Konyaaltı hosts third book fair

ANTALYA - Doğan News Agency

The third International Antalya Konyaaltı Book Fair is kicking off today with a campaign to get locals more interested in reading, according to the local mayor.

The fair’s motto is “We should read,” Konyaaltı Mayor Muhittin Böcek told Anatolia news agency on Oct. 3, adding that officials’ goal was to establish the fair as an international event.

In the first year, the fair took place within a venue of 500 square meters and with over 22,000 visitors in attendance. Last year, this figure reached 93,000. This year, the mayor hopes that 150,000 visitors will fill a new 4,630 square-meter venue.

Böcek said a total of 22 countries and 24 publishing houses will take part in the fair, which will include panels, discussions and signature days. “Sixty-three writers will meet with their readers.”

The theme of this year’s fair is “Reading the human.” There will also be writing competitions for primary and high school students. Famous Turkish writers such as Ahmet Şafak, Banu Avar, Ahmet Ümit, Cezmi Ersöz, Canan Tan, Füsun Önal and Nihat Genç will meet with their readers during the event.
The fair will conclude Oct. 14.