30 Years of Gratitude from Marble İzmir
30 Years of Gratitude from Marble İzmir
This year, Marble İzmir – International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, celebrating its 30th anniversary, honored the companies that have supported the event since its inception. İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay presented commemorative plaques to 44 companies, including Prof. Dr. Faruk Çalapkulu and Yusuf Türkmen—the grandson and namesake of Yusuf Türkmen, Founding President of the Aegean Mineral Exporters’ Association, who greatly contributed to the development of Marble İzmir.
A Cornerstone of İzmir’s Fair Industry
As one of the cornerstones of İzmir’s exhibition industry, Marble İzmir – International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, marking its 30th year, brought the world together in İzmir. Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ between April 9–12, 2025, the fair also featured a meaningful tribute.
Originally launched as "İzmir Marble Days 89" in 1989 and officially organized as a fair since 1995, Marble İzmir recognized the companies that have been part of its journey from the beginning. İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay presented plaques to company representatives who have been participating in the fair for 30 years.
The 30th Year Award Ceremony, held at the Agora Archaeological Site and hosted by Mayor Tugay, welcomed Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Abdullah Tancan, General Director of Mining and Petroleum Affairs Arslan Narin, President of the Board of the Union of Marble, Natural Stone and Machinery Producers Hanifi Şimşek, Coordinator Chair of Aegean Exporters’ Associations Jak Eskinazi, Chair of the Aegean Mineral Exporters’ Association İbrahim Alimoğlu, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Secretary General Ramazan Tezcan, İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu, as well as local and international visitors.
A Grandson Accepts the 30th Year Plaque
During the ceremony, Mayor Tugay awarded plaques bearing the inscription “30th Year” to 44 firms, including Prof. Dr. Faruk Çalapkulu and Yusuf Türkmen, the grandson and namesake of Yusuf Türkmen, the late Founding President of the Aegean Mineral Exporters’ Association, who passed away in a traffic accident in 1991 and had contributed greatly to the development of the fair.
The evening, enlivened by live music performances, also gave Mayor Tugay the opportunity to engage and converse with exhibitors and participants of the fair.