Turkish Culture Minister promotes London Book Fair

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

Turkish Culture Minister Ömer Çelik. DHA photo

The London Book Fair, one of the most prestigious publishing fairs in the world, will welcome Turkey as the “Market Focus” partner this year. The fair, which was introduced in a meeting at Swissotel the Bosphorus, will be held between April 15 and 17.

In a speech made during the meeting, Turkish Culture Minister Ömer Çelik said the event had a crucial role for Turkey’s entrance into foreign markets in the publishing sector.

Çelik said the Culture Ministry was cooperating with various non-governmental organizations and professional associations, together creating a rich event program following a busy schedule.

“The aspects of plurality and multidimensionality, which were achieved by others only after a struggle, are intrinsic in Turkey. [These aspects] form the basis of our cultural potential. The 2013 London Market Focus Program will reflect this,” Çelik said.

A total of 150 people composed of authors, artists, translators and academics are representing Turkey during the events at the fair.

Çelik said the official launching of the program would be held on the morning of April 15, with the participation of himself and Ed Vaizey, the U.K. Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries.

Events at the fair are categorized under two main titles: “Cultural Program,” and “Professional Program.”

Organized with the cooperation of the International Book Fairs National Organization Committee, the Istanbul Chamber of Trade, the Yunus Emre Institute, the British Council and Literature Across Frontiers, the Cultural Program will host 70 events. Six panels will be held within the Professional Program.

Two renowned Turkish authors, Elif Şafak and Murathan Mungan, have been invited to events in the fair.