The 11th İstanbul Publishing Fellowship Brings the Global Publishing World Together

The heart of the global publishing world beat in İstanbul this February. The 11th İstanbul Publishing Fellowship, whose organization committee is managed by our agency İntrotema, brought the publishing world together in İstanbul once again. Held from February 10 to 12 at the Taş Yapı Event and Congress Center, the program received nearly 1,000 applications. Following a rigorous evaluation process, a total of 335 publishers participated, including 225 international guests from 73 countries and 110 local industry professionals.

The opening ceremony was a joyful and prestigious celebration that officially launched the three day program. Distinguished guests including Bilal Erdoğan delivered inspiring opening addresses that underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy and the growing influence of the global publishing industry. These speeches were met with great enthusiasm from the audience and highlighted the collective effort required to bring such a diverse group of professionals together in İstanbul. The atmosphere in the hall was filled with excitement as the international guests were welcomed to the city with messages of cooperation and friendship. This high profile start provided a strong sense of purpose for the fellowship and ensured a positive and motivated environment for all participants.

İntrotema was represented by seven dedicated tables throughout the fellowship area where every single meeting slot was completely filled. Alongside these sessions, a powerhouse team of 24 professionals from our agency oversaw the vast majority of the organization. This extensive involvement included welcoming guests at the airport, coordinating transfers, managing hotel placements, and providing essential support for meal organizations throughout the event. These efforts resulted in an exceptionally fruitful experience as discussions were held with participants from every country present. Our regional specialized agents were highly efficient and provided precise book suggestions tailored to the specific needs of each publisher, ensuring that operational details remained under our agency's expert guidance.

Throughout the program, numerous interviews were conducted with publishers to gather their professional insights. These conversations highlighted how the fellowship creates essential networking opportunities and strengthens the global literary community.

Indonesia participated as the Guest of Honor this year with a prominent delegation of 10 leading publishers. This focus country status provides a unique advantage by placing a massive global spotlight on a specific literary market and opening doors for deep cultural and commercial exploration. The program featured a dedicated pavilion where Indonesian guests could showcase their rich literary heritage and engage in targeted business discussions in a specialized environment. Beyond the professional meetings, vibrant cultural performances brought the spirit of the archipelago to life for all attendees and created a memorable atmosphere throughout the venue. This strategic focus allowed for a much deeper understanding between the Global and Indonesian publishing sectors and resulted in a number of copyright negotiations. It was a perfect example of how the fellowship provides a concentrated platform for specific nations to bridge the gap between Asia and Europe through the power of books.

Day 1: A Grand Opening and Prestigious Honors

The program began with an opening ceremony attended by members of the press and prominent figures from the global publishing industry. Following the ceremony, the b2match sessions started immediately. The first day concluded with a gala cocktail and the İstanbul Copyright Awards ceremony.

The awards were presented following a delicate and meticulous selection process. This year, first place was awarded to Gramedia (Indonesia), second place to Buybook (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and third place to La Maleta (Spain).

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

The gala dinner provided a professional yet relaxed environment that allowed the momentum of the day to carry over into the evening. Guests enjoyed a rich variety of local cuisine and traditional flavors while continuing the discussions that began during the afternoon b2match sessions. Members of the İntrotema team were active participants throughout the dinner, moving between different tables to engage with various publishers and build upon the day's professional dialogues. This gathering served as an essential social bridge where publishers and agency representatives could solidify their new connections in a more informal setting. The elegant ambiance of the evening offered the perfect backdrop for networking and celebrating the start of another successful fellowship year.

Day 2: Seminars and the Bosphorus Atmosphere

The second day opened with a session dedicated to Indonesia as the Guest of Honor. Speakers explored the rapid development of the Indonesian publishing market and shared insights into emerging trends and reading habits.

The subsequent seminar focused on the global demand for Turkish literature. Panelists shared personal success stories and discussed the specific elements of Turkish storytelling that resonate with a global audience.

After the seminars, the schedule returned to intensive b2match meetings which continued until the evening. The highlight of the day was the Bosphorus boat tour and dinner. It was an incredible atmosphere as guests enjoyed their meal between Asia and Europe. The night views of İstanbul provided a perfect backdrop for everyone to relax and socialize after a busy day of negotiations.

Day 3: Final Meetings and the Family Photo

The third day was dedicated entirely to b2match sessions. Publishers made the most of their remaining time to finalize agreements and exchange contact information before their departure.

As the program drew to a close, the energy in the hall reached its peak as all participants were invited to gather on stage for the traditional family photo. This final moment served as a colorful and powerful visual testament to the collaborative spirit that defined the entire organization. With publishers from 73 different countries standing together, the photo captured the heart of the global community that calls İstanbul home for these three days. The stage was filled with smiles and a shared sense of accomplishment, providing a truly celebratory and enthusiastic conclusion to the 11th İstanbul Publishing Fellowship.