Iran Relaunches “Cultural Diplomacy” with Return to Frankfurt
WANA (Oct 31) – After a three-year absence, the Islamic Republic of Iran returned to the Frankfurt International Book Fair—an event Ayoub Dehghan-kar, head of Iran’s pavilion, called a new chapter in the country’s cultural diplomacy through books and publishing.
Iran took part in late October 2025 to strengthen cultural exchange and literary diplomacy. Dehghan-kar, advisor to the Deputy Minister of Culture and director of Iran’s stand, said expanding cultural diplomacy is a key priority of the Ministry of Culture in the current administration.
He noted that Iran’s presence in global events like Frankfurt can help promote the sale and translation of Iranian works and connect Iranian publishers with international literary agencies.
“Frankfurt is the world’s most important publishing gathering,” he said. “Iran’s participation here is strategically significant.”
This year’s participation was organized by the Tehran Book Fellowship Secretariat, a new body focused on international publishing cooperation. Dehghan-kar also announced an agreement for Iran to return with a national pavilion in 2026, and for Germany to participate in the Tehran International Book Fair in 2027, calling it a step toward deeper cultural dialogue.
He described this year’s atmosphere as “calm and professional,” noting that Iran’s previous official presence in 2021 was also secure and well-received.
A collection of Persian books translated through the Ministry’s Grant Program was displayed to introduce Iran’s literary potential to international publishers.
The Frankfurt Book Fair—over seven decades old—is the world’s largest publishing event. Observers see Iran’s return as a turning point in revitalizing its cultural diplomacy on the global stage.
Iran at the Frankfurt International Book Fair. Social Media / WANA News Agency
