The first day of the Istanbul Carpet and Flooring Fair (ICF) set a significant milestone in the global carpet and flooring industry. The event underscored the emergence of a respected exhibition brand, achieved through the collaborative efforts of the Gaziantep and Istanbul Carpet Manufacturers’ Unions and the Tüyap Exhibition Group.
Record Growth and International Presence
At the end of the first day, a Gala Dinner was held, where İlhan Ersözlü, Director of Tüyap Exhibition Group, shared impressive statistics about this year’s event. He stated:
“This year, the exhibition hosts 450 Turkish companies and 150 international exhibitors. This marks a 48% growth in local participation and over a 100% increase in international exhibitors. Online registrations also show a 20% rise in international visitors from over 120 countries. This diversity was evident on the first day, reflecting the global appeal of our event.”
Ersözlü highlighted the event’s vast potential, expressing confidence in its trajectory:
“We are on the path to becoming the world’s number one exhibition for flooring and carpets.”
Strengthening Trade and Culture
Ahmed Diler, President of the Istanbul Carpet Exporters’ Association, welcomed visitors and participants with optimism:
“I’m pleased to announce that this year we’ve opened even more doors to increase Turkey’s carpet exports worldwide. This exhibition significantly enhances trade volumes in the carpet and flooring sector while offering the world a glimpse into Turkey’s rich culture. I am confident this success will continue in the coming years.”
Unity for a Shared Vision
Zeynal Abidin Kaplan, President of the Southeast Anatolia Carpet Exporters’ Association, attributed the exhibition’s success to the unity between Istanbul and Gaziantep’s carpet unions:
“Today’s success is a result of understanding our position and collaborating toward a shared goal of elevating the global standing of Turkish carpets. Gaziantep is undoubtedly the world’s carpet manufacturing hub, while Istanbul is the number one centre for carpet trade. A carpet isn’t just a commercial product; it’s a story, a culture, and every knot represents love, art, and tradition.”
Kaplan expressed pride in the event’s achievements and emphasized the importance of maintaining Turkey’s leadership in the global market:
“This is a time for celebration and pride. However, we must keep evolving by investing in the latest technologies and updating our software and hardware to stay ahead in the market.”
Spotlight on Handwoven Carpets and Machinery
This year’s event showcased remarkable growth in the handwoven carpet sector, with a noticeable increase in international buyers. Additionally, major European and Turkish machinery manufacturers displayed advanced equipment for the carpet industry, attracting significant attention from trade professionals.
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