TEHRAN – Iranian researcher of children’s literature and picture books Sahar Tarhandeh has been selected as one of the international jurors of the 30th Biennial of Illustration Bratislava (BIB 2025).

The nomination of an Iranian judge for BIB is made by the Children’s Book Council of Iran, as the official representative of IBBY in the country, in collaboration with the Iranian Illustrators Society and the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanoon), IRNA reported.

These three institutions jointly serve as the specialized decision-making body responsible for selecting, introducing, and supporting Iran’s representatives at the festival.

the Biennial of Illustration Bratislava is one of the most prestigious children’s book illustration events in the world. It is held every two years in Slovakia’s capital with the support of UNESCO and the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY).

Sahar Tarhandeh, a board member of the Children’s Book Council of Iran, was previously recognized internationally as a judge for the Hans Christian Andersen Award, widely known as the “Nobel Prize for Children’s Literature”.

With more than two decades of activity in criticism, promotion, and analysis of children’s literature, she is regarded as one of the influential cultural figures in this field.

The Biennial of Illustration Bratislava has been held since 1967 with the aim of showcasing outstanding artistic achievements in children’s illustration. It is currently organized by the cultural institution BIBIANA, with the official support of UNESCO, IBBY, and the Slovak Ministry of Culture.

This international event features a series of exhibitions, workshops, symposiums, and professional programs for illustrators and children’s literature researchers from around the world.

In addition to Sahar Tarhandeh’s role on the international jury, two other Iranians will also participate in BIB’s side programs this year: Melika Jamali, selected to attend the Albín Brunovský Illustration Workshop, and Parisa Beabadi, chosen to participate in the BIB Symposium on the theme “The Impact of the Biennial of Illustration Bratislava on Illustration Movements.”

They were selected from among applicants who responded to the open call and submitted their portfolios for the workshop and symposium.

Tarhandeh’s presence on the jury continues the longstanding tradition of Iranian figures contributing to this international event. Notable past participants include: Farshid Mesghali (1975), Siros Tahbaz (1977), Nouredin Zarrinkelk (1999), Behzad Gharibpour (2003), Abolfazl Hemmati-Ahouei (2005), Mahnoush Moshiri (2007), and Ali Boozari (2017 and 2019), who have served as jurors or speakers in different editions of BIB.

The 30th Biennial of Illustration Bratislava will take place from October 2025 to January 2026 at Bratislava Castle.

SS/SAB