The heart of natural stone beats in İzmir
The Heart of the Global Natural Stone Industry Beats in İzmir
One of the world’s most prestigious gatherings of the natural stone industry, Marble İzmir, opened its doors for the 31st time at Fuar İzmir with a magnificent ceremony. Speaking at the opening, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay delivered a strong message for the future, calling for “more collaboration, stronger collective wisdom, and greater courage.”
Marble İzmir – International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, a leading global meeting point for the sector, has officially begun its 31st edition. Hosted by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ, the fair brought together industry professionals from around the world.
The opening ceremony was attended by Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay and his wife Öznur Tugay, Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Deputy Minister of Trade Özgür Volkan Ağar, Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Abdullah Tancan, İzmir Governor Dr. Süleyman Elban, along with numerous governors, members of parliament, local officials, ambassadors, representatives of chambers and associations, NGOs, and many industry professionals.
The ceremony began with an impressive performance narrating the 31-year journey, strength, and impact of Marble İzmir in the global natural stone sector, enriched with cinematic storytelling, music, and dance.
“It was a dream, now a global brand”
In his opening speech, Mayor Tugay highlighted that the story of Marble İzmir began 37 years ago with limited resources but great determination:
“People who traveled fairs with samples in hand and said, ‘We can do this too,’ took the first step. What started in 1989 at the İzmir International Fair has now become one of the world’s largest natural stone gatherings. It was once a dream; today, it is a global brand.”
He noted that last year’s fair welcomed over 60,000 visitors from 128 countries, and this year it hosts nearly 1,000 exhibitors from 41 cities in Türkiye and 28 countries across a 150,000-square-meter area.
“The future depends on what we do today,” he added.
“This potential requires unity”
Emphasizing the fair’s contribution to both the city and the national economy, Tugay stated that Türkiye’s natural stone exports could grow significantly with stronger collaboration:
“Without aligning public institutions, private sector, chambers, and associations toward a common goal, this potential cannot be fully realized.”
He also highlighted ongoing efforts by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and İZFAŞ to expand the fair’s international impact.
Honoring industry pioneers
Mayor Tugay announced that the names of distinguished figures in the sector would be commemorated at Fuar İzmir:
“İzmir is a city of loyalty. We continue to honor those who contributed to this fair.”
Conference halls will now bear the names of Erdoğan Akbulak, Kemal Arslan, and Mehmet Turgut Bekişoğlu. He also noted that saplings were planted on behalf of participants this year to support nature.
Minister Bolat: “The world may be shaking, but Marble İzmir continues”
Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat emphasized Türkiye’s position among the top three natural stone exporters globally and the fair’s role in this success:
“In a time of global uncertainty and economic challenges, Marble İzmir continues to bring the world together.”
He highlighted İzmir’s role as a key export hub, noting that the city achieved $22.5 billion in exports in 2025 and continues to contribute significantly to the national economy.
Governor Elban: Growth through innovation
İzmir Governor Dr. Süleyman Elban stressed that the sector’s future growth lies in innovation and value-added design rather than expanding mining sites:
“Our target is $10 billion in exports, and this will be achieved through innovative design.”
Deputy Minister Tancan: Showcasing Anatolia to the world
Deputy Minister Abdullah Tancan underlined that the fair represents not only a commercial platform but also a showcase of Anatolia’s rich heritage, craftsmanship, and technology to the world.
From 7 companies to a global platform
TÜMMER President Hanifi Şimşek recalled that the fair began with just seven companies and has since grown alongside the sector, transforming Türkiye into a major exporter.
A global meeting point in İzmir
Spanning over 150,000 square meters, Marble İzmir brings together all components of the natural stone industry—from production and design to technology and trade. Between April 14–17, it hosts participants and buyers from across Türkiye and countries including the United States, China, India, Mexico, Russia, and across Europe.
D-ESIGN Arena: Where design meets experience
Hall D has been redesigned under the “D-ESIGN Arena” concept, becoming one of the fair’s most dynamic spaces. It hosts Marble Talks sessions, business meetings, and various events featuring architects, academics, and industry professionals.
Sculptures created during the Sculpture Workshop are exhibited throughout the fair and will later be placed across İzmir, contributing to the city’s cultural landscape.
Meanwhile, the 8th International Natural Stone Design Competition continues to support the sector’s transformation toward high value-added production. This year, 19 finalist projects selected from 724 entries submitted by students from 67 universities across 8 countries are on display in Hall D.
Strengthening international cooperation
A collaboration with the Italian Marble Machinery Manufacturers Confederation is opening new opportunities in machinery and technology, enhancing knowledge sharing and strengthening the global competitiveness of Türkiye’s natural stone industry.