Economic conditions affected participation and purchasing power at the Diyarbakır Book Fair
Rising costs and economic difficulties negatively affected publisher participation and citizens' purchasing power for books at the 10th Diyarbakır Book Fair.
At the 10th Diyarbakır Book Fair held at the Mesopotamia International Fair and Congress Center, deepening economic troubles and rising costs stood out. While many publishing houses could not attend the fair, readers complained about high prices.
Location and Institutions of the Fair
Opening its doors at the Mesopotamia International Fair and Congress Center, the 10th Diyarbakır Book Fair began welcoming visitors on September 26.
The organization is carried out by TÜYAP Fairs Group in cooperation with the Turkish Publishers Association and with the support of the Diyarbakır Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Decrease in Publisher Participation
It was observed that some long-established publishing houses that had set up booths at the fair in past years were not present this year due to economic reasons.
Citizens and participants stated that publishing houses did not attend the fair due to budget constraints and that they felt the absence of this.
High Book Prices and Reader Reactions
Book lovers visiting the fair stated that increasing living costs and the economic situation were directly reflected in book prices.
Visitors expressed that, unlike in past years when booths were full, purchasing power dropped significantly this year.
High Increase in Printing Costs
Baver Berşev, an employee of Dara Publishing, stated that the cost of printing a book, which could be done for 3 to 5 thousand liras a few years ago, has risen to 40-50 thousand liras today.
Publishing house officials emphasized that they have difficulty telling readers prices due to rising expenses and that bulk book purchases have ended.