The 11th Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair concluded on Sunday in Istanbul, bringing together over 300 publishers from more than 30 countries, including Iran. The event showcased a wide range of cultural and literary works, promoting interaction among Arabic-speaking audiences and participating nations.
Iran’s pavilion highlighted the country’s contributions to literature, history, art, and cultural heritage, offering visitors a comprehensive view of its cultural and literary productions in Arabic. A delegation comprising Iranian publishers and cultural figures attended the fair to engage with various sections and to promote cultural exchange.
During the event, the Iranian delegation, led by Bahram Kian, the cultural attaché of Iran in Istanbul, met with Professor Mahmud Erol Kılıç, Director General of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA). The discussion focused on enhancing collaboration among Iranian publishers, authors, and cultural activists and IRCICA.
Additionally, the delegation representing the Global Palestinian Literature Award held a meeting with Ahmad Mohammadi, Iran’s Consul General in Istanbul, and Bahram Kian at the Consulate General’s office. The discussions centered on strengthening cultural and literary cooperation, with a particular emphasis on supporting the Palestinian cause through literary efforts.
Mohammadi underlined the importance of leveraging cultural and literary capacities to amplify awareness of Palestine and to foster connections among writers, poets, and publishers internationally. He emphasized the need to promote works related to Palestine’s history, resistance, and liberation.
Meysam Nili, head of the Islamic Revolution Publishers Association and chairman of the Policy Council for the Global Palestinian Literature Award, described the award as an international, non-governmental initiative coordinated with various cultural and literary organizations. The award aims to recognize the best literary works addressing Palestine, the resistance of the Palestinian people, the liberation of Jerusalem, and the actions of Israel against Palestinians. It also seeks to honor global writers and publishers supporting the Palestinian cause through their creative works.
Nili stressed that the award represents a grassroots movement, inviting writers, poets, and publishers worldwide to contribute to a cultural effort supporting Palestine and defending Jerusalem as a significant religious and cultural site.
A primary objective of the Iranian delegation’s visit to Istanbul was to identify and connect with Turkish writers, poets, and publishers engaged with themes related to Palestine and resistance. The delegation aimed to explore opportunities to facilitate communication and cooperation between Iranian and Turkish cultural stakeholders.
The meeting concluded with shared commitments to utilize international book fairs, cultural institutions, and networks of publishers and writers to broaden literary and cultural exchanges and to promote works centered on Palestine.
Since its inception in 2016, the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair has grown from a regional gathering of 170 publishing houses into a major annual event in Turkey’s Arabic publishing sector. It serves millions of Arabic speakers living in Turkey, as well as those of Arab origin, seeking to promote the Arabic language and deepen cultural ties between Arab and Turkish communities.