This year’s FAIR features participation from around 2,400 domestic publishers and 600 international publishers from various countries, offering books in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Spanish, Turkish and Russian.
Along the way, the Tehran Times interviewed foreign participants and discussed various topics related to the book.
Katiuska Rodriguez, Minister of the Embassy of the Republic of Venezuela in Iran, said this is the third time the embassy has been at the fair to develop cultural relations between the two countries. “This year, the embassy is presenting 36 titles at the pavilion,” she pointed out.
Comparing TIBF to the International Book Fair in Venezuela, she said: “It’s amazing how many Iranian publishers participating in the Tehran International Book Fair hold book fairs every year. Foreigners also attend. However, due to the sanctions imposed on Venezuela, the physical publications of books do not lose the publishing industry.
Regarding the expansion of social media platforms in the current digital age, Rodriguez said: “I think we need to launch a campaign to encourage readers to read physical books again (instead of e-books).
On introducing Persian literature to Venezuelans, and through translations of the work, Vera said, “In the past three years, I have sought to find a publisher to translate various titles, whether it’s a child’s book, poetry or literary work, as it is important to learn more about Persian culture and literature and to familiarize Iranians with Venezuelan culture and authors.”
Speaking to the Tehran Times, Abdul Rahman Raje, director of the Yemeni Ministry of Culture at Tehran International Book Fair, said this is the third year that Yemeni Ministry of Culture has been participating in the Book Fair.
“Over 200 titles have been announced at the Yemen Pavilion this year, aiming to showcase Yemeni culture, particularly the social, political and cultural events and developments within the country in recent years,” he said.
Rajeh called TIBF one of the largest and most important book fairs in the region. “However, the prevalence of internet and social media platforms has led to a decline in the number of readers of the book not only in Tehran but also in the world,” he grew.
Rajeh pointed out that while internet and social media platforms are useful, he believes physical books provide greater intimacy compared to digital books.
“The book fairs help promote a culture of book reading among the public and improve the publishing industry. They also play an important role in creating cultural connections between people from different countries,” he said.
“Books are less popular these days than in the world, but I believe people will return to books in the future,” Raje added.
“Here at the Yemeni Pavilion, we strive to introduce our culture to Iranian visitors. Great Persian poets such as Hafez, Saadi, Feldousi and Morana have poets about Yemen,” he emphasized. “Yemen is not limited to recent times, but back hundreds of years, so we can see Persian literature and proverbs.”
Rajeh emphasized that the book fair offers a good opportunity to cultivate cultural exchange, saying, “Persian books are usually translated into Arabic, and Yemen especially welcomes books on literature, history, religion and biography.”
This year’s event, which will be held from May 7th to 17th, is based on the theme of “Read for Iran” and emphasizes the country’s commitment to fostering a culture of reading and intellectual engagement.
Since its founding in 1988, TIBF has grown significantly, captivating millions of visitors each year, including students, academics and families.
In addition to its vast book display, TIBF 2025 introduces the Tehran Literary Fellowship Program, a new initiative aimed at strengthening literary exchanges and promoting Iranian literature on a global scale.
The fair is open daily from 10am to 8pm, providing visitors with ample opportunities to engage with a vibrant literary community, discover new publications and participate in cultural programs. As one of the most anticipated events on Iranian cultural calendar, the Tehran International Book Fair continues to be a platform for literary discoveries and intercultural dialogue.
SS/SAB