Our Objectives
اهداف ما
Founded in 2017 in Canada by book historian and University of Toronto scholar Mahdi Ganjavi, Asemana Books is an independent publishing house and literary event organizer dedicated to elevating voices that transcend borders and enrich the cultural fabric of West Asian and North African diaspora. We specialize in publishing progressive, multilingual, and underrepresented literature and scholarship while curating literary events that foster dialogue and community engagement. From publishing vital works to organizing book fairs, author talks, and literary gatherings, Asemana Books is committed to amplifying diasporic narratives, preserving cultural memory, and connecting diverse audiences across Canada and beyond.
Core Values
Diversity and Inclusion
We spotlight voices from diasporic and underrepresented communities, embracing multilingualism to diversify Canada’s literary and cultural landscape.
Progressive Thought
Our work engages with pressing issues such as social justice, decolonization, and human rights, using literature and scholarship to challenge dominant narratives and inspire change.
Cultural Preservation
Through publishing and event programming, we safeguard and celebrate the cultural heritage of MENA communities, bridging past and present for Canadian and international audiences.
Publishing Focus
Non-Fiction & Scholarship: Critical works on West Asian and North African communities and their diasporas, histories, and cultures.
Fiction & Poetry: Literary expressions that explore the complexities of identity, exile, and community.
Memoirs & Oral Histories: Personal accounts of migration, political struggle, and resilience.
Translation & Archival Recovery: Reviving overlooked and censored works for contemporary readers.
Literary & Community Engagement
As an active literary event organizer, Asemana Books co-hosts book fairs, workshops, author talks, and readings, providing platforms for writers, translators, and readers to connect. Our initiatives include co-founding major literary events like the Alef Persian Book Fair and partnering with cultural and academic institutions to foster critical dialogue.
At Asemana Books, we believe in the transformative power of literature—both on the page and in the community.
Words that shape identity
به انتشارات آسمانا خوش آمدید. نشر آسمانا که در سال ۲۰۱۷ در کانادا تأسیس شد، یک انتشارات مستقل و همچنین برگزارکنندهی رویدادهای کتاب و ادبی است که به ارتقای صداهایی اختصاص دارد که بافت فرهنگی دیاسپورای خاورمیانه و شمال آفریقا را غنا میبخشند. آسمانا متعهد به انتشار ادبیات تجربی و پیشرو و پژوهشهای دیاسپورا، چندزبانه، به حاشیهرانده شده و مترقی است. از انتشار آثار برجسته گرفته تا سازماندهی نمایشگاههای کتاب، نشستهای نویسندگان و گردهماییهای ادبی، نشر آسمانا به بازتاب روایتهای دیاسپورایی، حفظ حافظهی فرهنگی، و پیوند دادن مخاطبان متنوع در سراسر کانادا، آمریکای شمالی و فراتر از آن میپردازد
با کلمه هویت بسازید
همراهان نشر
Acknowledgment and Editorial Ethics
At Asemana Books, we are deeply grateful to the many individuals who have generously contributed to our mission and growth. Our development as an independent publisher has been shaped by the intellectual labor and critical generosity of scholars, readers, and authors who have reviewed, evaluated, and advised on our poetry, fiction, non-fiction and research publications—across diverse linguistic traditions.
At the heart of this collaborative ecosystem is the profound insight, and dedication of Mehrnaz Mansouri, whose contributions have been foundational to our work. Alongside her, this effort has also been shaped by the thoughtful input of Fereshteh Molavi, Fereshteh Ahmadi, Marzieh Sotoudeh, Shahrzad Mojab, Reza Farokhfal, Mansour Noorbakhsh, Ezzat Mosalanejad, Amir Hakimi, Victoria Freeman, Blair Kuntz, Sasan Qahreman, Niaz Salimi, Mohammad Qaemi, Ali Sobati, Mehdi Poriyan, Hadi Ebrahimi Roudbaraki, Hossein Atashparvar, Akram Pedramnia, and Aria Fani. Their feedback, time, and engagement have been instrumental in shaping the direction and depth of our publishing across literary genres and linguistic communities.
Here, we wish to specifically acknowledge the contributions of two individuals whose honorary literary guidance has been especially important in shaping our Persian fiction program:
- Mehrak Kamali, Associate Professor of Teaching and Persian Language Program Coordinator at The Ohio State University
- Amir Hossein Yazdanbod, acclaimed author and novelist
Both serve as Honorary Editorial Advisors to the Persian Fiction Program in a non-governing, advisory capacity. Their contributions are intellectual in nature—supporting long-term literary vision, and curatorial direction.
We further acknowledge the invaluable literary insight of Mahmood Khoshchehreh (PhD, McMaster University), whose honorary guidance has played a vital role in the development of our English novels program.
We further acknowledge the distinguished literary insight of Ali Foumani, director and playwriter, whose honorary guidance has been essential to the development of our section devoted to plays/drama.
Land Acknowledgment
Asemana Books operates on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Anishinabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Wendat peoples. This land is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. We are grateful to have the opportunity to read, write, and connect through words on this land.
Asemana Books 