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Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance: International Book Fair is one of the most important post-revolution cultural activities
1396/02/13-09:01
“International Book Fair is one of the most important post-revolution cultural activities”, said the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
In the opening ceremony of the 30th Tehran International Book Fair, held in Aftab Town and attended by Mr. Larijani the chairman of the Iranian Parliament, Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, added that, “Mr. Larijani is present here for two reasons. The main reason is that he is a cultural figure who once was the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance. The other reason is that, in a legal position, he is the head of the Legislature.” He also added, “Juxtaposition of the opening of this book fair with the Teacher’s Day and the upcoming Half of Shaban is quite blessed.”
The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance continued, “This year is the 30th year of the book fair. International Book Fair is one of the most important post-revolution cultural activities. We can claim that it is a product of the Islamic Revolution.”
Salehi Amiri also added, “We have to appreciate the founders of this book fair who in days when the country was in one of its hardest times, did not forget the priority of culture. When there is the outbreak of war in a country, all priorities change. However, in the Islamic Republic of Iran, right in the hardest years of the war i.e. the autumn of 1987, Tehran International Book Fair was held to host publishers from 32 countries and no accident has been able to shut it down. Organizing this book fair in those years and its continuation is the best evidence of book importance in our system.”
The member of the Higher Council of Cultural Revolution said, “The thirties are the best age for working. There are both youth energy and the midlife experience. In the thirties of the book fair, an important event is happening and that is the complete devolution of the organization of the Tehran International Book Fair to the related guilds. In this age, we can give a perspective of the upcoming years. The perspective indicates that the implementation details are devolved to the guilds. We are now ready to grant the key of the book fair as well; and as the government, assume the responsibilities of policy making, supervision and patronage.”
However, he emphasized that, “In order to reach to such a position, we are to look forward to the future. We must observe the future to see where books are heading for. What will be the position of our book-reading population in the future? In what conditions will be the economy of publishing? What will be the technology of reading and the per capita book reading and our perspective will be to grant the key to the guilds.”
He added, “In the digital age of social networks and virtual space, statistics indicate that there will be a change in the field of books and book reading.”
However, Salehi Amiri emphasized that, “In 2012, 64151 titles, in 2013, 66514 titles, in 2014, 73812 titles, in 2015, 81327 titles, and last year, 88504 titles have been published in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This trend indicates a change in both quantity and quality of the Iranian publishing.”
He said, “This year, in addition to the participation of domestic publishers, there are economic opportunities to change the publishing industry. The future of the Tehran International Book Fair will be made by initiatives and capacities by all the actors and pillars of the Iranian publishing industry including the publishers, distributers, promoters and bookstores. Reinforcement of the presence of the Iranian publishing industry in the international exchanges is pivotal in the international cultural diplomacy.”
He added, “Previously, due to the sanctions and similar issues, foreign publishers did not participate directly and actively in the book fair. But after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the international role of the book fair became more evident so that the last year Russia and the year before that, Oman participated as the Guest of Honor.”
Salehi Amiri continued that, “This year, Italy has an active and distinct presence as the Guest of Honor. This presence is not limited to days of the book fair. It has already begun and will continue after the book fair.”
He said, “This year, we also have a Special City Guest and Istanbul is participating as the Special City Guest in the book fair. The international aspect of the book fair has been reinforced and it is unique in the region. We are able to develop our cultural diplomacy with other countries.”
The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance added, “Book reading in Iran has a long history. It is in the very lives of the people. I hope the 30th edition of the book fair will be held much more exciting than the previous ones.”
