Iran and Turkey Consult to Develop Publishing and Book Interactions

According to the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA), on the sidelines of the 42nd Istanbul International Book Fair, a cultural and publishing delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran met with senior managers in Turkey’s book and publishing sector. Attendees included Ibrahim Heidari, CEO of Iran Book and Literature House; Bahram Kian, cultural attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Istanbul; Taner Biaoğlu, Director General of Libraries and Publications of Turkey; Nazar Kara, Deputy Director General of Libraries and Publications of Turkey; and Şule Aygün, Head of the International Book Fair section at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation capacities in the book and publishing sectors, interaction between publishers, mutual participation in exhibition events, and strengthening professional connections among industry professionals. Key topics also included library exchange, translation cooperation, direct publisher engagement, joint cultural programs, and the necessity of following up on these interactions at expert and management levels. The Turkish side announced plans for related institutions in their country to participate more cohesively and prominently in future sessions of the Tehran International Book Fair, identifying Iran as a priority in exhibition and cultural interactions. Furthermore, the issue of reciprocal participation of both countries as special guests in each other’s book fairs was examined.

Additionally, the Iranian delegation held another meeting with the head of the Turkish Publishers Association to review professional issues in the publishing industry, cooperation capacities, shared challenges for publishers, and strategies for developing professional interactions between Iranian and Turkish publishers. These meetings were held to strengthen cultural diplomacy and provide practical opportunities for expanding sustainable cooperation in the book and publishing sector between Iran and Turkey.

The 42nd Istanbul International Book Fair, with the theme “Various States of Literature,” began on December 13 (22 Azar) and continues until December 21, 2025 (30 Azar 1404) at the TÜYAP Exhibition Center.