The General Manager of İZFAŞ speaks exclusively to Stonenews about the 31st edition of the exhibition, the role of design, geopolitical shifts, and the strategic connection between Turkish production and the global market.
Shortly before the opening of Marble İzmir 2026 (April 14–17), İzmir reaffirms its position as one of the world’s most significant hubs for the natural stone trade. In a period marked by intense geopolitical shifts in the Middle East, rising energy costs, and new supply chain challenges, the exhibition emerges as a steady pillar of “trade diplomacy.”
In this context, Ms. Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu, General Manager of İZFAŞ, explains how Marble İzmir has evolved into a global benchmark covering the entire value chain. With more than 200 international buyers from 38 countries and the innovative D-ESIGN Arena, this year’s edition aims to redefine the relationship between material and creator.
The full interview follows:
– This year’s Marble İzmir takes place in an increasingly demanding international environment. What are the key features of this year’s exhibition and what were the main challenges during its preparation?
The 31st edition of Marble İzmir is being held at a time when global trade has become more fragile and multi-layered. Geopolitical developments, particularly in the Middle East, rising energy costs, and fluctuations in global supply chains have been among the main challenges affecting both the industry and the organization process. These dynamics directly influence investment decisions, supply chains, and trade relations.
Our greatest strength in navigating this environment has been our strong communication with the industry and our commitment to a collaborative approach. Through our Advisory Board, we maintained continuous dialogue with all stakeholders, from producers and exporters to machinery companies and the design community. This allowed us to shape the exhibition’s content and commercial structure according to the real needs of the sector.
This year’s highlights include strengthened international partnerships, an expanded hosted buyer program, and new experiential formats. In particular, the D-ESIGN Arena transforms the exhibition into a dynamic hub where design, art, and interaction converge, enriching the visitor experience beyond traditional trade activities.
– In recent years, Marble İzmir has steadily strengthened its international presence. How is this strategy reflected in this year’s edition in terms of participation, target markets, and partnerships?
The internationalization strategy of Marble İzmir is reflected this year through a broader geographical reach and a highly targeted approach. Throughout the year, we conducted focused international promotion activities in key markets, working closely with commercial attachés of the Republic of Turkey, industry associations, and exporters’ unions. These efforts enabled us to connect directly with architects, project developers, importers, and distributors worldwide, significantly enhancing the exhibition’s global visibility.
Within the hosted buyer program, supported by the Turkish Ministry of Trade and organized in cooperation with the Aegean Mineral Exporters’ Association, we are hosting around 100 qualified buyers from 17 countries, including the United States, China, India, Mexico, Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Egypt, Italy, Russia, Germany, Belgium, Morocco, Colombia, and Greece.
In addition, through its own international outreach, İZFAŞ welcomes nearly 100 foreign visitors from 22 countries, ranging from the United States to Australia and from the Middle East to Europe. In total, more than 200 international buyers and professionals are participating in this year’s Marble İzmir.
We have also received 110 hosted buyer applications from 38 countries, along with hundreds of international visitor registrations, clearly demonstrating the exhibition’s global reach and appeal. In terms of partnerships, our collaboration with the Italian Association of Marble Machinery Manufacturers stands out as a key strategic development, strengthening our position in Europe and opening new opportunities in machinery and processing technologies.
– In your view, what are the key elements that differentiate Marble İzmir and establish it as a global benchmark for the natural stone industry?
What sets Marble İzmir apart is its comprehensive structure, covering the entire value chain of the natural stone industry. From block marble to processed products, and from machinery to design applications, all segments of the sector are represented in a balanced and integrated way.
With an exhibition area exceeding 150,000 square meters, more than 1,000 exhibitors, and hundreds of natural stone varieties from across Turkey, the exhibition stands out as one of the largest and most influential events in the sector. Held in one of the world’s key natural stone hubs, Marble İzmir attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe each year.
In addition, B2B matchmaking systems, hosted buyer programs, and digital meeting platforms enable exhibitors to connect effectively with a large number of qualified buyers. Combined with design competitions, conferences, and artistic activities, the exhibition goes beyond the scope of a conventional trade fair, becoming a platform that actively shapes the direction of the industry.
– Turkey is one of the leading players in the sector. How is this reflected through Marble İzmir and what role does the exhibition play in strengthening the country’s international presence?
Turkey is one of the leading countries worldwide in terms of natural stone reserves and diversity, holding nearly one-third of global reserves. This strength is clearly reflected in Marble İzmir.
The sector’s exports have grown from approximately 77 million USD in the early years of the exhibition to over 2 billion USD today, demonstrating how the exhibition and the industry have evolved together. Marble İzmir plays a strategic role in promoting Turkish natural stones internationally. It enables Turkish producers to meet buyers from different regions, strengthen existing markets, and access new ones, while also offering international buyers direct access to high-quality and diverse products.
– Design and material trends are constantly evolving. How are these reflected in this year’s exhibition?
One of the most significant transformations in the natural stone sector in recent years has been the shift toward value-added, design-oriented production. Marble İzmir reflects this transformation through a multi-layered and content-rich structure.
This year, Hall C is fully dedicated to machinery and technology, showcasing the latest innovations in cutting, processing, and surface treatment technologies that enhance efficiency and production quality. Meanwhile, Hall D has been redesigned as the D-ESIGN Arena, a central space where design, art, and commerce intersect.
Here, visitors can explore finalist projects from the design competition, artworks created during the Sculpture Workshop, and attend talks and interactive sessions featuring architects, academics, and industry professionals.
The 8th International Natural Stone Design Competition is one of the strongest indicators of this transformation. With 724 applications from 67 universities across 8 countries, it highlights the growing interest of young designers in natural stone. The 19 finalist projects are produced with industry support and exhibited as real products during the exhibition, ensuring a direct link between design, production, and commercialization.
Another major highlight is the Sculpture Workshop, where sculptors from various regions of Turkey transform blocks of natural stone into artworks through a live production process. Visitors can observe this process firsthand. The completed sculptures are planned to be placed in public spaces across İzmir, extending the exhibition’s impact into the city’s cultural landscape.
– To what extent does İZFAŞ contribute to connecting Turkish production with international markets?
İZFAŞ plays a central role in integrating Turkey’s natural stone sector into global markets through Marble İzmir. This role goes far beyond organizing the exhibition and includes year-round international promotion, networking, and market development activities.
On the operational side, hosted buyer programs, B2B meetings, and online appointment systems enable exhibitors to schedule meetings in advance and engage effectively with qualified buyers. Additionally, within the framework of the Turkish Ministry of Trade’s “Prestigious Fair” support program, participating companies can benefit from incentives of up to 1,292,800 TL, further strengthening their international participation.
Through these combined efforts, İZFAŞ acts not only as an organizer but also as an active facilitator and strategic bridge between Turkish production and global markets.
– İzmir is closely associated with Marble İzmir. What is the exhibition’s impact on the city?
The economic impact of Marble İzmir extends far beyond the exhibition grounds. During the event, the influx of international participants and visitors generates significant activity in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, catering, logistics, and services.
While this creates short-term economic vitality, it also contributes to the long-term positioning of İzmir as an international trade and exhibition hub, increasing its visibility within global trade networks and supporting new investment opportunities.
– How do global challenges such as energy costs and logistics issues affect the exhibition?
Rising energy costs, logistical challenges, and global uncertainties directly impact the sector. However, the natural stone industry’s reliance on large-scale projects and long-term trade relationships provides resilience.
As organizers, we respond with flexible planning, strengthened international cooperation, and multi-channel communication strategies. Despite global challenges, Marble İzmir continues to serve as a stable and reliable meeting point for the industry.
– What is the role of a trade fair like Marble İzmir in times of geopolitical uncertainty?
In such periods, international exhibitions become even more critical. Marble İzmir brings together industry stakeholders from different regions, ensuring continuity in trade dialogue. These platforms not only create new business opportunities but also help maintain existing relationships and build trust, effectively functioning as a form of trade diplomacy.
– Finally, what is your key message to international professionals?
Marble İzmir is a powerful global platform that brings together all components of the natural stone industry, from production and design to technology and trade. For international professionals, it offers a unique opportunity to explore new business prospects, access diverse markets, and gain firsthand insight into the latest industry developments.
We invite all industry stakeholders to join us at Fuar İzmir from April 14 to 17. At the same time, İzmir is not only a trade fair destination but also a city rich in history and culture. Landmarks such as Ephesus, Pergamon, and the Ancient Agora offer visitors a unique journey through time.
International guests attending Marble İzmir will have the opportunity not only to expand their business networks but also to experience the cultural richness and Mediterranean lifestyle of the city.
