Book fair opens in western Turkey

By Sengul Oymak and Kadir Yildiz

KOCAELI, Turkey (AA) - The 9th Kocaeli Book Fair has opened in the western Turkish city, which is being visited by local government officials and book worms from across the region.

Kocaeli Governor Hasan Basri Guzeloglu and City Mayor Ibrahim Karaosmanoglu attended the opening ceremony of the fair on Saturday.

Anadolu Agency is the global communication partner of the event.

Guzeloglu highlighted the importance of books in establishing civilization. He said Kocaeli, which is one of the most important industrial zones of Turkey, not only supports the country through its financial resources but also with its moral resources too.

Karaosmanoglu said life as well as civilization were impossible without books.

“Books become the prescription of humanity. Writers, poets and novelists, all of them get inspired by books that are our guide to humanity,” he added.

Anadolu Agency had a stand at the main hall of the event venue. Moreover, the agency’s “Rise in National Spirit” exhibition, consisting of photographs from the July 15 defeated coup were also exhibited at the fair.

Around 1 million people are expected to visit the fair which will be continue till May 21 at the Kocaeli International Fair Center.

The fair that brings together hundreds of publishers, writers, readers and illustrators from Turkey and around the world.