Iran’s Presence at the Fair
Iran participated in the 11th Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair. The fair, which concluded on Sunday, featured over 300 publishers from more than 30 countries, including Iran. The Iranian pavilion showcased the country’s cultural and literary capacities by presenting a collection of works in literature, history, art, and cultural heritage, offering Arabic‑speaking audiences a chance to engage with Iran’s cultural productions.
Cultural Meetings
Alongside the fair, a delegation of Iranian publishers and cultural figures visited various sections and the Iranian pavilion. During the visit, Bahram Kian, the Iranian cultural attaché in Istanbul, met Professor Mahmud Erol Kılıç, Director General of IRCICA (Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture), to discuss developing relations among publishers, authors, and cultural activists from Iran and IRCICA.
Goals of the Global Palestinian Literature Award
After the trip, members of the Global Palestinian Literature Award delegation met with Ahmad Mohammadi, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Istanbul, and Bahram Kian at the Consulate General’s office to discuss potential cultural and literary cooperation. Meysam Nili, head of the Islamic Revolution Publishers Association and chairman of the Policy Council for the Global Palestinian Literature Award, explained that the award is an international, non‑governmental event organized in cooperation with cultural and literary unions and associations from several countries. Its purpose is to identify and introduce the best literary works published regarding Palestine, the resistance of the Palestinian people, the liberation of Holy Quds (Jerusalem), and the crimes of the Zionist regime, and to honor writers, poets, and publishers worldwide who have defended the Palestinian people through their work.
History and Significance of the Fair
The first edition of the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair was held in 2016, with 170 publishing houses from 15 Arab countries, as well as Iran, Turkey, and Italy. In subsequent years, the fair evolved into an annual event for the Arabic publishing industry in Turkey, providing a platform for interaction among Arab and Turkish publishers, readers, and cultural institutions. The fair targets millions of Arabs living in Turkey, people of Arab origin, and Arabic‑speaking audiences, aiming to promote the Arabic language in Turkey and strengthen cultural ties between Arabs and Turks.
