The İZKİTAP-5th İzmir Book Fair, hosted by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, continues to meet book lovers at Kültürpark with the theme of “Children and Art”. The third day of the fair, which runs from April 18-27, saw intense participation from İzmir residents who took advantage of the warm weather on Sunday. Visitors of all ages shopped for books from various publishing houses and second-hand booksellers, and attended author signings and talk shows, spending a day immersed in literature.
Children Had Fun with Stage Activities
Various enjoyable activities were organized for children in the fair area. While children's theater shows attracted great attention from young audiences, magic shows added color to children's imagination. The concert of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Culture Orchestra brought a special excitement to the fair atmosphere.
Interview by Orhan Beşikçi on Basmane and Its Surroundings
Within the scope of author talks, Orhan Beşikçi, at the Menekşe Altı Event Area, said, “SohbetHe held a talk titled “Basmane and Its Surroundings”. Drawing attention to the rich archaeological values of Basmane, Beşikçi shared important information with the people of İzmir about the archaeological works and historical structures in the region.
“Basmane Train Station Should Not Become a Hotel” Call
Beşikçi, who touched upon the restoration work that has been going on for years at Basmane Station, expressed his concerns about the current yellow color of the station. Reiterating his concerns that a hotel would be built on the upper floor of the station, Beşikçi suggested, “There are experiences at Basmane Station. Our concerns that a hotel would be built on the upper floor continue, but for us, Basmane Station should never be a hotel. Basmane Station can easily be turned into a museum of the State Railways.”
Metropolitan Municipality's Works Bring Hope to Basmane
Beşikçi, who reminded that the Altınpark excavations in the Basmane region were carried out in 2007, stated that although an archaeological park was planned to be built here, it was not put into practice. However, Beşikçi, who gave the good news that the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality was working on this issue, said that the Bıçakçı Han and Yıldız Cinema on Gaziler Street were purchased by the Metropolitan Municipality and that restoration projects were being prepared. Beşikçi stated that these historical structures would be added to the city's culture as important venues and would be a lifeline for Basmane.
Good News of Restoration of Anafartalar Street
Emphasizing that Anafartalar Street has hosted many civilizations from ancient times to the present day, Beşikçi stated that the current state of the street is not what it deserves. However, Beşikçi stated that the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality gave the good news that it will start a restoration work between Çorakkapı and Mezarlıkbaşı on Anafartalar Street, and said that they are eagerly waiting for the street to be restored and the historical structures there to be highlighted.
Studies on Historical Buildings Explained
Beşikçi, who also provided information about the ancient Roman bridge over Yeşildere, stated that this important historical structure was unknown to the people of İzmir because it had been under another bridge for years. Beşikçi, who stated that he conveyed the importance of the bridge to İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay and that the Mayor also showed great interest in the subject, said that he thought the relevant units had started a study to reveal the historical Roman bridge. He also stated that Mayor Tugay showed determination in reviving the dried-up Halkapınar Lake and that when the lake filled with water again, the water factory built by the Belgians in the region could be restored and a new living space could be created.
Uray Fountain Restored
Beşikçi, who also provided information about the conversion of the old water tank in Mirali Neighborhood into a water museum, said that Mayor Tugay also supported this project and that the water tank would be restored and made accessible for visitors. Beşikçi, who stated that there were fountains dating back to the Roman period that were not flowing, said that making these fountains flowing would be a great gain. Beşikçi, who announced that the Republican People's Party fountain in Mirali Neighborhood had been restored, announced that the Uray Fountain, known as the Gaziler Fountain, had also been restored by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality.
Izmir Book Fair will continue to host valuable names from the world of literature and writing until April 27, 2025. You can find detailed program of the fair https://www.kitapizmir.com/ address.
