In a live broadcast on Razavi TV, Masoud Farzaneh highlighted 100-year history of AQR in publishing the Holy Quran, prayer books, and religious texts. “The first publishing activities date back to 1926, with lithographic printing of prayer books in the Imam Reza shrine (northeast Iran)”.
Farzaneh noted that before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, AQR had published 27 lithographic books, saying: “Post-revolution establishment of new printing and publishing institutions accelerated the spread of Imam Reza’s teachings and the knowledge of the Imams”.
Behnashr has so far published over 18,000 book titles in more than 80 million copies for regional, national, and international audiences, with nearly 50% produced by the institute itself.
Since its inception until the start of the current Iranian year (March 21), Behnashr has published over 8,000 book titles in 33 million copies.
Initially a general publisher, Behnashr shifted focus in 2017 to specialize in religious literature, emphasizing Islamic teachings, the tradition of the Ahl al-Bayt, particularly Imam Reza, resistance literature, the Islamic Revolution, and Islamic lifestyle.
The publications prioritize literary works over research-oriented texts in a scientific and professional manner.
In 2001, Behnashr launched "Parvaneh" – a brand for children and adolescents – that collaborates with 190 authors and 200 illustrators.
The children's unit has produced award-winning books and remains a comprehensive source for the needs of the young readership.
The head of AQR’s publishing institute emphasized creating spaces where families can comfortably select and read books, highlighting the presence of Behnashr bookstores at the entrances of the shrine. “These stores offer a wide range of books, respecting Islamic values and providing a beautiful, book-focused environment”.
Behnashr has taken significant steps in reverse translation, with approximately 100 of its best titles translated into languages such as Arabic, English, and Malay. These books have been showcased at international book fairs so far.
AS for the current year, the institute plans to publish over 620 titles, with 120 being first editions.
“Current priorities include producing updated and valuable content, with a focus on war and resistance literature due to recent developments (against the backdrop of Israeli genocide in Gaza and aggression on Lebanon)”, explained the CEO.