The heart of the global publishing world beat in İstanbul this February. The 11th İstanbul Publishing Fellowship, whose organization committee is managed by İntrotema, brought publishers together once again from 10 to 12 February at the Taş Yapı Event and Congress Center. The programme received nearly 1,000 applications, and after a rigorous selection process 335 publishers took part: 225 international guests from 73 countries and 110 local industry professionals.

The opening ceremony officially launched the three-day programme. Distinguished guests, including Bilal Erdoğan, delivered opening addresses that underlined the importance of cultural diplomacy and the growing influence of the global publishing industry. International guests were welcomed to the city with messages of cooperation and friendship, setting a motivated tone for the days ahead.

İntrotema was represented at seven dedicated tables across the fellowship area, and every meeting slot was fully booked. Alongside these sessions, a team of 24 İntrotema professionals oversaw most of the organization, from welcoming guests at the airport and coordinating transfers to managing hotel placements and meals.

The result was an exceptionally fruitful fellowship, with meetings held with participants from every country present. Our regional agents offered precise book suggestions tailored to the needs of each publisher.

Throughout the programme, we interviewed publishers to hear their professional insights. These conversations showed how the fellowship creates essential networking opportunities and strengthens the global literary community.

Indonesia was this year’s Guest of Honour, with a delegation of 10 leading publishers. A dedicated pavilion allowed our Indonesian guests to showcase their rich literary heritage and hold targeted business discussions, while vibrant cultural performances brought the spirit of the archipelago to life for all attendees.

This focus deepened understanding between Indonesian publishers and the international community and led to a number of copyright negotiations, a clear example of how the fellowship gives a single market a concentrated global spotlight.

The programme began with an opening ceremony attended by the press and prominent figures from the global publishing industry, and b2match meetings started immediately afterwards. The first day closed with a gala cocktail and the İstanbul Copyright Awards ceremony.

Following a careful selection process, first place went 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 carried the momentum of the day into the evening. Over local cuisine and traditional flavours, guests continued the conversations started in the afternoon b2match sessions, while our team moved between tables to follow up with publishers. In a more informal setting, the evening helped participants turn new contacts into lasting connections.

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

The next seminar looked at what international buyers seek from Turkish publishers. Panelists from Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary shared their success stories and discussed which elements of storytelling travel best to readers around the world.

After the seminars, b2match meetings continued until the evening. The highlight of the day was a Bosphorus boat tour and dinner, where guests shared a meal between Asia and Europe and relaxed after a busy day of negotiations against the night views of İstanbul.

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

As the programme drew to a close, all participants gathered on stage for the traditional family photo. With publishers from 73 countries standing side by side, it captured the global community that calls İstanbul home for these three days, and brought the 11th İstanbul Publishing Fellowship to a celebratory close.