The 31st International Holy Quran Fair, which opened its doors at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla on Wednesday, is attracting a large audience with its unique offerings. The fair, which coincides with the Nowruz holidays, will run until April 2 and is open daily from 5:00 PM to 00:30 AM local time.

“Technological Youth” is drawing particular attention for its world-first interactive Quranic Virtual Reality (VR) experience.

According to Mohammadreza Salehi-Manesh, one of the hosts, this VR experience features a Quranic verse depicted as a 360-degree film, which can be viewed by attendees through VR glasses. He added that the VR experience is designed to aid in Quran memorization.

Salehi-Manesh also noted that the images displayed at the exhibition were created using artificial intelligence, achieving a level of beauty and detail that would be challenging for even a skilled graphic artist to replicate.

In addition, the booth’s artificial intelligence academy offers free classes in illustration, story writing, and animation for those interested.

“One of our primary objectives is to foster a culture that embraces the technological revolution,” Salehi-Manesh said. “We aim to guide the new generation towards a future of education that is aware of and resilient against potential threats.”

The fair is family-friendly and has arranged for Iftar tables to be set up, providing a communal space for visitors to break their fast together following the Maghrib and Isha prayers.

The fair features various Quranic institutions and governmental bodies, as well as international participants from 25 countries. It also highlights the issues of Gaza and Palestine and the role of the Quran in inspiring resistance.

The fair aims to familiarize people with Quranic concepts through artistic, cultural, and theatrical mediums, especially for children and teenagers. It also offers sections on artificial intelligence, Nahj al-Balaghah, Quranic research and consultation, Quran translation, and easy Quran memorization.