[63373] Opening of the 7th Tehran Virtual Book Fair: Preliminary data and changes in subsidy policy

Opening of the 7th Tehran Virtual Book Fair

The 7th Tehran Virtual Book Fair has officially opened, with first-day data indicating keen demand from the public. According to a report by آخرین خبر, approximately 21,500 copies of books were sold on the opening day alone. The fair organizers noted that about 300,000 titles have already been uploaded to the event website, categorized by subject, author name, and publisher, and that online professional conferences will be held throughout the duration of the fair.

Alongside the numerical success, criticism has arisen regarding changes to the discount policy. The خراسان آنلاین channel reports that the "Iran Book and Literature House" has announced the total cancellation of dedicated book vouchers for specific population groups, such as students and clerics. Instead, the fair is offering a blanket discount of 25% to the general public, up to a ceiling of 2 million Tomans per purchase.

خراسان آنلاین emphasizes the gap between the current policy and the one practiced in previous years, when additional benefits were granted to defined groups beyond the general discounts for the wider public.

The fair is expected to run until June 2, and is accessible to the general public through the online system at book.icfi.ir. According to the acting director of the fair, the goal is to continue holding the event as a central cultural platform that makes literature accessible to readers nationwide.