Surviving in an Age Where New Restaurants Are More Famous Than Old Bookstores / What Transpired at the Twelfth Book-Tour Ceremony?

According to Khabaronline News Agency, quoting IRNA, the Book-Touring ceremony was held on November 20, 2025, concurrently with the 33rd Book Week, with the presence of Ahmad Masjedjamei. The ceremony began at the Farhang va Honar-e Guya Bookstore. From the outset, Amir Hosseinzadegan (Manager of Qoqnoos Publications), Ebrahim Karimi (Head of the Tehran Publishers and Booksellers Union), Raed Faridzadeh (Head of the Cinematic Organization), Soheil Mahmoudi (Writer), Asadollah Amraei (Translator), Ebrahim Heidari (CEO of Ketab House), Mazaher Babaei (Cultural Deputy of Ketab House), Nader Ghadiani (Manager of Ghadiani Publications), Nasser Mirbagheri (Manager of Farhang va Honar-e Guya House), and a group of culture enthusiasts were present.

Masjedjamei emphasized the need to strengthen public solidarity, stating: “Bookstores are a hangout for us. In the past, people would visit bookstores in the afternoons, and book lovers would gather there. Gradually, we realized that bookstores, which connect people and publishers, had become empty, and that’s why we organized this program.”

The former Minister of Culture noted that bookstores used to be an integral part of neighborhoods, adding: “When we ordered a book they didn’t have, they would bring it to us after a few days. At a time when not all homes had phones, booksellers usually had phones and copy paper, and people would go to them to communicate. Bookstores were like old cafes where people could pour themselves tea and even borage tea.”

He mentioned that from the beginning, writers like Mahmoud Dolatabadi and publishers supported the book-touring initiative, continuing: “Books are the connecting link for groups. Every year, I used to invite others to this ceremony; this year, publishers and booksellers invited me.”

Masjedjamei gifted the book “A Little Circle Needs Feelings” to a child at the Farhang Book City.

Low Salaries for Booksellers

Mohammad Taghi Negari, manager of Farhang Book City bookstore, highlighted the low salaries and insurance issues of booksellers during this visit. Masjedjamei announced that he would follow up on this matter with the Tehran Publishers and Booksellers Union. At the next stop, Masjedjamei conversed with Majid Ebrahimpour, manager of Halazoon Bookstore. Ebrahimpour runs this bookstore with his wife, Banafsheh Khosravi. They have authored the book “Urban Rage, Rebellion of the Rejected.”

Conversion of Jewelry Store to Bookstore

The next bookstore was Badragheh Javidan, whose wall displayed a history of this family’s activities in the field. Masjedjamei noted that the location of this bookstore was previously a jewelry store, saying: “The conversion of a jewelry store into a bookstore was a happy event. This family has established 14 publishing houses.”

Meeting with Bahjat

Bahjat Bookstore, the oldest bookstore in Valiasr, was the next stop for discussion about books. This bookstore was noted as a hangout for writers and theater actors. According to Mohammad Ali Bahjat, publishing books in low print runs, even 150 copies, helps ensure lasting works.

Tandis Bookstore Note

Ali Mirbagheri, manager of Tandis Bookstore, read a note during the book-tour visit:

“Happy Book Week to all dear booksellers, publishers, writers, translators, and everyone who helps prepare and print books. This is an old bookstore, established in 1984, and it has remained open to this day despite all challenges and difficulties. Throughout these years, we have strived to persevere. In a place where [new establishments] have become more famous than us, and sometimes we even have to refer to their addresses for directions, we are still alive and breathing, having created a space for books, readers, writers, translators, and all those for whom books remain a passion. For better or worse, we have done our best to stay. However, despite all this, the state of books is not good. The high cost of paper, printing services, and overhead expenses have made books expensive, and the number of people visiting bookstores daily is diminishing. The number of people who enthusiastically come to buy books but are put off by new prices and leave without purchasing has surpassed the number of actual buyers, which brings us sadness and causes regret for book purchasers. We are still indebted to you, dear ones, who, despite economic hardships, await new books, visit us weekly, monthly, or even yearly, buy books, inquire about our well-being and the books, chat with us, and give us hope to continue this difficult journey. Happy Book Week and Book and Reading Day to all of you dear ones who have been our companions and supporters throughout these years, stood by us, and provided us with the strength and energy to continue. Happy Book Day and Week to all dear readers who have not forgotten books all these years and will not. This week and day belong to all of you good and dear people, and we are grateful to you.”

He also mentioned that in the bookstore, they have a “lost sales” section. These are people who eagerly come for books but leave when they inquire about the price, and day by day, lost sales are increasing more than actual book sales.

On the Eve of its 30th Anniversary

During Masjedjamei’s visit with Ali Asghar Tabatabaei, sales manager of Larestan Bookstore, it was noted that this store has been operating for 29 years. Masjedjamei said: “Next year, we will celebrate this bookstore’s 30th anniversary.” At Larestan Bookstore, books donated by people are collected for dispatch to deprived areas. Sharmin Naderi, a book promoter, explained: “This bookstore is a network for bookstores and teachers, and for several years, they have been collecting books for libraries and sending donated books to 61 libraries.”