Threefold Rise in Book Purchases Amid Wartime Conditions
Tehran - BORNA - A report released by the Iran Book and Literature House reveals that the number of book buyers on the Book Market Platform during this period more than tripled compared to the same time last year, with a dramatic rise in overall sales. Analysts attribute this growth primarily to the continuation of targeted state subsidies and cultural support mechanisms.
A Cultural Boom in the Shadow of War
Official figures show that from June 9 to July 10, 2024, 7,261 buyers purchased a total of 14,508 books, spending over 24 billion IRR (~$42,000). This marks a sharp increase compared to the same period in 2023, when only 2,421 buyers purchased 6,603 books, amounting to around 8.7 billion IRR in sales.
According to the data, government-issued book purchase subsidies rose from 1.59 billion IRR in 2023 to 3.63 billion IRR in 2024. Postal subsidies—designed to reduce shipping costs across Iran—also saw a significant boost, doubling from just over 2 billion IRR to more than 4.39 billion IRR in the same period.
These financial supports, particularly valuable in times of limited mobility and physical restrictions, have positioned online book sales as a central vehicle for cultural distribution.
Books as Society’s Answer to Crisis
The growth in book buyers amid crisis is not merely an economic phenomenon; it is a profound cultural signal. While war and economic instability often cripple cultural markets, the report suggests that Iranians are turning to books as a source of knowledge, calm, and resilience.
The boom is also linked to Iran’s now-mature online book infrastructure—originally strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic—which has proven capable of maintaining access to literature even in wartime.
Challenges Remain, but the Path Is Clear
Although rising book prices and inflation continue to limit some readers, targeted subsidies have helped offset the burden. Cultural policy experts argue that maintaining such support during crises not only safeguards national cultural infrastructure but also encourages public participation in intellectual and educational life.
A Soft Victory on the Cultural Front
The latest figures show that even in the shadow of conflict, well-designed cultural strategies can yield meaningful results. The Book Market Platform’s July 2025 performance—marked by higher sales, increased subsidies, and greater public participation—represents a “soft victory” for Iranian culture.
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