International Istanbul Children's Book Fair attracts over 50,000 visitors

By Ahmed Esad Sani

ISTANBUL (AA) - The International Istanbul Children's Book Fair, of which Anadolu is the Global Communications Partner, welcomed more than 50,000 readers in nine days.

The theme of the fair, organized for the first time this year by the International Children's Publishers Association (UCYD) at the Rami Library, was Nature and Sustainability.

Reyyan Beyza Buyukgumus, the general secretary of UCYD and Editor-in-Chief of Fibula Publishing, emphasized the significance of bringing together children's publishers from around the world.

She expressed hope that the fair would continue for many years, highlighting nature and sustainability-themed workshops, such as seed planting and recycling activities, that enriched the event.

Fifty publishers, including seven from abroad, participated in the fair. "Children's literature should not be limited to books; it should involve interaction. We are proud that this fair offered workshops, adding great value," Buyukgumus said.

A special "Vefa Award" was presented to the family of children’s book writer Mevlana Idris, who passed away two years ago.

A library of 1,000 books is also being established in a school in Istanbul and will be named after Mevlana Idris, Buyukgumus said.