The Edremit Book Fair has opened its doors for the 6th time.

The 6th Edremit Book Fair, organized by the Edremit Municipality with the support of the Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, opened its doors to book lovers with the theme “Book in the Shade of the Immortal Tree.” The fair, which started with the participation of leading authors, academics, and important figures from the cultural and artistic world of Turkey, received great interest from the very first day.

The 6th Edremit Book Fair opened with the theme “Book in the Shade of the Immortal Tree.” At the opening ceremony, CHP Balıkesir MP Serkan Sarı, Balıkesir Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akın, and Edremit Mayor Mehmet Ertaş emphasized the significance of the fair and its contributions to Edremit’s cultural and artistic life. The ceremony was also attended by CHP Edirne MP Ediz Ün, CHP PM member responsible for overseas organization Mehmet Tüm, Burhaniye Mayor Ali Kemal Deveciler, Altıeylül Deputy Mayor Tayfun Canlı, CHP Balıkesir Provincial Vice President Yusuf Yavuz, CHP Edremit District Chair Av. Emin Yalçıntaş, mayors, deputy mayors, council members, political party representatives, chamber presidents, muhtars, representatives of civil society organizations, and members of the press.

After the opening speeches, guests attending the fair toured the venue led by Edremit Mayor Mehmet Ertaş and Balıkesir Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akın. Protocol members and invitees visited the booths of publishing houses and chatted with authors, getting their books signed. The Edremit Book Fair will offer book enthusiasts an experience intertwined with literature, art, and history for 7 days.

On the first day of the fair, historian and author Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı drew great attention with his talk titled “Let’s Discover the World Together.” In the talk moderated by Gökhan Bayram from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Ortaylı explained the contributions of discovering the world and getting to know different cultures to human development. Criticizing the education system from the past to the present and giving advice to the youth about the future, Ortaylı said, “You cannot evaluate your homeland without knowing the world. You cannot open your consciousness. Discover the world, travel. You don’t need a lot of money to travel. You will travel more and learn more in the second rank.”

Ortaylı also touched upon the importance of the olive tree and olive cultivation, which have left deep marks in Middle Eastern and world history, stating that this subject holds vital value for Edremit. At the end of the talk, CHP Balıkesir MP Serkan Sarı, Balıkesir Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Akın, and Edremit Mayor Mehmet Ertaş presented the “Lifetime Honor Award” to İlber Ortaylı.

The powerful pen of literature, Ahmet Ümit, was the guest of honor at this year’s fair. In his talk, Ümit addressed themes of literature, crime fiction, mythology, history, and love. Ahmet Ümit announced that he has completed the new story of his famous character Chief Inspector Nevzat and that it will meet readers soon. After the highly followed talk, Edremit Mayor Mehmet Ertaş presented Ümit with a plaque.

On the first day of the fair, writer Öner Yağcı, who is fond of Edremit, met with participants with his talk titled “Republic Enlightenment and Sabahattin Ali.” In the talk, he explained the effects of Sabahattin Ali, one of the pioneers of literature during the Republic period, on enlightenment. Edremit Deputy Mayor Cavit Cebeci presented a thank-you plaque to writer Öner Yağcı.

Writer Serhat Yabancı, known for his work in personal development, raised the question “Savior or Victim?” to the participants and shared important tips on how to behave in personal development and relationships. Yabancı said, “Protect your boundaries, know how to say ‘no.’ Expecting love through hurting will cause you the greatest wound. Instead of making yourself loved, let yourself be loved. Value yourself,” prompting reflection among participants. After the talk, Edremit Deputy Mayor Metin Tunçer presented a thank-you plaque to Yabancı.

Ahmet Selçuk İlkan, who has created unforgettable works in his over 40 years of artistic life, closed the first day of the 6th Edremit Book Fair with his magnificent performance. Combining his poems and songs with music, İlkan sang with the participants, providing them with joyful moments. At the end of the night, Edremit Mayor Mehmet Ertaş presented a thank-you plaque to İlkan, who expressed his love for Edremit by saying, “I can be an Edremit resident at any moment, I can write my songs here.”

The 6th Edremit Book Fair, which will see the participation of nearly 300 writers, poets, journalists, mayors, and MPs, will host art, literature, and history-filled events for 7 days with the participation of nearly 60 publishing houses. Through interviews, signing days, and performances held at the fair, book lovers will embark on an unforgettable cultural journey in Edremit.