Literature Festival starts in Istanbul

ISTANBUL - Anadolu Agency

Cemil Meriç, Turkish writer and thinker is among the literary masters, who will be commemorated

The fifth Istanbul Literature Festival opened yesterday at the Sultanahmet Kızlarağası Madrasah for a week of activities that will include appearances by 100 poets, writers and academics.

Speaking at a press conference, Turkish Writers Association Istanbul branch head Mahmut Bıyıklı said the festival had attracted many people and that the theme of this year’s edition was “Following the Masters.”

More than 100 poets and writers will be present to discuss five masters who greatly influenced cultural life and literature, namely Necip Fazıl Kısakürek, Nurettin Topçu, Cemil Meriç, Sezai Karakoç and Nuri Pakdil.

Meriç and Kısakürek will also be given special commemorations during the festival, according to organizers.

The aim of the event is to share the works of literary masters to both locals and visitors. There will also be seminars, documentaries and exhibitions throughout the event, which will continue until Nov. 23.