Turkey stands tall among the world’s most influential textile and apparel manufacturing nations, ranking as the 6th largest supplier globally and the 3rd largest supplier to the European Union. The country’s textile industry, deeply rooted in its historical legacy dating back to the Ottoman Empire, continues to flourish, with substantial growth evident in the doubling of both textile and clothing exports since 2000.
The export landscape for Turkish textiles and apparel is particularly focused on Europe, with Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy emerging as the top destinations. In 2016, these four countries collectively absorbed over $10 billion worth of Turkish textile exports. This trend persisted in 2021, with Germany and Spain still ranking as the leading destinations, accounting for over $7.5 billion in exports.
Turkey’s significance in the global textile and apparel sector was further emphasized in 2022 when the country secured its position as the fourth-largest exporter of textiles worldwide, contributing over four percent of all global exports. The industry’s trajectory continues upward, with the combined value of textile and clothing exports more than tripling since the turn of the millennium.
For textile professionals worldwide, Turkey has become a central hub, drawing industry enthusiasts to connect with Turkish counterparts. Renowned for its strength in textile production, particularly in machine-made carpets, Turkey also holds sway in various other areas such as clothing, denim, home decoration, and fabric manufacturing. The country’s prominence in the textile industry attracts a global audience to its exhibitions, where attendees seek to update their knowledge, find inspiration, and establish meaningful business relationships.
These events draw professionals, enthusiasts, and businesses from around the world. Here are some of the most important textile exhibitions held in Turkey:
1. ITM 2024
website: www.itmexhibition.com
International Textile Machinery Exhibition stands as a premier global event, placing a spotlight on textile machinery and cutting-edge technology. This exhibition serves as a dynamic platform where manufacturers, investors, and industry professionals converge to explore the latest innovations in machinery, equipment, and services. With a pivotal role in shaping the future of textile production, ITM has become a crucial meeting point for those at the forefront of the textile industry.
The eagerly awaited 2024 edition of ITM is set to take place from June 4 to June 8, 2024, at the Istanbul TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center. This event is not only Türkiye’s largest sectoral exhibition but also the most significant gathering in the region, bringing together key players in the textile industry to showcase and discover new technologies and solutions.
2. International Istanbul Yarn Fair
website: www.iplikfuari.com
The International Istanbul Yarn Fair is a key event that brings together professionals and stakeholders from the yarn and fiber sector. As a comprehensive platform, it showcases the latest developments in yarn production, processing, and application. The fair provides a valuable opportunity for industry players to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and establish business connections.
3. hometex istanbul
website: www.hometex.com.tr
HOMETEX, the biggest textile meeting of Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and Africa, hosts the world’s leading textile companies in the home textile sector, will be held at Istanbul Expo Center on May 21-25, 2024. HOMETEX, one of the world’s most prestigious fairs in the home textile sector, will bring the national and international sector players together in Istanbul.
4. Texhibition
website: www.texhibitionist.com
The 3rd Texhibition Istanbul Fabric and Textile Accessories Fair, which brought global buyers together with the industry was organized on 08-10 March at Istanbul Expo Center by cooperation of Istanbul Textile Exporters Association (ITHIB) with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC) Fair organized by ITKIB Fuarcılık A.Ş with the aim of making the Turkish Textile and raw materials sector one of the top 3 textile suppliers in the world and contributing to the industry’s export target of 15 billion dollars
5. IFCO
website: www.ifco.com.tr
Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Istanbul Fashion Connection Exhibition, set to take place from February 7 to February 10, 2024. This international fair, hosted by İHKİB (Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association), promises to be a beacon for the global apparel industry, fulfilling a long-standing desire for a platform that connects Turkish design firms, agents, and design offices with buyers and brands from around the world.
6. Aymod
website: www.aymod.com
AYMOD is the International Footwear Fashion Fair, held in Istanbul and the second largest fair of its kind in the world. Every year the fair show the latest trends in shoe fashion with the support of the sector.
7. aysaf
website: www.aysafexpo.com
The Aysaf Istanbul is organized by CNR Holding, a Turkish trade fair company that organizes numerous successful fairs and events. The fair provides a platform for manufacturers, retailers, and designers in the fields of shoes, leather goods, and accessories to present their latest products, innovations, and trends.
Participating in these exhibitions provides attendees with unparalleled opportunities to stay abreast of industry trends, forge new partnerships, and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of the textile sector. As Turkey continues to be a beacon in the global textile industry, these exhibitions play a crucial role in showcasing the nation’s innovation, creativity, and leadership in the field.
So let’s explore why Turkey’s textile industry is at the forefront and why it has become a hotspot for numerous high-profile exhibitions:
1. Textile Heritage and Expertise:
Turkey’s rich textile heritage, evident in the intricate designs of Turkish carpets and handwoven textiles, establishes a profound connection with the industry. This historical expertise serves as an engaging backdrop for showcasing the evolution and diversity of textiles in exhibitions.
2. Strategic Geographical Location:
Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey’s strategic geographical location, particularly in Istanbul, serves as a gateway for international trade and commerce. The city’s connectivity facilitates global participation in textile exhibitions, attracting exhibitors and visitors from both hemispheres.
3. Thriving Textile Industry:
Turkey’s robust manufacturing sector positions it as a global powerhouse in the textile industry. Exhibitions in Turkey provide a platform for industry players to engage with a vast network of suppliers, manufacturers, and innovators, fostering collaboration and business growth.
4. State-of-the-Art Exhibition Infrastructure:
Significant investments in modern exhibition venues and infrastructure, especially in cities like Istanbul, offer world-class facilities for large-scale events. These venues create a professional and conducive environment for exhibitors to showcase their products and for visitors to explore the latest trends and innovations.
5. Cultural Fusion and Design Inspiration:
Turkey’s cultural diversity, influenced by its Ottoman history and a vibrant blend of East and West, serves as a unique source of inspiration for textile design. Exhibitions in Turkey often reflect this fusion, showcasing a diverse range of traditional and contemporary designs that attract those seeking fresh and innovative textile solutions.
6. Networking Opportunities:
Textile exhibitions in Turkey act as dynamic platforms for networking. Professionals from various corners of the textile industry converge to exchange ideas, establish partnerships, and explore business opportunities. The collaborative atmosphere enhances the overall experience for exhibitors and visitors alike.
7. Government Support and Incentives:
The Turkish government actively supports the textile industry, offering incentives and initiatives to promote growth and innovation. This support extends to exhibitions, creating an environment conducive to the exchange of knowledge and the showcasing of cutting-edge technologies.
8. Vibrant Business Environment:
Turkey’s dynamic business environment, characterized by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, facilitates productive interactions during textile exhibitions. The country’s openness to trade and commerce makes it an attractive destination for both local and international participants.
In conclusion, Turkey’s appeal as an ideal location for textile exhibitions stems from its rich history, strategic location, industry prominence, modern infrastructure, cultural richness, networking opportunities, government support, and vibrant business environment. These factors collectively contribute to the country’s status as a textile exhibition oasis, where the global textile community converges to celebrate innovation, craftsmanship, and the artistry of textiles.
