Book Fair Stand Obstacle for Civil Society and Local Authors in Samsun
The failure to include local authors and associations in the upcoming book fair in Samsun has drawn backlash.
The Samsun Artists Platform protested the refusal to provide stands for civil society organizations, associations, and local authors at the book fair to be organized by the municipality, demanding that the decision be changed.
Book Fair Decision and Reactions
The Samsun Artists Platform protested the decision of the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality through a published declaration and signature campaign.
The statement emphasized that failing to provide stands for local authors, poets, and culture and arts associations is a significant deficiency.
Change in Fair Organization
Following TÜYAP's termination of its fair activities in Samsun at the beginning of the year, the organization was taken over by the municipality.
It was stated that even paid spaces were not allocated to magazines, associations, and trade unions at the event, which will be held at the Samsun Fair and Congress Center this year.
Call for Pluralism and Common Sense
In its published call, the platform requested that the decision be reconsidered and that local cultural circles not be excluded.
It was stated that book fairs are not merely commercial events, but cultural environments where different voices meet.