Bookshops are more than just stores—they are sanctuaries of culture, curiosity, and community.
By Erol Güler, PhD
Bookshops are essential in today’s world as they provide much more than just books; they offer a space for curiosity, community, and the preservation of culture.
In an age where much of our reading is done digitally, physical bookshops still serve as a sanctuary for those who cherish the tactile experience of browsing through shelves and discovering new titles. They are places where ideas are shared, where local authors and independent publishers find a platform, and where readers can connect over a love of literature. Beyond commerce, bookshops foster creativity and intellectual growth, making them vital to our cultural and social fabric.
Istanbul Bookstore of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipalities Kültür AŞ is aiming to become the “bookstore of 16 million Istanbulites”. The people living in Istanbul will spend their time exploring books while waiting for the ferry; on their way to work stop by to get the morning coffee; meet with friends and have pleasant conversations. So, as a summary they are intended to serve as a common living space for everyone, including families where for example children can easily spend time and participate in activities.
The first branch of Istanbul Bookstore was opened in 1998. Recently Istanbul Bookstore has undergone a significant transformation process and adopted the third generation of bookshops concept. As a first action, the branch of the Istanbul Bookstore, which is located on the second floor of the City Lines Eminönü Karaköy pier in Kadıköy, has been completely renovated. New branches have been added, located in the most beautiful locations of Istanbul. Their locations are also chosen where millions of pedestrians pass through during their everyday travel from home to work and back. At the intersection of history and culture, Istanbul Bookstore branches continue to exist with its new vision motto “there is a world in it.” Currently there are 27 branches which allow them to reach a wider audience. With these branches, the books mix with the smell of the sea and coffee; it regularly intersects the points of city, literature, culture and the individual. Adding a new dimension to the Istanbul city experience; both belonging to Istanbul and coming out of Istanbul; who know the city and its inhabitants. Istanbul Bookstores promise a unique social environment and experience where you will rediscover and love Istanbul. It includes everybody from Istanbul and acts as a bridge between the idea leaders of the city and the citizens of the city, working to give the most qualified answers to the city’s sense of curiosity. So, as a summary they are intended to serve as a common living space for everyone including families where, for example, children can easily spend time and participate in activities. At the same time, it offers value to Istanbul as an active and living public space with many free events from autograph days to interviews, from educational children’s workshops to concerts and stand-up shows that take place periodically. In summary, the Istanbul Bookstores have become an Istanbul brand.
Istanbul Bookstore sells books in the fields of history, culture, research analysis, and literature published by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Publications, as well as books from different publishing houses in many different fields such as history, literature, philosophy, politics, tourism, sports, and hobbies. Istanbul Bookstore has also an online sales platform Istanbul Kitapcisi, which serves as a platform where 250,000 books and more than 2.000 publishing houses in Türkiye are registered. ■
