“Culture-building in the country requires books, and despite the expansion of virtual spaces, books still hold their high status,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in an interview with the IRIB News at the TIBF on Sunday.
The visit by Ayatollah Khamenei is the first after three years of coronavirus-related restrictions in Iran.
The Supreme Leader underscored the importance of books in cultural development, despite the prevalence of digital media.
He further explained that books are the foundation of all artistic, media, and cultural activities, including theater, cinema, painting, and audio-visual work.
“No one can produce good media and art work without being regularly in touch with books,” he pointed out.
During the three-hour visit, the Supreme Leader expressed satisfaction with the large number of visitors and the high volume of book purchases at the Tehran book fair.
He emphasized that the TIBF is an enormous cultural event for the public and plays a significant role in promoting all aspects of culture in the country.
When asked about his personal interest in books, Ayatollah Khamenei replied that he has a strong passion for reading and reads books of all genera.
“I read technical and specialized books, as well as scientific and fiction books,” he said.
The Supreme Leader further urged young Iranians to read widely and develop a deep interest in books to enrich their lives.
The 34th edition of TIBF kicked off on May 10 and will be running for ten days. The event is held at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla, a grand mosque in north-central Tehran.
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