TEHRAN- The 33rd edition of the International Holy Quran Exhibition was inaugurated on Saturday, marking the commencement of a 15-day cultural event under the motto “Iran under the Protection of the Quran.”

The exhibition, which will run until March 6 at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla in Tehran, is open daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Concurrent Quran exhibitions are also scheduled to be held in 24 provinces across the country during the holy month of Ramadan, Mehr reported. 

This year’s edition focuses on a wide range of themes, including “The Quran, Hope and Social Vitality,” “The Quran and National Solidarity and Islamic Unity,” “The Quran and the Islamic Revolution,” “The Quran and the Ideal Mosque and Prayer,” “The Quran and Reforming Consumption Patterns,” “The Quran and Modesty and Hijab,” “The Quran and the Great Prophet (PBUH)” marking the 1500th anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as well as topics such as Nahj al-Balagha, Sahifa Sajjadiya, Mahdism, Ghadir, and the lives of prophets and Imams (AS).

The exhibition has been organized into 11 thematic sections with cultural and content-oriented approaches, along with three commercial sections aimed at promoting the cultural economy. More than 70 sub-sections, specialized booths, and side events have been arranged for visitors.

An independent section dedicated to “Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies” has been launched this year. Six knowledge-based companies are participating in this section. Every evening, special events centered on AI-based Quranic content production are held with the participation of students and university scholars. The outputs of these events are showcased daily for public viewing.

The international section, as in previous years, features invited countries including Indonesia, Egypt, Oman, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, China, Afghanistan, Algeria, Romania, Iraq, Bosnia, Kazakhstan, and Tunisia.

In the modesty and hijab section, visitors are offered the opportunity to purchase modest fashion products, and a program for exchanging old chadors with new ones has also been arranged for the public.

Ali Tan, director of the Art and Media Section of the event, announced the organization of 140 specialized practical workshops in the fields of visual arts and handicrafts.

He said the workshops aim to enhance artistic knowledge and foster interaction between artists and art enthusiasts. “Throughout the exhibition, 140 workshops in diverse artistic formats will be held, each dedicated to a branch of visual arts and handicrafts,” he noted.

Tan added that many of the invited instructors are artists from the community of veterans, and the workshops have been designed to provide both theoretical foundations and practical experience.

He emphasized that the initiative seeks to strengthen artistic skills, discover new talents, and create a platform for engagement between artists and those interested in visual arts. Visitors can attend their desired workshops during the exhibition period.

Alongside the workshops, a painting exhibition by Mohammad Kazem Hasanvand is being held, presenting visual interpretations of Quranic themes, spiritual concepts, and Islamic resistance.

Hasanvand is recognized for his work in visual arts with a focus on religious and spiritual subjects. His postmodern style blends realism with conceptual expression, characterized by warm color palettes, symbolic compositions, and distinctive lighting. Through his works, he seeks to convey Quranic teachings and human values in a visual language accessible to contemporary audiences.

Held annually, the International Holy Quran Exhibition aims to promote Quranic culture and highlight the country’s artistic and media capacities. 

SAB/