The Turkish Section of IBBY was first founded in 1980 in Istanbul and re-established in 2005. Its members include writers, illustrators, translators, publishers, editors, librarians, teachers and university professors.

The Turkish National Section was responsible for the first children’s book fair in Turkey. In 2005 the National Section has formed special committees to choose the best Turkish children’s book and the best preschool book of the year; the awards will be given at the book fair. The National Section has regular monthly workshops for its members on different topics of children’s literature. The quarterly newsletter will be reinstated as soon as the reorganization of the Section is completed.

Members of IBBY Turkey visit schools for readings and they also present children’s literature conferences in schools and universities. The Section works together with the Society of Researchers of Children’s Literature to promote children’s books. A one-day conference on children’s literature in Turkey was held in France in collaboration with the Charles Perrault Institute. Members of Turkish IBBY have been attending IBBY congresses regularly since 1988.

NEWS NOVEMBER 2009

Results of the Best Book of the year announced at Istanbul Book Fair, 8 November 2009.  For full details click here.

NEWS MARCH 2007

IBBY Turkey selected its new board in March 2007: the members being Nur Içözü, as president and Gülçin Alpöge, Mine Soysal, Sibel Demirtas, Gülsevin Kiral. IBBY Turkey with the new board, is moving on with the ongoing projects and developing new ones.

In March and April, IBBY Turkey participated in two major book fairs held in Bursa and Izmir.

In Bursa book fair, IBBY Turkey conducted two panels. The topic of the first one was, The Role of the Book in Interfamily Communication. Four distinguished speakers: Ayfer Gürdal Ünal, Seza Kutlar Aksoy, Nilay Yilmaz and Melek Güngör, discussed the subject and brought propositions to develop better communication through books.

The second panel asked the question Is Fantastic Literature Dangerous? The topic was discussed by three valuable academics: Dr. Selahattin Dilidüzgün, Dr. Necdet Neydim and Dr. Sükran Kara, and the participation of the audience was above expectations. Both panels were conducted by the head of IBBY Turkey, Nur Içözü.

Similarly, two panels were held in Izmir. The topic of the first one was, The Role of Humour in Children’s Literature. The panel was conducted by Mavisel Yener and the distinguished speakers were Y. Bekir Yurdakul, Nur Içözü and Serpil Ural.

The second panel discussed the topic, New Topics and New Horizons in Children’s Literature. The panel was conducted by Nur Içözü and the speakers were Dr. Medine Sivri, Dr. Sevgi Arkiliç Songören, Incila Çaliskan and Ayse Çekiç Yamaç.

NEWS NOVEMBER 2006:

IBBY Turkey (CGYD) has given two important awards in November 2006, during the 25th Istanbul Book Fair.

One award has been in name of Sulhi Dolek, a very important writer for children's literature as well as adult's literature, who died at a very early age and in his peak of productivity last year. The award has been given in the category of "Childrens' Stories" and the winner has been Gülsevin Kiral with her file: "Gizli Silahin Formülü Hangi Zarfta" ("In which envelope is the Formula of the Hidden Weapon")

The other contest has been for "The Best Books of the Year 2005". This award has been given in 2005 for the first time, and had been decided to be repeated ever year from then on.

The awards have been given for the following categories this year:

• In the category of pre-school books:

  Winner, Aysel Gürmen, with her book Ninemin Dogum Günü (My Grandma's Birthday), Uçanbalik Publishing Company

• In the category of children's novel:

  Winner, Ismet Bertan, with his book Hizli Tosbi (The Fast Turtle), Günisigi Publishing Company

• In the category of illustrations and designing:

  Winner, Mustafa Delioglu, with his illustrations in Denizin Büyüsü, Ninemin Dogum Günü and Ninemin Yaylasi (The Magic of the Sea, My Grandma's Birthday and My Grandma's Pleteau)

   

  During the Istanbul Book Fair 2006, IBBY Turkey has presented other activities in the fair area to attract the attention of the parents, the teachers and the students to the children's literature, like:

   

• organizing an exhibition with children's books illustrations

• arranging special hours for book signing in IBBY Turkey booth

• organizing meetings between children and writers at theater saloons