The launch ceremony for the first issue of Book Diplomacy, a new monthly magazine, was held on Sunday evening, November 30, 2025 (9 Azar 1404), in the Sarvestan section of Tehran Book Garden, with the presence of publishing professionals, authors, translators, and cultural managers.
At the opening of the event, Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad-Javad Golzar, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, welcomed attendees and underscored the need for establishing such a publication. He stated that, despite significant efforts to convey Iran’s rich culture to the world, there remains a considerable distance to the desired horizon. Emphasizing Iran’s profound civilizational heritage, of which the Islamic Revolution is the pinnacle, he stressed the importance of presenting a precise and up-to-date image of this legacy to global audiences.
Golzar highlighted the critical role of translators, noting that many translators today understand global tastes and can help amplify Iran’s voice worldwide. “We are at the beginning of this path,” he added, “and hope to move toward new horizons with the cooperation of professionals in this field.”
Following this, Ali Ramezani, CEO of Tehran Book Garden and a member of the magazine’s policy council, described the publication’s release as the beginning of an influential cultural movement. “When we speak of book diplomacy, we are not talking about the future,” he said. “We are speaking of books as a global tool for conveying concepts and establishing cultural presence in the world.”
Dr. Ramezani pointed to the rise in translations of Persian works: “Today, many Persian books are available in various languages, indicating that this trend is already taking shape.” He noted that Tehran Book Garden has become a destination for tourists, diplomats, and others seeking translated Iranian titles.
With more than 480 translated Persian titles currently available at the complex, Ramazani emphasized that a deep understanding of the global book market and international cultural networks is a critical responsibility of the new magazine. “Knowledge is the first essential step for making a meaningful entry into this arena,” he said. “And today, that step has been taken.”
In another segment, Dr. Mohammad-Hossein Rajabi Davani, also a member of the magazine’s policy council, addressed the importance of “book diplomacy” in the current global context. He explained that the West, after the Renaissance, promoted the idea that separating religion from politics was the key to progress. “The Islamic Revolution challenged this notion,” he said, “and efforts to distort its image ultimately failed.”
Rajabi Davani added that widespread popular movements against injustice are emerging around the world, making this moment an ideal opportunity for book diplomacy. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he stressed that various methods exist for overcoming obstacles. “The world today is eager to hear the ideals of the Revolution,” he said, “and inclinations toward Mahdism are visible in many societies, which should be supported through the introduction of relevant works.”
The international segment of the ceremony included a live video connection with Hossein Bahrami, International Director of Nakhl-e Sabz Publishing, who joined from the Selangor Book Fair in Malaysia.At the conclusion of the program, the first issue of Book Diplomacy was officially unveiled in the presence of Mohammad-Javad Golzar (editor-in-chief), Ali Ramazani (CEO of Tehran Book Garden and policy council member), Meysam Nili (CEO of the Association of Islamic Revolution Publishers), Ali Nazari (advisor to the Organization for Preservation and Publication of Sacred Defense Works), Mohammad-Hasan Rajabi Davani (author and researcher), and a group of cultural and artistic figures.
