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600,000 Daily Visitors at Tehran Book Fair / Total Sales Reach 42.4 Trillion Rials
1404/02/25-19:53
Ebrahim Heydari, deputy director and spokesperson of the 36th Tehran International Book Fair, announced in a press conference that, based on data from BTS devices, the average number of daily visitors is between 500,000 to 600,000 people.
According to the news headquarters of the 36th Tehran International Book Fair, the sixth press conference with Ebrahim Heydari was held on the afternoon of Thursday, May 15, on the mezzanine floor of Shabestan Hall.
Heydari began by saying:
“Fortunately, public participation in this event has been very strong and encouraging. We enjoy seeing people present at this venue. Of course, a portion of this presence is thanks to your media coverage.”
He added:
“This morning, we met with the First Vice President, who visited the exhibition and held a one-hour meeting with publishing associations. He emphasized listening more and visiting less. It was decided that a task force on paper will be formed in the Vice Presidency to address publishing industry issues in future meetings.”
Heydari also noted that:
“The publishing fellowship program concluded yesterday with great results, including 148 contracts and pre-contracts. Both domestic and international publishers were satisfied. These contracts were signed with European, Asian, and African countries in Hindi, Indonesian, Chinese, English, and Arabic.”
He continued:
“Iran has vast capacities that can strengthen its publishing economy and also export its rich culture, correcting the false image of Iranophobia. Iranian children's books will serve as cultural ambassadors in various countries.”
Regarding sales, he said:
“As of 1:00 PM today, virtual sales reached about 24 trillion rials, and in-person sales reached 18.4 trillion rials, bringing the total sales to 42.457 trillion rials. Virtual sales have grown 7.65% compared to last year. A total of 930,320 books have been sold, with a 26% growth in virtual book sales compared to last year.”
He added:
“372,000 postal packages have been sent, some arriving in just one or two days, which reflects the excellent cooperation of the national post company.”
Heydari stated that the Tehran Book Fair will be open until 9:00 PM today and tomorrow.
Regarding visitor statistics, he said:
“According to BTS devices, 210,000 SIM cards were active at 5 PM yesterday, not counting the children’s section. On average, 500,000 to 600,000 people have visited the fair daily.”
On violations at the fair, Heydari said:
“We are seriously pursuing any violations. A violations committee convenes daily without exception. Our colleagues monitor violations with the help of publishing unions. Most violations are related to book-related merchandise, which is a matter of expert disagreement. Our conclusion is that anything produced by a publisher is considered part of the book domain, though we will refine this approach in the future.”
Regarding the lack of corridor signs in Shabestan Hall, he said:
“More than 100 digital information devices have been installed, and our specially designed app helps visitors with navigation.”
On the location of the ‘Book Capital’ pavilion, he said:
“I have a special connection to book-loving villages and reading clubs. Unfortunately, since my departure from that office, the policies have changed and such activities haven’t been supported the same way. This year too, we didn’t give them enough attention.”
He added:
“It’s not that the villages withdrew; they simply didn’t have suitable space. The Book Capital city, Evaz, has a large program and we hope it will be introduced as a global book capital. I accept responsibility for the lack of support in this area.”
On the booth relocation of India and Pakistan, he said:
“I have no information on this. Both are our neighbors, and the fair is a cultural event. Politics have no place here. We corresponded with all neighboring countries, and some sent authors and cultural figures to the fair.”
The 36th Tehran International Book Fair, under the slogan “Let’s Read for Iran,” began on May 6 and continues until May 16, 2025, at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla. The virtual exhibition also runs concurrently through book.icfi.ir, offering online book purchases.
