Izmir Book Fair Captivates Attendees from Day One

The 4th İzmir Book Fair at Fuar İzmir brings authors, book lovers, and cultural events together, celebrating cinema and literature until November 3.

on Oct 28, 2024

The 4th İzmir Book Fair, which is hosted by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ and TACT Fair Organization, has commenced at Fuar İzmir. On its opening day, İZKİTAP welcomed numerous notable figures. The fair, themed “Cinema and Literature,” will continue to connect book enthusiasts with renowned authors and events until November 3.

Book enthusiasts expressed immense interest in the İZKİTAP – 4th İzmir Book Fair, held for the fourth time at Fuar İzmir and supported by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality in collaboration with İZFAŞ and TACT Fair Organization. The guest of honor for İZKİTAP was acclaimed author and screenwriter Hakan Günday, who has received numerous prestigious awards nationally and internationally. On the first day of the fair, Günday engaged with his readers, discussing not only his books but also his film and series scripts like Şahsiyet, Müslüm, and Daha. His talk drew considerable attention, and Günday remarked that being the guest of honor and, more importantly, being both a reader and writer was a delightful experience, expressing gratitude to those facilitating the meeting. He emphasized that while similar ideas can be conveyed verbally, writing is a distinct experience, stating, “When you write, you must create a new sentence each time rather than repeating the same one. With every new sentence, you delve deeper into the subject you seek to comprehend and broaden your perspective. Sustained writing allows you to clear the smudges on the mirror, enhancing the chance of seeing your true self. Writing can be a journey of self-discovery. I strive for this as I tell stories. Make it a life goal to find your sentence,” he shared.

Varol Yaşaroğlu, the creator of the King Şakir character, engaged with his fans at İZKİTAP. Among those attending Varol Yaşaroğlu's session were children who adored King Şakir, adults who grew up with the character, and educators. Yaşaroğlu remarked, "I was born in Gültepe, İzmir, completed high school here, and later moved to Istanbul for university. Each time I return to İzmir, I receive a warm welcome. I frequently visit İzmir, taking that warmth back with me. Like many books are read in İzmir, it is also the city where King Şakir is most popular. I am thrilled to be at the fair."

Somer Sivrioğlu, a chef, restaurant owner, and presenter who has served as a jury member on the MasterChef Turkey program made an appearance for the readers at İZKİTAP. He was warmly received while signing his book, An Adventure in Anatolian Turkish Cuisine. Sivrioğlu expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm and mentioned, “İzmir is one of my favorite cities, and I visit often; it feels like my second home. This was my first experience at the book fair, and I enjoyed it. After this, I want to explore more. I quickly looked and found Manga very appealing; I will definitely check it out.”

İZKİTAP provides a unique experience for literature enthusiasts and serves as a cultural gathering spot. With more than 200 publishing houses, second-hand booksellers, international guest authors, and exhibitions, İZKİTAP welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 to 19:00. Planned activities include discussions on literature and cinema, poetry readings, and film screenings. Moreover, civil society organizations and involved writers will have the opportunity to meet with readers at the fair.