On Wednesday, December 26, 2023, Ahvaz BookCity welcomed Dr. Nematollah Fazeli, a prominent figure in the humanities, for an engaging discussion about his books. Co-organized by the Khuzestan Nights Working Group, the event was a vibrant mix of lectures, Shahnameh recitations by Nourbakhsh Ahmadzadeh, and a lively Q&A session.
This event wasn’t just about books—it was about creating a space for dialogue, reflection, and community building. Ahvaz BookCity continues to prove itself as a hub for intellectual and cultural exchange, fostering connections that go beyond the page.
The event kicked off with Keyvan Lotfi introducing Dr. Fazeli as one of the most prolific and distinguished scholars in Iran’s humanities field. Fazeli then took the stage, diving into the core themes of his book *The Issue of School*.
“Learning, assisting, and remembering are the three pillars of this book,” he explained. “We live in schools and universities to assist one another. The school’s role is learning, and the book’s role is reminding.”
This isn’t just about education—it’s about the interconnectedness of learning and memory, and how institutions shape our collective consciousness. Fazeli highlighted a troubling trend: “Instead of literacy, we’re facing pseudo-literacy. Students go to school but fail to acquire effective reading and writing skills. Literacy isn’t just about decoding text—it’s about the ability to focus, reflect, and engage deeply with ideas.”
His words were a powerful critique of modern education systems, emphasizing the need for depth over superficiality.
Citing alarming statistics, Fazeli revealed: “According to the Deputy Minister of Elementary Education, 40% of elementary students cannot read or write after five years of schooling. This isn’t just about basic skills—it’s about the erosion of analytical thinking and deep concentration.”
This is a wake-up call for educators and policymakers. The crisis isn’t just functional—it’s cognitive and cultural. Fazeli also pointed to the role of social media and digital distractions in exacerbating these issues: “Media and social networks are destroying attention spans, creating new challenges for education systems.”
His remarks served as a timely reminder of how technology, while transformative, can also undermine critical thinking.
Referencing Joseph Henrich’s *The WEIRDest People in the World*, Fazeli argued: “Reading and writing have shaped cognitive structures in modern societies, enabling us to solve complex problems. Literacy isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of life, equipping societies to tackle challenges like environmental crises.”
This perspective underscores the profound role of literacy as a tool for survival and progress—a reminder of why books and education matter so deeply.
Fazeli didn’t shy away from hard truths: “The lowest literacy rates are in Afghanistan. True development is impossible without genuine literacy. Basic literacy is the operating system of 21st-century humans—it’s the foundation for all other forms of learning.”
His words were a stark reminder that literacy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for human dignity and progress. Without it, societies remain fragmented and incomplete.
In a poetic closing, Fazeli described books as “the benefit of things without benefit.” He elaborated: “Books are a medium that promotes literacy and prepares the mind for abstract and conceptual thinking. They are a treasure trove of words and a tool for elevating human thought and communication.”
This is Ahvaz BookCity’s mission in action—books as bridges to deeper understanding and connection, fostering a culture of reflection and intellectual growth.
The event concluded with Nourbakhsh Ahmadzadeh’s Shahnameh recitation, a nod to Iran’s rich literary heritage. A panel featuring Dr. Mohsen Sanaei (professor at Shahid Chamran University), Behnoush Bassak (cultural activist), Atefeh Rashnavi (head of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chogha Zanbil), and Ebrahim Shishebor (social advocate) sparked a dynamic discussion.
The evening wrapped up with a book signing session, where fans eagerly lined up to meet Dr. Fazeli.
This wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of ideas, culture, and community. Ahvaz BookCity once again proved its role as a catalyst for intellectual and cultural growth, bringing people together to reflect on the issues that shape our lives.
Ahvaz BookCity isn’t just hosting events—it’s building a movement. By addressing critical issues like literacy and education, it’s fostering a society that values knowledge, reflection, and dialogue. This is how we build a brighter future—one book, one conversation, and one mind at a time.
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