Bornova Municipality Brings 790,000 Books and 440 Authors Together with Literature Lovers at Büyükpark

Mayor Eşki: “With this major event, which we are dedicating to the memory of our great poet Attila İlhan, we are bringing literature to the streets of Bornova.”

Bornova Municipality is proudly launching the 7th Homeros’ Bornova Book Days, one of İzmir’s longest-running and most widely attended cultural events. This year’s event, dedicated to the memory of the legendary Turkish poet and writer Attila İlhan, will open its doors from September 25 to October 4, 2026. Held in the peaceful atmosphere of Büyükpark, the 10-day book fair will offer book lovers an unforgettable cultural celebration.

Record Participation: 65 Publishers and 790,000 Books

In Bornova, a city of culture and the arts, the literary bar is being raised even higher this year. As part of the event, 65 distinguished publishing houses will set up stands, offering a total of 790,000 books to readers. Bringing both rising stars and established names of the literary world together with readers in İzmir, Book Days will host 440 authors. The fair will be open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with book signings, talks, workshops and panels taking place throughout the event.

Mayor Eşki: “Art and Literature Are Our Greatest Strength”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that they are honored to host such a major event in the city of Homer and emphasized its importance for the city’s identity. Mayor Eşki said:

“Bornova, with its thousands of years of history and the values it has nurtured, has always been a cradle of thought, art and culture. Since the day we took office, we have promised to make art accessible to everyone and bring it to every corner of the city. We are holding the 7th edition of our Book Days this year in memory of Attila İlhan, one of the greatest figures to emerge from İzmir and our country, whose poetry inspired generations.

For 10 days, Büyükpark will be home not only to the scent of books, but also to songs, poems, ideas and stage performances. We are bringing 65 publishing houses, hundreds of authors and 790,000 books together with the people of Bornova and all residents of İzmir. Art and literature are among the strongest bonds that hold societies together. I invite all our fellow citizens to share in this excitement and meet at the heart of literature in Büyükpark.”

A Festival Program Full of Culture

The 7th Book Days will go beyond being a traditional book fair and will take place as a full-fledged cultural festival. Book lovers will have the opportunity to meet their favorite authors at signing events and broaden their literary horizons through panels and talks. Throughout the event schedule, stage performances, concerts and live readings will also bring the cultural excitement at Büyükpark to its peak.