‘A book is an extraordinary humane phenomenon, which resembles man. Like man, it has different layers and functions; books that are man-made have functions like production of science and development of language,’ Salehi said in the opening ceremony of the 32nd Tehran International Book Fair.

IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK

The languages of nations were developed by books; he said, noting that Farsi couldn’t have reached the current point, without works of Bayhaqi, Firdowsi, Saadi and Rumi, Salehi said.

Referring to the role of books in economy and industry, he said that the Supreme Leader of Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei named this year as ‘Boosting Production’ and this should not be ignored in publications.

He also said that one book can have big effects; for example, Cathédrale Notre-Dame was an old building no one paid attention to, but after Victor Hugo wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame, it became the center of attention, was reconstructed in 25 years and become a tourist attraction.

He also said that public diplomacy is more effective than the official one and books are as its ambassadors and embassies.

Ill-wishers now try to tighten the belt of sanctions around Iran, but books and thoughts can loosen it, he added.

The 32nd edition of Tehran International Book Fair kicked yesterday but it will open to the public as today.

During the inaugural ceremony, Mohsen Javadi, head of the 32nd Tehran International Book Fair and Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, said the motto of this edition is “Reading Is Ability”.

“With this motto, we welcome not only the great cultural event of our country, but also one of the largest cultural events in the world,” Javadi went on to say.

In addition to 2,400 domestic publishers, 800 international publishers offer their valuable works at this edition to book enthusiasts.

Last year 1,400 titles were published and put on show at the exhibition, he noted, adding that cultural events and discussion sessions about the books are being held at the venue of the fair.

“The history of Iran is known via the great books of scientists and wise men. We are glad we can develop friendship among nations and governments by books,” he maintained.

China is the special guest of the exhibition this year. China’s news conference was held Monday (April 22) with the presence of Iranian and Chinese officials.