Soaring Stories: The Flying Turtle Prize for Iranian Narratives

At the heart of BookCity lies a deep commitment to preserving and advancing culture through literature, art, and education. One of its most cherished initiatives is the Flying Turtle project, a beacon of excellence in children’s and young adult literature. The Flying Turtle awards celebrate books that not only captivate young minds but also reflect the rich cultural and natural heritage of Iran.

On the 5th of Dey (December 26th), the central branch of BookCity hosted the 11th and 12th Flying Turtle award ceremonies, a vibrant gathering of authors, illustrators, and literary enthusiasts. The event honored books that beautifully intertwine storytelling with themes of Iran’s environment, history, and identity. Among the celebrated works were Birdwatching, The Hyrcanian Forests, Not Like Every Day, and Azar on Venus, each awarded the prestigious Silver Flying Turtle for their artistic and educational contributions.

Ali Jafarabadi, Deputy Director of BookCity, warmly welcomed attendees, emphasizing the symbolic message of the Flying Turtle: the power of speaking thoughtfully and sparingly. He reflected on the emotional connection humans have with childhood and old age, noting how these stages of life bring us closer to the essence of our humanity. “Perhaps that’s why many of us strive to reconnect with childhood—whether by becoming children’s poets, authors, or storytellers. In doing so, we reveal our true selves, free from fear of judgment or rejection,” he shared. His heartfelt words set the tone for an evening that celebrated the purity and creativity of childhood.

The Flying Turtle awards are more than just accolades; they are a testament to BookCity’s broader mission. Beyond this project, BookCity fosters cultural dialogue through initiatives like the BookCity International Festival, which brings together authors, publishers, and readers from around the world. The BookCity Encyclopedia project, another cornerstone, aims to preserve and disseminate knowledge about Iran’s literary and cultural heritage. These efforts reflect BookCity’s unwavering dedication to making literature accessible and meaningful for all.

Shahram Shakouri, one of the Flying Turtle judges, addressed the meticulous selection process, explaining that while not every worthy book makes the list, the goal is to highlight the best of Iranian literature for young readers. Ali Asghar Seidabadi, another judge, elaborated on the criteria, emphasizing the importance of literary value, Persian language, and innovative storytelling. He also highlighted the project’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “Even if a book is a masterpiece, we exclude it if it promotes gender, ethnic, or religious discrimination.”

The ceremony also shed light on the challenges facing children’s literature in Iran, particularly the rising costs of production and the declining purchasing power of families. The judges expressed hope that through community efforts, such as donating books to rural and underserved areas, every child in Iran could have access to quality literature.

A special segment of the event paid tribute to pioneers of children’s literature, honoring their lifelong contributions. This year, Iran Gorgin and Mahmoud Reza Bahmanpour were awarded the Flying Turtle Special Honors for their enduring impact on Iranian children’s literature and illustration. Gorgin was recognized for her decades of writing about Iran’s myths and prominent figures, as well as her role as the editor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia for Children and Young Adults. Bahmanpour, though absent, was celebrated for his groundbreaking work in illustration and his efforts to bridge the gap between generations of Iranian children’s book creators.

The evening concluded with the presentation of Silver Flying Turtle awards to four outstanding books:

1. The Hyrcanian Forests by Ardavan Zardiyan, praised for its creative and artistic approach to environmental themes and its role in fostering a sense of responsibility toward Iran’s natural heritage.
2. Birdwatchingby Parviz Bakhtiyari, a three-volume series that highlights biodiversity and the importance of birds to the environment.
3. Not Like Every Dayby Farhad Hassanzadeh and illustrated by Haleh Ghorbani, celebrated for its aesthetic portrayal of urban life and the harmonious interplay of text and images.
4. Azar on Venusby Soodabeh Fazlipour and illustrated by Farideh Shahbazi, which offers an artistic narrative of the life of a hardworking, influential, and lesser-known female scientist.

As in previous years, the event concluded with book signings, where attendees had the opportunity to meet the authors and illustrators of the awarded works. This interactive element, a hallmark of BookCity events, bridges the gap between creators and readers, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for literature.

The Flying Turtle project, like all of BookCity’s endeavors, is a celebration of culture, creativity, and the enduring power of stories. It reminds us that literature is not just a mirror of society but a bridge to understanding, empathy, and growth. Through initiatives like this, BookCity continues to illuminate the path toward a brighter, more culturally enriched future.