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611 Billion Rials in Sales (In-person and Online) in 2.5 Days
1404/02/20-18:53
The Deputy and Spokesperson of the 36th Tehran International Book Fair announced that total sales in both the physical and online sections of the fair had reached 611 billion Rials by 1 PM on the third day of the event.
According to the press team of the 36th Tehran International Book Fair, a press conference with Ebrahim Heidari, Deputy and Spokesperson of the event, was held today, Friday, 19 Ordibehesht, at the mezzanine level of Shabestan. Gholamreza Tariqi, Head of the Cultural Committee of Publishers, was also present. Heidari stated: "Today was a blessed day. Our program started with a ceremonial drumbeat at the shrine in collaboration with the Musalla. This afternoon, we’ll have a special stage event at the venue."
He added: “As of 1 PM today, online sales have reached 360.351 billion rials. Sales from the in-person section up to midnight last night exceeded 251 billion rials. In total, both sections have resulted in 611 billion Rials in sales.”
Heidari emphasized that so far, 116,917 students and seminarians and 12,802 university faculty members have registered to receive book vouchers.
He also noted that in the public section, 3,912 people have received subsidies—meaning for each 1,000,000 toman of purchase, they get 300,000 tomans in support from the Cultural Deputy.
He said: “We hope this growth continues. If the publishing industry strengthens and grows, it will lead to infrastructural development. We also hope that in addition to book purchases, people engage meaningfully in the cultural programs we offer.”
Gholamreza Tariqi, Head of the General Publishers Committee, added: “Much of our visibility is thanks to the media and public relations efforts. The Cultural Activities Committee showcases the fair and has two main focuses: first, providing services such as booths and equipment to publishers and authors; and second, helping to promote new publications. The fair is the most important cultural event of the year, and people attend not just to buy books, but also for a cultural experience.”
He continued: “Our cultural committee programs are divided into children’s and adult sections. The children's section is vibrant, including events on stage such as games, storytelling, and children’s theater.”
Regarding the adult section, he said: “We focus on special occasions, and for the ‘Decade of Generosity’ (Dah-e Keramat), we’ve planned specific events. One was in collaboration with the Astan Quds, and some of these programs have already taken place. Yesterday, we held the 'First Pilgrimage Story' event, and today at 5 PM, we will hold a 'Birth Celebration.' We also had the drum ceremony, and at Maghrib prayer, we’ll have the ‘Flag Procession’ ritual. At 7:30 PM, we’ll host a special poetry reading with Ali Ensani and Soheil Mahmoudi.”
He also mentioned that field events and stage performances will continue throughout the fair, including “Shahnameh Reading” and honoring Shahnameh scholars as part of promoting the Persian language.
He emphasized their effort to reduce the number of low-quality sessions and focus on quality. Initially, they planned for 50–60 sessions, but requests exceeded 2,000. Therefore, between 390–400 sessions will be held from today until the end of the fair.
He added: “Following yesterday’s honoring of Mousa Asvar, we will continue this series. We’ve tried not to cut back on respect and recognition for our literary figures. We recognize that many of our cultural icons have not participated in recent years for various reasons, but we’ve engaged with them so they would attend this year.”
In response to a question about violations by general publishers, Heidari said: “According to the regulations, only books may be sold. Selling non-book items, books from other publishers, or violating fair rules is a violation. The first meeting of the violations committee has already been held.”
Regarding the participation of other countries, he said: “Publishers from 50 countries are present, including sponsored guests and cultural figures. Over 80 representatives and publishers from 20 countries are participating.”
On publisher placement in the general hall, Heidari said: “We follow alphabetical order for booth arrangement. Well-known publishers attract audiences no matter their booth’s location. For new publishers, our approach is supportive, helping them gain visibility.”
He added: “As of 1 PM today, 156,840 books were sold online, including 57,333 different titles. Additionally, 100 support staff from the Ketab House are answering visitors’ questions.”
The 36th Tehran International Book Fair is being held from May 6 to May 16, 2025, at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla, under the theme “Let’s Read for Iran.” Alongside the physical event, the virtual book fair at book.icfi.ir allows book lovers to shop online.
