16th Kocaeli Book Fair Opens with 'Human Remembers' Theme

The 16th International Kocaeli Book Fair officially opened on October 2 at the Kocaeli Congress Center under the theme "Human Remembers." The opening ceremony featured a performance by veteran actor and theater artist Yetkin Dikinciler, accompanied by the Metropolitan Municipality Conservatory Chamber Orchestra conducted by Engin Şen with soloists Çiğdem Yarkın, Emrah Uçar, and Sezen Kiremit.

The fair's guest of honor is author Prof. Dr. Ahmed Güner Sayar. The opening ceremony was attended by Kocaeli Governor İlhami Aktaş, Metropolitan Mayor Tahir Büyükakın, members of parliament, academics, and representatives of civil society organizations.

“There is no homeland without language. Homeland is not just a piece of land; it becomes a homeland when there are people willing to sacrifice their lives for it.”

Mayor Büyükakın stated that the municipality will bring five new publications to the city this year, including a work titled "Abstract Homeland" focusing on language. He emphasized that "there is no homeland without language" and highlighted the importance of preserving the city's memory through written works.

Author Ahmed Güner Sayar described books as a vital refuge during difficult times, quoting a saying that "the world is a place of trial" and suggesting that reading provides an escape from daily troubles. The fair will host publishers, booksellers, and civil society organizations.

The book fair will be open to visitors daily from 10:30 to 21:30 between October 3 and 11. The program includes interviews, panels, and book signing events throughout the nine-day duration.