CNR Book Fair, which book lovers have been eagerly waiting for, opened its doors to its visitors for the 7th time...
This year, the fair welcomes readers with the theme of "Discovery", and includes more than 300 local and foreign publishing houses and more than 550 brands. The fair, where more than 350 events will be held, will also host autograph sessions of more than 600 writers.
The International CNR Book Fair, organized by Pozitif Fuarcılık, one of the CNR Holding companies, with the support of KOSGEB, opened its doors to its visitors for the 7th time at the CNR Expo Istanbul Fair Center. The fair, attended by more than 300 local and foreign publishing houses and more than 550 brands, was opened by CNR Holding Chairman of the Board Ceyda Erem, as well as CHP Istanbul Deputy Özgür Karabat, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Bakırköy Mayor Dr. It was held with the participation of Bülent Kerimoğlu and the famous novelist Ahmet Ümit, who was the guest of honor of the fair.
“We must instill the love of books in our children and young people”
Speaking at the opening of the book fair, CNR Holding CEO Ali Bulut touched upon the importance of local governments in the fair industry, as is the case all over the world. Stating that as CNR, they organize book fairs in Mersin and Gaziantep as well as Istanbul, Ali Bulut said, "This fair is very valuable to us. We must instill the love of books in our children and young people, especially in our world where technology is rapidly transforming. That is why we attach great importance to these fairs." Continuing his words with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's words, "If I had not read books, I could not have done any of these things," Ali Bulut said, "Our country's sensitivity towards books is revealed with these words. Today, as we are rapidly advancing towards the 100th anniversary of our Republic, we have no other option than a society that learns and questions by reading." Emphasizing that book fairs have a meaning beyond a commercial activity for CNR, Ali Bulut stated that they aim to close this year's book fair with a visitor record of over 350 thousand.
“You can give the best message to the world through culture, art and science”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu said; Stating that book fairs also excite him, he said, "There are some elements that will take us to a certain point in the world. The interest in books, the number of publications published in the country, the efficiency of universities and the place of scientific articles worldwide... Otherwise, you cannot send a message to the world. The most valuable message is the production capacity you will put forward for culture, art and science. In this sense, the book occupies a very valuable place."
“It's hard not to be grateful to the publishers”
Pointing out that the fair is a special step for Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu said, "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank CNR managers. They will introduce books to 100 thousands of people during the fair. They are hosting a magnificent meeting about discovering the best of life. In that respect, they are doing a very valuable job." Saying that the whole of Istanbul follows them when it comes to books or culture, Ekrem İmamoğlu said, "Book lovers should come to this fair and enrich this beautiful meeting. They should ensure the highest level of participation by sharing with each other. There is something beautiful here." Reminding that publishers have recently been experiencing problems due to cost increases, Ekrem İmamoğlu said, "Our publishers are struggling to survive due to the problems they are experiencing. It is really impossible not to be grateful for their efforts and passion."
“We are establishing a Common Mind Mechanism for the fair industry”
Referring to IMM's work on the fair industry, Ekrem İmamoğlu said, "We are aware of the difficulties in the fair industry. This issue is among the most important locomotive issues of Istanbul. Because Istanbul means Turkey, and Turkey means Istanbul. We have to undertake important works regarding these two concepts, which have an important place in the world." Ekrem İmamoğlu stated that they started a study as IMM to create common sense in the fair industry and continued his words as follows:
"We are making a great effort to create common sense in this field. If everyone takes steps to invest in the same field, we cannot talk about integration here. These unplanned investments make it difficult for the sector to survive and reduce its competitiveness. In this respect, we express the necessity of a common sense mechanism regarding fair organization, as in every other issue. If a step is to be taken and an investment is to be made in this regard, we must do it within a plan in which all stakeholders will be brought together and steps will be taken accordingly. Within the IMM Tourism Platform We opened the main title 'Congress and Fair Organization'. We are working hard within the framework of common sense. In this way, we will show the same sensitivity to other fairs as we protect the book fair."
“Books come at the beginning of the humanization process”
Famous novelist Ahmet Ümit , the guest of honor of the fair, noted in his speech that book fairs should be held not only in Istanbul, Mersin or Gaziantep, but all over our country. "We are born in human form, but this does not mean that we are human," said Ahmet Ümit, adding that books and literature come at the beginning of the humanization process. Ahmet Ümit said, "We can empathize with inanimate objects, nature, thanks to books and literature. Our lifespan is limited. Books give us the chance to experience what happened in the past." Ahmet Ümit also announced that he assumed the role of guest of honor at the fair on behalf of all valuable writers of Turkish literature.
Over 500 thousand visitors in 9 days
At the CNR Book Fair, one of the most important cultural events of Istanbul and its region, where more than 350 events such as interviews, seminars, panels and exhibitions will be held, visitors will have the opportunity to meet more than 600 authors at book signing days. This year's theme of the fair, where many books of different content, from stories to novels, from poetry to exam preparation, will be showcased with discounts of up to 70 percent, is "Discover". More than 350 thousand people are expected to visit the fair, which will host book lovers in an area of 20,000 square meters, in 9 days.
