The 31st International Holy Quran Fair, which commenced at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosalla, has once again welcomed the beloved "Garden of Verses" booth, marking its third year as a cornerstone of the exhibition.
The booth has become a cherished destination for children,
who are drawn to its creative allure and the opportunity to collect dolls of
their favorite fictional characters.
Leila Shevidi, an organizer of the booth, shares that the
exhibit's focus on creativity has been a major draw. Children are particularly
fond of crafting figures of animals mentioned in the Quran. This year, the
gaming and entertainment section has grown, featuring a wider selection of
board games that captivate the young attendees. A newly added celestial section
offers a window into the cosmos, broadening the horizons of the exhibition's
youngest visitors.
"Our experienced instructors come from diverse
backgrounds in the arts and education," says Shevidi. "They have a
special knack for engaging with children, fostering a nurturing environment
that supports their psychological well-being."
Last year's rock painting initiative, which taught children
to appreciate the natural world, has made a triumphant return due to popular
demand.
Shevidi emphasizes the importance of innovation in enhancing
the exhibition experience. "Each year, we aim to introduce fresh concepts
and deepen the visitors' understanding," she explains. "Our goal is
to make the exhibition a beacon of learning and inspiration."
Running until April 2, the fair operates daily from 5:00 PM
to 00:30 AM local time. It enjoys a family-friendly atmosphere and has set up
Iftar tables for communal breaking of the fast. With participation from 25
countries, the fair also sheds light on global issues such as the struggles of
Gaza and Palestine, illustrating the Quran's role in promoting resistance.
The fair's mission extends beyond mere display; it seeks to
immerse visitors in Quranic teachings through various artistic, cultural, and
theatrical mediums, with a special focus on engaging the youth. It also
features sections dedicated to modern topics like artificial intelligence,
alongside traditional areas of Quranic research, translation, and memorization
techniques.