A Report from Iraq's Pavilion at the Tehran Book Fair What’s Happening at the Guest of Honor Booth? From the Book "Al-Mu’assis" to a Photo Spot

1404/02/20-19:55

The pavilion of Iraq, this year’s Guest of Honor at the 36th Tehran International Book Fair, welcomes visitors with a unique collection of works and ideas.

According to the media headquarters of the 36th Tehran International Book Fair, Iraq is the Guest of Honor at this year’s event, and this report takes a closer look at the atmosphere of its pavilion.

As you walk up the half-flight of stairs in the Shabestan Hall, the Iraq pavilion—Guest of Honor at this year's fair—comes into view. Members of the Iraqi Publishers Association have gathered here. The entrance is adorned with the national flag of Iraq, catching the eye of passersby. A mural stands in the center of the booth, decorated with various images. Visitors—from officials and special guests to the general public—use this mural as a popular photo backdrop.
I walk around the mural and take a closer look at it. Both sides of the mural are filled with images. I recognize the photos of the shrine of Imam Hussein (A.S.), the shrine of Hazrat Abbas (A.S.), and Imam Ali (A.S.), but I don’t recognize the others—maybe I just don’t remember! Not knowing isn't a flaw, after all. So I look at the mural more carefully.

At the center of the mural is Iraq, with the words “جمهوریة العراق” (Republic of Iraq) written below it. On the left side is the logo of the Iraqi Publishers Association, and on the right is the logo of the Iraqi Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

I call Mr. Amjad Sabah Hassan and ask him to explain the images on the mural. He says, “The mural has two sides: one side features historical and archaeological sites of Iraq, and the other side showcases religious landmarks.” Then, he points to each photo on the historical side: “We’ve displayed the historical and archaeological landmarks from various Iraqi cities on this side of the mural.”
The other side of the mural, which features Iraq’s religious sites, is completely familiar to me—except for one! I ask about that one, and Mr. Sabah Hassan replies: “To promote unity between Shia and Sunni, alongside the shrines of Imam Hussein (A.S.), Hazrat Abbas (A.S.), Imam Ali (A.S.), the Imams of Samarra and Kadhimayn, we’ve also included the shrine of Abu Hanifa al-Nu'man — a prominent Sunni scholar.”

I walk past each of the book shelves. The shelves hold books from 15 publishers who are members of the Iraqi Publishers Association. Among the names like Al-Muslima Al-Qanuniya, Bayt Al-Hikma, Al-Farashat, Al-Isami, Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiya, Old Book, Al-Warsha, Kutub Al-Adabiya, Masabeeh, Al-Ma‘bad, Sihr Al-Qalam, Qandeel, Kitabkhana Al-Rawda Al-Haidariya wa Maktabat Al-Alawiya, Dar Al-Ma'arif lil-Matboo‘at, and Babel, the name Hay’at Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi catches my attention.