to different age categories .
Abdul Halim stressed that a wide range of Iranian readers are interested in Arabic.
In similar statements, some Syrian publishers considered that the turnout was good but not as in previous years.
The TIBF kicked off on April 23rd under the title “Reading Is Ability” with the participation of 2,400 local publishers and 800 foreign publishers who showcased 400 thousand titles of books. In addition, cultural activities and forums as well as ceremonies to sign new books were held on the sidelines of the fair.
The ten days cultural event has turned into a landmark and a momentous book fair in the Middle East and Asia after holding 31 editions in a row.
Rawaa Ghanam