İzmir International Literature Festival celebrates 10 years

The 10th İzmir International Literature Festival, organized by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality under the theme ‘Literature Heals,’ has commenced. The event brings together various generations and languages of literature.

Opening ceremonies were held at the Ahmed Adnan Saygun Art Center, hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay. The festival features prominent figures such as Alberto Manguel and Zülfü Livaneli as guests of honor. During his speech, Mayor Tugay emphasized that literature serves as a vital tool for understanding others and exploring different perspectives in a world often marked by conflict and hardship.

The festival also extended its program to Bergama, where international writers and poets met with local readers. As part of the Bergama itinerary, guests visited the Bergama Acropolis to experience the region's historical heritage. Alberto Manguel participated in a literary discussion at the Bergama Cultural Center, focusing on the role of books in human life and their ability to connect diverse cultures.