Iran hosts 32nd international Qur’an competition

The 32nd edition of Iran’s International Qur’an Competition has kicked off during a ceremony in the capital Tehran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati and a number of other officials attended the opening ceremony of the event on May 15.

Some 120 reciters and memorizers from over 85 countries will compete in this year’s competition. A group of 22 jurors, including 12 Iranian and 10 foreign masters will judge the event.

The 9th International Conference of Qur’anic Studies will be held on the sidelines of the week-long competition. Researchers from 10 countries will present their latest works during the conference.

Participants and Qur’an enthusiasts will also get the chance to take part in 50 different workshops.

The annual International Qur’an Competition is held to encourage the public to read the Holy Quran and to follow its instructions.

Organized by Iran’s State Endowment and Charity Affairs Organization, the 2015 edition of the event will run until May 21.