Celebrating Book Week 2025 in the Heart of History
Coinciding with the National Book Week of 2025 (Aban 1404), Kashan BookCity officially inaugurated its cultural calendar with a vibrant series of events titled “Kashan BookCity Cultural Nights.” Running from November 14 to November 20, these sessions transformed the newly established center into a bustling hub for authors, translators, researchers, and families.
Having opened its doors in September 2025, Kashan BookCity is more than a traditional bookstore. It is designed as a modern cultural complex featuring specialized departments for books, stationery, art products, and a dedicated wing for children and adolescents. With a strategic focus on Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the center aims to bridge the gap between digital-native generations and the timeless culture of reading, creating a shared space for families in this historic city.
The opening night featured a special guest who needs little introduction to Iranian bibliophiles: Abtin Golkar, the preeminent translator of Russian literature. In an intimate and engaging dialogue, Golkar explored translation as an act of “literary re-creation.”
He delved into the eternal debate of the translator’s craft: the delicate balance between fidelity to the source text and the creative license required to make a classic breathe in a new language. The session concluded with a lively Q&A, where Golkar offered expert recommendations on navigating the vast ocean of Russian literature, moving the discussion from theory to the practical joy of reading.
Given Kashan’s status as a jewel of Iranian history (home to the ancient Tepe Sialk), the “Night of Cultural Guardians” was particularly resonant. The event launched the book “Archeology of Iran,” featuring Dr. Seyed Javad Hossein-zadeh (translator), Dr. Hassan Fazeli (co-author), and Dr. Abdollah-zadeh (Head of Kashan’s Cultural Heritage Department).
The speakers emphasized that preserving historical heritage is not just about protecting ruins, but about integrating this history into public education. They highlighted Kashan’s unique potential to serve as a scientific model for introducing cultural artifacts to the general public.
Shifting focus to mental well-being, another evening was dedicated to the launch of “Resilience in Life Challenges” by local author Atefeh Ostadzadeh. This session moved away from abstract theory, offering a practical toolkit for “individual resilience” and mental health. The discussion provided the audience with actionable strategies and daily exercises to manage stress and navigate personal and familial crises effectively.
Perhaps the most visually striking event of the week took place in the Children and Adolescent Department. Hosted by Ali Vafaei-nezhad, the “Book Creation Workshop” buzzed with the energy of 70 children and their families.
In a celebration of participatory learning, the children collaborated to brainstorm, illustrate, and write a continuous story. The result was a staggering 17-meter-long book—a physical testament to the limitless imagination of children when given the right tools. This collective artwork has now been archived at Kashan BookCity as a permanent reminder of the joy of creation.
The “Night of Publishing Veterans” paid tribute to the unsung heroes of the local literary ecosystem. Appreciation awards were presented to Hossein-Ali Pour-Madani (Director of Morsal Publications) and Afshin Atefi (Director of Armaghan Adab Publications).
Dr. Meysam Namaki (Head of Kashan’s Culture and Islamic Guidance Department) and Dr. Morteza Valizadeh (Head of the Cultural-Sports Organization of Kashan Municipality) spoke on the vital role local publishers play in keeping the intellectual heart of the city beating.
The final night was dedicated to a reflective review of the book “In the Chiaroscuro of Time” (Dar Sayeh-Roshan-e Zaman). A gathering of veteran doctors and cultural activists discussed the intersections of memory, oral history, and social responsibility. The conversation highlighted the importance of documenting “lived experiences” within the city, merging the precision of medicine with the empathy of culture.
With this powerful start during Book Week, Kashan BookCity has firmly established itself not just as a retailer, but as a vital institution for cultural synergy and community engagement in Kashan.
Tags: Kashan BookCity
