Reaction to Samsun Book Fair Decision and Call for Pluralism
Over a hundred writers and artists opposed the local administration's decision not to allocate booths to local authors and associations at the upcoming event.
The Samsun Artists Platform reacted to the decision not to allocate booths to local writers, poets, and culture-art associations in the city, making a call to the municipality.
Objection to the Booth Decision
It was announced that local writers, poets, and culture-art associations will not be allocated booths at the Samsun Book Fair, which will be organized by the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality between October 24 and November 1, 2026.
Emphasis on Polyphony and Memory
In a published declaration, the Samsun Artists Platform emphasized that fairs are public spaces where ideas meet beyond commercial activities, stating that the city's cultural memory is being left out.
Call for Responsibility to Local Administrations
Stating that events organized with public resources should fairly include different views, it was noted that the decision is far from a pluralistic understanding.
Widespread Petition Campaign
105 writers, poets, and artists, including Zekeriya Çavuşoğlu, Zeynep Aliye, Turgut Çeviker, and Yaşar Gündem, requested that the decision be re-evaluated.