Guest of Honor Country Program

As the Guest of Honor Country at the 36th International Istanbul Book Fair, the Republic of Korea offered a cultural meeting point that showcased its rich literary tradition and contemporary writers. Events, talks and exhibitions held throughout the fair introduced visitors to the country's literature and culture. In addition to talks and panels featuring Korean authors, the program included children's activities and professional meetings between publishers. As readers discovered contemporary Korean literature up close, publishers from both countries built direct and lasting connections around translation, rights and joint projects.

Germany joined the 35th International Istanbul Book Fair as the Guest of Honor Country under the slogan “The Power of Words – Worte bewegen,” bringing 30 publishers and 13 authors to Istanbul. Its program, which ranged from modern German literature to children's books, featured readings, talks and cultural events. Renowned writers including Emine Sevgi Özdamar, Wilhelm Schmid, Ilija Trojanow and Olga Grjasnowa met their readers in Istanbul.

Romania was the Guest of Honor Country at the 34th International Istanbul Book Fair under the slogan “We Owe You Words.” Inspired by the Turkish words that have made their way into Romanian, its program featured talks, panels, poetry and music performances, children's activities and publisher meetings. Distinguished authors including Matei Vișniec, Dumitru Țepeneag, Mircea Dinescu and Dan Lungu met with readers.

Hungary took part in the 33rd International Istanbul Book Fair as the Guest of Honor Country under the slogan “From One Garden to Another,” a nod to the poet Nâzım Hikmet. The national stand showcased classic and contemporary literature, and Hungarian authors met readers at talks and cultural events. The program also helped publishers and industry professionals connect for meetings, rights trading and joint projects.

As the Guest of Honor Country at the 32nd International Istanbul Book Fair, the People's Republic of China took part with more than 100 publishers, and its writers and publishing professionals met with readers and publishers in Türkiye. Talks, panels, calligraphy workshops, exhibitions and professional meetings introduced visitors to Chinese literature and culture. The program also paved the way for rights and partnership discussions between publishers from both countries.

The Netherlands was welcomed as the Guest of Honor Country at the 31st International Istanbul Book Fair, which coincided with the 400th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Throughout the fair, the national stand showcased Dutch literature and culture, alongside talks, panels, illustration workshops, exhibitions and publisher meetings. The participation of Dutch writers, illustrators and industry professionals helped build new publishing ties between the Netherlands and Türkiye.

Egypt took part in the 30th International Istanbul Book Fair as the Guest of Honor Country, bringing its deep-rooted literary and cultural heritage to readers in Türkiye through a national stand and a wide-ranging program of events. Talks and panels featuring Egyptian writers, publishers and cultural figures explored contemporary Arabic literature and translation. Key meetings between publishers opened direct channels for joint projects and rights partnerships.

As the Guest of Honor Country at the 29th International Istanbul Book Fair, Spain brought several generations of Spanish literature together with readers and industry professionals in Türkiye. Alongside talks, panels and readings featuring Spanish authors, the program included professional meetings between publishers, helping to forge new connections for translation, rights trading and co-publishing.