TIBF offers opportunity for enhancing cultural ties between nations: Yemeni bookseller
By Sadeq Dehqan
Staff writer
The Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF) offers a valuable opportunity for enhancing cultural relations between nations, stated the head of the Yemen pavilion at the book fair, affirming the strengthening bond between Iran and Yemen through cultural and literary exchanges.
Ahmad Al-Junaid shared these insights during an interview with Iran Daily, emphasizing that as a result of book exchanges between the two countries, the Yemeni people have become familiarized with and taken an interest in Iran’s literature and civilization.
Al-Junaid highlighted the significance of such exhibitions in promoting a mutual understanding of cultures and fostering peace and friendship, drawing upon a verse from the Holy Qur’an: “We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may get to know one another.” (49:13)
Al-Junaid further highlighted the popularity of Iran among the Yemeni public, adding that the circulation of news regarding Iran’s support for Yemen has deepened the Yemenis’ interest in Iran.
“The ancient civilization and rich culture of Iran have garnered great respect and appeal among the Yemenis, fueling their eagerness to experience Iran firsthand.”
Al-Junaid emphasized the influence of books and literature in inspiring readers to pursue the realities they have encountered through reading.
Al-Junaid also talked about the limitations imposed by the ongoing war and conflicts in Yemen, which have hindered people-to-people interactions between the two countries.
He expressed hope that Yemen would overcome its challenges, paving the way for an ideal environment to host an exhibition in Sana’a where Iranian publishers and writers would be similarly welcomed.
Al-Junaid praised the Tehran International Book Fair as an exemplary foreign exhibition, lauding the ample space provided at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla for diverse booths and sections.
As a member of the Yemeni Students’ Association, he commended the organization and orderliness of TIBF, highlighting its capacity to cater to the varied preferences and interests of attendees including children, teenagers, and adults.
However, due to flight restrictions and sanctions, the Yemen booth faced some problems in hosting Yemeni publishers, resulting in the presentation of only 26 book titles covering various subjects.
In addition, thanks to the efforts of the Yemeni Students’ Association in Tehran, a number of Yemeni books, which can be found at the Yemen booth, have been translated into Farsi and published in Iran.
Al-Junaid noted that the Yemen booth aims to provide visitors with insights into Yemeni culture, featuring images from different parts of the country and introducing prominent social, political, and literary figures.
The 34th edition of the book fair, which commenced on May 10, will run until May 20, offering an expansive platform for literary exchange and collaboration.