The Middle EastThe most significant change in children’s and youth magazines in Iran occurred after
the Islamic revolution in 1979. Before, most articles published in magazines were
translations from foreign magazines. Comic strips were prevalent. After the revolution,
only works by Iranian authors, poets and illustrators were published, including realistic
short stories about the life of Iranian children, written by young Iranian authors. This
totally changed the entire children’s literature of this period. The appearance of realistic
stories and novels is one of its important aspects. Another is the high quality of Iran’s
science, technology, and mathematics magazines for teens, especially compared to the
magazines in Western countries, including the United States, where teen periodicals are
much more frivolous and superficial, discussing fashion, makeup, dating, and pop
culture.
Keyhan Elmi Baraye Nowjavanan [Scientific Keyhan for Young People] (13–17) and
Fonoun [Technology] (9–16) acquaint young people with the scientific method, presenting
articles on science, technology, the environment, and social sciences. Kavosh (12–17)
introduces the applied sciences. Ayesh’s (12–17) mission is to help develop creativity in
aspiring young poets, writers, and artists. The Roshd magazines, all with general-interest
content, are graded according to school-age children. Many magazines in Iran are
supported by foundations, the Ministry of Education, or the Institute for the Intellectual
Development of Children and Young Adults.
One magazine, Kushesh, was founded in 1988 by the Hobbies and Toys Center in
Tehran and focuses on art, crafts, puzzles, etc. Between 1991 and 1994, four new
quality magazines appeared in Iran. They are all general-interest magazines: Soroush
Koudakan, Umid Ayandeh [Hope of the Future], Soureh Nowjavanan, and Salam Bacheda
[Hello Children].
In contrast, the only magazine available at present in Iraq is the government owned
general-interest magazine, Majalati (5–14).
The quality magazines in Israel are Kulanu (8–12), Kulanu Alef Bet (6–8), and Pilon.
They are general-interest magazines.
In Syria, the Ministry of Culture founded the magazine Ousama (for boys 9– 12), also
of general interest.
A new magazine in Turkey is Kirmizifare [The Red Mouse] (8–12). It provides quality
literature and illustrations. Two older general-interest magazines are Dogan Kardes (9–
14) and Bando (7–14).
Majed (6–16) is a general-interest quality magazine published in United Arab Emirates
and available in most Arab countries.
AsiaChinaMost children’s magazines in China are government owned. Children’s Literature
Monthly (10–16), now over thirty years old, is the nation’s most influential and
authoritative literary magazine. The stories and articles in it are representative of the
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