A decorative touch to natural stone from the youth
A “Decorative” Touch to Natural Stone from Young Designers
At Marble İzmir – the 31st International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, where the heart of the natural stone industry beats – the winners of the 8th International Different Natural Stone Design Competition were announced. Artists who brought valuable works to life during the Sculpture Workshop were also honored with plaques. Addressing young designers at the ceremony, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay said, “The future of a city and a country is directly proportional to the courage of its youth to dream. As İzmir, we will continue to support every initiative that brings together production with design and design with innovation.”
Held as part of Marble İzmir, organized for the 31st time by İZFAŞ under the hosting of the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the competition aims to increase the market value of Turkish natural stone through high value-added products. This year, it was organized under the theme “Decorative Home Accessories.” The award ceremony took place at Fuar İzmir, where young talents showcased their designs of home objects made from natural stone. Additionally, artists who created remarkable works in the Sculpture Workshop—held for the first time this year—were presented with plaques.
Support for young designers
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Tugay emphasized that Marble İzmir opens the natural stone sector to the world:
“This major organization, bringing together architects, producers, and purchasing delegations from all over the world in İzmir, makes our country’s rich resources more visible. Türkiye holds approximately 35% of the world’s natural stone reserves. With over 120 colors and patterns, our marble finds its true value in the global market thanks to Marble İzmir. But today, production alone is not enough; we must create added value and make a difference. That is where design comes into play.”
He noted that the competition reflects a vision that transforms natural stone from a raw material into a product of aesthetics, functionality, and creativity, and is organized to strengthen the sector’s international competitiveness while supporting young designers.
“We support every initiative”
Tugay highlighted that the projects do not remain on paper, as finalist designs are produced with the support of leading companies in the sector:
“You experience the entire process from design to production firsthand. While designing, you shape the future of the sector. Every step you take contributes to Türkiye’s leadership in both production and design in natural stone.”
He reiterated the responsibility of local governments to support young talent and emphasized that İzmir will continue to stand behind initiatives that merge production, design, and innovation.
“The sculptures will adorn İzmir”
Mayor Tugay also spoke about the Sculpture Workshop:
“Under the curation of sculptor Ekin Erman, six sculptors worked for 20 days at Fuar İzmir. After the fair, these works will be placed in various parts of the city, contributing to İzmir’s cultural life.”
Curator Ekin Erman expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing marble as a timeless material that carries history within it.
Awards presented
- The first prize of 200,000 TL was awarded to Hümeyra Kocayiğit for her work “Litik Lumina.”
- The second prize of 130,000 TL went to Ulviye Akgül, Büşra Nur Kılınçarslan, and Arda Deniz Yücel for “Strata.”
- The third prize of 65,000 TL was awarded to Tuğba Koşak for “Hextone.”
Special awards were also presented, including the Aegean Mineral Exporters’ Association Special Award, the Erdoğan Akbulak Special Award, and various company awards.
Strong international participation
This year, the competition received 724 applications from 67 universities across 8 countries, including Türkiye, Iran, Iraq, Germany, Yemen, Albania, Bulgaria, and Poland. Among 606 valid applications, 38 projects were shortlisted, and the winners were selected by a 22-member jury chaired by Dr. Can Özcan from İzmir University of Economics.