BookCity Publishes Report on Cultural Resilience Amid Crisis and Conflict

When Words Become a Shelter

In the aftermath of missile attacks and widespread conflict that affected parts of the country and urban infrastructure, six branches of BookCity were damaged, with one store completely destroyed. Despite these losses, BookCity chose not to suspend its activities, and its bookstores remained open to the public.

At a time when anxiety and insecurity dominated the urban environment, BookCity stores functioned as cultural and psychological safe spaces—offering citizens a place to step away from distressing news cycles and regain a sense of stability through books and reading.

The newly published report on these events is itself part of this response. Beyond documenting damages and institutional actions, the act of compiling and publishing the report can be understood as an example of cultural resilience—an effort to preserve meaning, memory, and continuity in the face of disruption.

Alongside its operational response, BookCity also sought to bring international attention to the situation. Communications were established with organizations including UNESCO and UNICEF to highlight the impact of the crisis on cultural infrastructure, particularly spaces serving children and young people. Coverage and discussion subsequently appeared in international media outlets such as the Associated Press, Publishing Perspectives, and Livres Hebdo. These accounts emphasized that bookstores in Iran function not merely as commercial venues, but as social and cultural institutions sustaining dialogue, knowledge, and hope.

In parallel, BookCity published a “Guide for Supporting Children and Adolescents in Times of Crisis” and introduced a selection of 100 recommended books aimed at helping families address and manage children’s anxiety. The organization also issued public statements, documented damages, and engaged with global publishing networks to advocate for the protection of cultural spaces and the universal right of children to access books.

These experiences reaffirm that even in the most difficult circumstances, the relationship between Iranian society and books remains resilient. Public engagement with bookstores during periods of crisis reflects a sustained cultural commitment to reading and intellectual life.

The full report documenting these experiences and initiatives is available here:

Download full report (in Persian)