Virtual Book Fair keeps reading within reach
By Sadeq Dehqan
Staff writer
As Iran’s publishing industry and book market have grappled with multiple challenges amid the fallout from the 40-day war, the seventh Tehran Book Fair has kicked off online. The event seeks to make up for part of the gap left by restrictions on holding the fair in person.
Over the past decades, the Tehran Book Fair has been more than just a marketplace for books. As the country’s largest cultural event, it has played a key role in promoting reading, fostering connections between publishers and audiences, and generating cultural momentum across society. Now, with in-person events constrained by various considerations, the virtual edition offers easier access to books through digital platforms.
Cultural officials have described this edition as part of efforts aimed at “supporting the resilience of the publishing industry during the imposed war,” underscoring the growing importance of sustaining the production and distribution cycle of books.
At the same time, some publishing insiders say the recent uptick in bookstore visits and book purchases signals a renewed public turn toward reading in difficult and turbulent times—where books can serve as more than just cultural goods, but as companions in moments of hardship.
In the following interview, Ebrahim Karimi Zanjani, head of the Publishers and Booksellers Union, discusses different aspects of the virtual Tehran Book Fair, the level of public response, its impact on reading culture, and the current state of the publishing industry.
IRAN DAILY: Given the current situation—war, economic pressures and other challenges—how do you assess the decision to hold the book fair virtually?
KARIMI: Any effort related to publishing, distributing and making books available—through whatever platform or means is possible—is naturally viewed as a positive step by book enthusiasts. The virtual fair, as in previous years when it ran alongside the physical event, is fortunately still in place. While it is regrettable that an in-person edition could not be held under these circumstances, it is hoped that readers will make the most of this opportunity and purchase the books they need, especially given the subsidies and discounts offered by the Ministry of Culture and publishers.
Considering that the fair has traditionally been held in person with strong public engagement, could the absence of a physical edition this year undermine its trajectory or credibility? Can the virtual format replace it?
It can certainly serve as a partial substitute, but not a complete one. That said, this opportunity should be used to step up outreach and public awareness efforts, ensuring that the necessary conditions for public participation are in place, as in previous years. At the same time, audiences can still visit bookstores during the fair period. Those who would typically browse and select books in person at the exhibition can now turn to bookstores instead—searching for and purchasing books directly there.
The book fair has also functioned as a cultural festival that promotes reading. Can its virtual version have a similar impact?
Holding the fair in any format or platform can be influential in this regard. It is encouraging to see that in recent months, visits to bookstores and book purchases have increased. The reasons may require further examination, but in practice, there has been a noticeable rise in demand, particularly in general and children’s books. At the same time, online book purchases have also grown. This is a positive development and should be welcomed.
It would be even better to gradually move toward a model where the book fair serves primarily as a venue for showcasing and introducing books, and as a space for interaction among cultural figures—authors, translators and publishers—while actual sales are carried out through bookstores, with readers obtaining their books from these outlets.
How do you assess the reported rise in public interest in books in recent months? Could it be linked to the war and tensions, with people turning to reading for solace?
Books are the best companions, especially in solitude or under difficult and exceptional circumstances. The increased inclination toward reading may well be linked to the particular conditions experienced in recent weeks. At the same time, it is encouraging that despite all challenges—including rising costs and the higher price of books—the cultural community has shown such interest toward reading and purchasing books.
What is your view on the incentives offered this year to encourage book purchases at the fair?
A subsidy has been provided by the Ministry of Culture, alongside discounts offered by publishers, bringing the total reduction to 25%. In addition, buyers do not pay for delivery.
Notably, the publishers’ share of the discount has increased this year, even as their costs have risen compared to previous years due to wartime conditions. It is hoped that stronger public response and higher sales will help offset this burden. Given the increased public interest in books, it is expected that turnout for book purchases at this year’s fair will remain strong, as in previous years.