A planetarium has been installed at the 31st International Holy Quran Fair with the aim of displaying the “magnificence of creation” to visitors.
The device has been
installed in the “Garden of Verses” section that is dedicated to children.
Amir-Farhang Omidvand, director of planetarium, says the device is the first of
its kind that is patented in Iran.
“Visitors step inside this dome-like structure and are
treated to 360-degree images of various environments, such as outer space, the
human body’s interior, and the ocean depths,” he said.
“The program is divided into two main areas:
astronomy/physics and biology,” he said, adding, “The astronomy section is so
realistic that when children enter the dome and we project images of Saturn or
a meteor shower, they instinctively protect their heads from the virtual
celestial objects.”
In the biology section, children are virtually shrunk to the
size of a cell and taken on a journey through a vein, where they can see red
blood cells and other internal body structures, he added.
“Our goal is to demonstrate the vastness of the universe,
where stars, planets, and galaxies make us humans seem as small as atoms.
Conversely, we also show the inside of our bodies, where compared to our cells,
we are as large as galaxies. Through this, we aim to showcase the magnificence
of creation.”
Admission to the Planetarium at the Quran fair is free of
charge, he said, adding that each group is allotted a half-hour session.
The 31st International Holy Quran Fair opened its doors at
Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosalla on March 20, welcoming visitors to a spiritual
and cultural journey that coincides with the Nowruz holidays.
The exhibition, which will run until April 2, invites
enthusiasts to explore its offerings daily from 5:00 PM to 00:30 AM local time.
A key highlight of the exhibition is its family-friendly
atmosphere, ensuring a welcoming space for all ages.
Additionally, the fair 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. The 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.