Istanbul: The 11th International Istanbul Publishing Fellowship will bring together 335 publishers from 73 countries in Trkiye on Feb. 10, building on more than 35,000 rights meetings held since 2016 as the global publishing community gathers once again in Istanbul.
According to Anadolu Agency, a press conference was held on Wednesday at the Tasyapi Events and Congress Center in Sisli, Istanbul, ahead of a program to be organized by the Turkish Printing and Publishing Professional Union (TBYM) on Feb. 10-12, with the support of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry.
Speaking at the event, TBYM President Mehmet Burhan Genc emphasized that the Istanbul Publishing Fellowship is Trkiye's first content market, noting that no other content marketplace initiative has been launched in the cultural field. Genc highlighted that more than 35,000 bilateral meetings have occurred since 2016, resulting in over 25,000 preliminary agreements.
Genc added that nearly 1,000 applications from 104 countries were received this year. After evaluations, 335 publishers will participate, including 225 foreign and 110 domestic publishers. He mentioned that the event would include prestigious publishing houses from both established and emerging markets.
Press and Publishing Union President Halil Celik described the program as a valuable international project sustained through strong cooperation. He noted that selecting a focus country each year allows Turkish publishers to establish sustainable commercial relations. This year, Indonesia has been chosen as the focus country.
Celik pointed out Indonesia's strategic importance due to its large population and unified domestic market. He mentioned its strength in educational, children and youth, and religious publishing, creating a demand for Turkish literary themes.
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) Board Member Munir Ustun emphasized the importance of promoting Turkish literature internationally. Ustun described the fellowship as valuable for showcasing local publishers and forming new partnerships.
Ustun provided details on program activities, noting the introduction of the Media Match section, which connects publishers with digital platforms. He reiterated the goal of representing Turkish literature globally.
Istanbul Publishing Fellowship Coordination Board Member Melike Gunyuz highlighted the visionary role of publishers. She noted the rapid growth of the fellowship program and its importance in the global publishing landscape.
Gunyuz announced the introduction of the IPF VIP program, featuring closed sessions with leading global publishers. Tasyapi Board Chairman Emrullah Turanli expressed gratitude for hosting the event and thanked all contributing organizations.
The Istanbul Publishing Fellowship program, a copyright marketplace project run by TBYM for 11 years, aims to make Istanbul a global actor in the copyright trade market. It is supported by various institutions, including Trkiye's Culture and Tourism Ministry, the Press and Publishing Union, and the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, among others.