Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ, Marble İzmir – International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair will open its doors for the 31st time at Fuar İzmir between April 14–17, 2026. Recognized as one of the world’s most significant events in the natural stone industry, Marble İzmir will bring together producers, exporters, architects, designers, and technology developers on an international scale. With more than a thousand exhibitors each year, the 2026 edition is expected to host nearly 200 foreign companies from different countries.
Last year, the fair welcomed 1,003 exhibitors from 27 countries, including 188 international participants and attracted 61,816 industry professionals from 128 countries. For 2026, international promotional activities have already generated strong interest: 789 professionals from 57 countries have registered online as visitors, while 70 qualified buyers from 30 countries have applied to join the Hosted Buyer program.
Buyers focused on projects and architecture are expected from the USA, UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Belgium, and the Netherlands, while professionals purchasing block natural stone will come from China, India, Italy, and Egypt. Project firms from reconstruction markets such as Iraq, Libya and Ukraine are also anticipated to attend.
Turkey’s Natural Stone Wealth on Display
Holding approximately 33% of the world’s natural stone reserves, Turkey stands out globally with its marble diversity. With more than 120 color and pattern varieties, Turkey is home to internationally renowned stones such as Afyon Şeker, Elazığ Vişne, Burdur Beige, Denizli Travertine and Milas Lilac. Marble İzmir continues to be the leading trade platform showcasing Turkey’s rich natural stone portfolio to the global market.
Natural Stone and Technology on One Platform
Spanning over 150,000 square meters, Marble İzmir will feature all product groups of the natural stone industry. Exhibits will include block marble, processed stone products, architectural and decorative applications, as well as stone processing machinery, cutting and polishing technologies, quarry equipment and production technologies. A dedicated hall will be reserved exclusively for machinery, technology, and equipment companies, presenting automation systems, digital production technologies, quarry equipment, and eco-friendly solutions—offering professionals a comprehensive view of the latest technological advancements.
Buyer Delegations and B2B Meetings
International buyers will once again visit Marble İzmir in 2026 as part of the buyer delegation program. B2B meetings at the fair will provide exhibitors with opportunities to expand into new markets and increase exports. Direct commercial negotiations with global buyers are expected to pave the way for new collaborations in the industry.
Design Competition
The fair will also host the 8th International Different Natural Stone Design Competition, aimed at introducing young designers to the industry and bringing innovative perspectives to natural stone. This year, 724 projects from various countries were submitted. Finalist designs selected by the jury will move into production and be exhibited during the fair.
Sculpture Workshop – Connecting Marble with the City
İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu announced that a Sculpture Workshop will be held as part of the fair:
“İzmir is a marble city with 8,500 years of history. Therefore, we do not see Marble İzmir as limited to the fairgrounds. Between March 15 – April 8, 2026, the sculpture workshop at Fuar İzmir will make marble more visible in urban life. The works produced will be exhibited during the fair and later placed in different public locations across İzmir.”
Cumalıoğlu emphasized that this initiative aims to highlight marble not only as a commercial product but also as a cultural and artistic value integrated into the city.
İzmir Experience for Visitors
To ensure visitors enjoy a richer experience in İzmir, various initiatives are being developed. Cumalıoğlu noted that walking routes within the city, inventories of marble-faced buildings and alternative tours to ancient sites are being prepared. Informative content about activities in İzmir during and after the fair is also being shared with all online registrants.
