TEHRAN – Iran is participating in the 26th Baghdad International Book Fair in Iraq, which opened on September 10.

Representing Iran’s publishing industry, the Iran Book and Literature House is showcasing 1,000 Arabic-language titles, IRNA reported.

To mark the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a special section has been dedicated to 100 titles on the life and teachings of the Prophet. 

Another special display highlights Iran’s achievements in Quran printing and publishing. The pavilion also features 300 titles on Islamic jurisprudence and seminary sciences, 70 works on ethics, and 20 publications on the Resistance movement and the late General Qassem Soleimani.

In addition, Majid Rastgar, a Shiraz-based calligrapher, is accompanying the Iranian delegation and demonstrates contemporary Iranian calligraphy for Iraqi visitors. An exhibition of 20 calligraphic paintings featuring Quranic attributes of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is also on display.

Mehdi Mohseni, Deputy for Economy and Culture at the Iran Book and Literature House and head of the Iranian pavilion at the fair, delivered a speech in Arabic on September 11, on “Interaction and Cooperation between the Nations of Iran and Iraq in the Development of Calligraphy and Quranic Manuscripts.” He also discussed the legacy of renowned Iranian calligraphers Ibn Muqla and Ibn Bawwab, who lived and worked in Baghdad during the 4th and 5th centuries AH.

On the same day, Mohseni held talks at the Iranian pavilion with Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Culture and the head of the Iraqi Publishers’ Union, who also directs the book fair. During the meeting, the Iraqi official stressed the importance of strengthening Arabic-language resources on Iranology, noting: “Iraqis are deeply interested in the history of Iran, but there are few Arabic sources on this subject available in Iraq.”

On the third day of the fair, Mohseni also met with the head of public relations of the Great Mosque of Kufa. The mosque is known for its extensive cultural activities and unique manuscript library. The official at the mosque expressed interest in cooperating with the Iran Book and Literature House to introduce Iranian literary, religious, and cultural works to Iraqi audiences.

The 26th edition of the Baghdad International Book Fair will run until September 21 at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds.

SS/SAB