The Istanbul Book Fair, launched in 1982 through the collaboration of TÜYAP and the Turkish Publishers Association, is considered one of Turkey's largest cultural events. Initially, the event was held in a space beneath the Etap Hotel in Taksim, with the participation of 28 publishers. As interest in books grew across Turkey and the fair's popularity surged, TÜYAP moved the event in 2000 to the larger TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center in Büyükçekmece, allowing for a broader range of participants. Now in its 41st edition, the fair has become an international event, welcoming readers, authors, and publishers from around the world to Istanbul.
The Early Years of the Istanbul Book Fair
The first Istanbul Book Fair was held in 1982 in a 320-square-meter area with the participation of only 28 publishers. Despite its modest beginning, the fair attracted 62,000 book lovers. As interest in books and publishing rapidly increased in Turkey, the Istanbul Book Fair quickly gained prominence as a key event that brought book enthusiasts together. Its success led to rapid expansion in the following years.
Temporary Closure During the Pandemic
In 2005, the Istanbul Book Fair gained international status, welcoming writers, publishers, and copyright agencies from around the world. By 2011, it was recognized as an "international domestic specialized fair," bringing together participants from over 30 countries. The fair also contributes to cultural and literary development by selecting an annual theme and an honorary writer.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fair could not be held physically in 2020 and 2021; instead, online events were organized. However, as of 2022, the Istanbul Book Fair resumed its physical format, once again welcoming book enthusiasts.
The Development and Themes of the Istanbul Book Fair
Throughout its history, the fair has selected honorary writers and introduced different themes each year, highlighting social and cultural issues in the literary world. Some of the past themes of the Istanbul Book Fair include:
- 2015: "Humor: Looking at Life with a Smile"
- 2017: "Literature and Children"
- 2018: "Encircling Life with Literature"
- 2019: "The Generation of the 1950s in Our Literature"
During the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, the fair could not be held physically, but online events took place. Since 2022, the fair has resumed its physical presence, evolving into a major literary and cultural festival that offers not only book sales and promotions but also panels, interviews, book signings, and workshops. Every year, thousands of local and international publishers and hundreds of authors participate, engaging directly with readers.
Honorary Writers and Themes
In 1987, the concept of an “honorary writer” was introduced for the first time, with Fazıl Hüsnü Dağlarca chosen as the inaugural honoree. This tradition continues as a way to pay tribute to significant figures in Turkish literature. In 1989, the introduction of an annual "theme" led to a series of events built around specific topics. The first theme, "Peace and Books," was introduced in 1989 with Turhan Selçuk as the honorary writer. In 2010, the "guest country of honor" initiative was launched to foster cross-cultural literary dialogue. Countries such as Spain, Egypt, the Netherlands, China, and Germany have participated as guest countries at the fair.
Istanbul Book Fair 2023: Celebrating the Republic’s 100th Anniversary
The year 2023 holds special significance for the Istanbul Book Fair as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. The theme of the year was "Long Live the Republic," with Nermin Abadan Unat selected as the honorary writer. The fair aimed to emphasize the values of the Republic and Turkey's literary heritage, offering a platform to showcase the country's cultural richness to readers. Events such as panels, interviews, and author meetings provided insights into the Republic’s development from a literary perspective. Publishers and readers from across Turkey and abroad gathered at the fair to celebrate the Republic’s cultural legacy.
From its humble beginnings in 1982, the Istanbul Book Fair has made significant contributions to Turkey's cultural development and has evolved into an internationally recognized event. Over the years, with its honorary writer, theme, and guest country initiatives, the fair has reflected the unifying power of literature while also serving as a cultural ambassador for Turkey. The special events held in 2023 in honor of the Republic’s centennial have further strengthened the fair's mission to preserve and promote Turkey’s cultural memory. With an ever-expanding audience and a growing range of activities, the Istanbul Book Fair continues to enhance the influence of literature on society.
