Iranian literary agency prefers Lebanon Int’l Book Fair over Frankfurt
The director of the Seljuk Literary Agency emphasized her preference for participating in the Lebanon International Book Fair over the Frankfurt Book Fair.
Nazila Javadpour said, “Although I knew the trip to Beirut would not yield commercial benefits, I chose to attend to witness the courage of Palestinians,” IRNA wrote.
Participating for the eighth time in the Lebanon International Book Fair, Javadpour said that Seljuk Literary Agency accepted an invitation from the Lebanese Publishers Union in Beirut for a six-day participation in the book fair.
She stated that the sole reason for her, as the agency's director, to attend the Lebanon International Book Fair was to experience the suffering and bravery of Palestinians.
She explained that although she paid for the booth, the Lebanon International Book Fair did not provide any support.
Colleagues had advised against participating in this situation, but nevertheless she decided to attend. As a result, they engaged with Syrian, Lebanese, and Iraqi publishers, French cultural centers, as well as organizations under the full supervision and support of Iran Book and Literature House, such as Behnashr, Afra, and others.
Additionally, the director of Seljuk Literary Agency noted that they had the opportunity to get acquainted with Lebanese authors and French graphic designers, adding that her publication established comprehensive connections with over 22 publishers at the Lebanon International Book Fair.
Iran’s participation in this event effectively managed the conditions and directed its programs toward Palestine, according to the Iranian Cultural Attaché in Beirut, Kamal Baqerzadeh.
Comparing the Lebanon International Book Fair to Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF), Javadpour explained that the Lebanon International Book Fair and other fairs in neighboring countries are not on par with the Iranian book fair. TIBF is universal and receives millions of visitors, while the Lebanon International Book Fair is akin to sitting in a library, requiring attendees to be cautious not to make any noise.
The Seljuk Literary Agency was the only Iranian literary agency to participate in the Lebanon International Book Fair, held from October 13 to 22.