Mayor Tugay: İzmir Will Always Recognize the Value of Those Who Value It
Mayor Tugay: "İzmir Will Always Recognize the Value of Those Who Value It"
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Marble İzmir – International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay inaugurated the 30th Anniversary Monument located along the Marble Path of Affection in Kültürpark. The monument, which features the names of companies that have participated in the fair for over 20 years, was unveiled in a special ceremony.
“With this monument, while we offer gratitude for the past, we also make a promise for the future,” said Mayor Tugay.
“İzmir will always recognize the value of those who value it.”
A Symbolic Legacy for the Sector
Organized by İZFAŞ under the auspices of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, Marble İzmir gained a lasting symbol with the 30th Anniversary Monument, erected at the exact spot where the İzmir International Fair's story began. The inauguration was attended by İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu, public officials, and leading representatives from the natural stone industry.
In his speech, Mayor Tugay recalled the roots of the fair, which began in 1989 with “İzmir Marble Days '89” as part of the İzmir International Fair in Kültürpark through university-industry collaboration.
“The first steps of the Marble Fair were taken by visionaries who visited international fairs with nothing but stone samples in hand, saying, ‘We can do this—better even.’ That dream began with a small stand near Mogambo in Kültürpark. Over time, participants arranged and paved the Marble Path of Affection with their own means.
Marble İzmir blossomed on the road paved by their dedication.”
The first internationally recognized edition of the fair was held in 1995 with only 47 companies. Today, the event hosts over a thousand exhibitors and tens of thousands of professionals from 147 countries, making it a global reference point for the industry.
“This success belongs to the companies, institutions, employees, and stakeholders who have made this event possible year after year without pause. İzmir Metropolitan Municipality will always stand behind those who build, produce, and represent our city on the international stage. We will continue to support all who leave a lasting mark.”
“Here’s to Many More Marble Encounters”
Mayor Tugay shared that the monument was made from one of Turkey’s most unique stones, quarried from the Elazığ region.
“This structure rising where Marble İzmir was born will stand as a symbol of solidarity, shared vision, and civic pride—right in the heart of Kültürpark. The monument bears the names of 96 companies that have supported us for over 20 years and helped make Marble İzmir globally recognized. I extend heartfelt thanks to each one.
Here's to many more Marble encounters—and even more importantly, many new, successful beginnings.”
Following the ceremony, commemorative photos were taken in front of the monument featuring the names of long-time participants.
The Birth of the Marble Path of Affection
In 1989, a group of marble manufacturers affiliated with the İzmir Marble Association opened a small display across from the Mogambo club within the İzmir International Fair. Their marble-crafted pools and radiators amazed visitors. Led by then-chair Yusuf Türkmen, the community began laying the foundations for what would become a specialized fair.
On August 26, 1991, with enthusiastic support from İZFAŞ and industry professionals, the Marble Path of Affection officially opened, igniting the dream of a true marble fair.
The first international edition—Marble 95—marked the beginning of Marble İzmir’s journey as one of the premier events in natural stone technology.
A 30-Year Story That Began with Stone
Starting in 1995 with 47 participants and 4,719 visitors, Marble İzmir has since grown into Turkey’s largest specialized trade fair. Over the past three decades, it has become one of the world’s top international natural stone fairs, and a benchmark for Turkey’s exhibition industry.
Marble İzmir is not only a global business platform, but also a proud reflection of Turkey’s industrial evolution, regional pride, and collaborative spirit.