As preparations continue for the 31st Marble Izmir – International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, production has started at one of the event’s key highlights, the Sculpture Workshop. Within the scope of the workshop, six sculptors are creating their works through a live production model at Fuar Izmir until April 8, 2026. The sculptures will be showcased in Hall D throughout the fair and will later be relocated to various public locations across Izmir for permanent display.
Organized by IZFAS and hosted by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, the workshop aims to bring marble beyond the fairgrounds and integrate it into the urban landscape. Initiated upon the suggestion of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay, the program allows visitors to observe the artistic transformation of natural stone firsthand.
Curated by sculptor Ekin Erman, the workshop brings together prominent artists from different cities in Türkiye, including Bahadir Hizol, Cagdas Ercelik, Dilsad Akcayoz, Orhan Gazi Keskin, Ozkan Arslan and Tonguc Sercan, who continue their works on marble blocks throughout the production period.
Marble Gains Timeless Value Through Art
Speaking about the concept behind the workshop, curator Ekin Erman emphasized the importance of extending the fair’s impact into the city. She noted that marble, a material formed over millions of years, gains an additional sense of permanence when transformed into art. Erman also highlighted the enduring presence of marble sculptures in public spaces, underlining their ability to remain part of urban life for centuries.
Sculptures to Become Part of the Urban Memory
Erman stated that the approximately 25-day production process is progressing at an intense pace, with experienced artists completing their sketches quickly and moving on to carving. She also underlined the unique relationship sculpture establishes with its audience, noting that its physical presence enables direct interaction and strengthens its role in public life.
The artworks produced during the workshop will be exhibited at Hall D of Fuarizmir during the fair, which will take place between April 14–17, 2026. Following the event, the sculptures will be installed at various locations across Izmir, becoming permanent elements of the city’s cultural landscape.
The Global Meeting Point of the Natural Stone Industry Marble İzmir, to Take Place on April 14–17, 2026
One of the world’s largest trade fairs in its sector and the gateway of Turkish natural stone to global markets, Marble İzmir – International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, is preparing to open its doors for the 31st time at Fuarİzmir between April 14–17, 2026. Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ, Marble İzmir will once again bring together industry professionals from all over the world in İzmir.
Having become a strong global brand over the years, Marble İzmir will once again stand out in 2026 as one of the most important meeting points not only for Türkiye but also for the global natural stone industry. With its exhibitor profile, diversity of visitors and the scale of its exhibition area, the fair continues to closely follow the sector, aiming to further enhance international interaction in 2026.
Cooperation with the Confindustria Marmomacchine
Having hosted over a thousand exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors from more than 100 countries last year ( including participants from Italy, the USA, France, Germany, China, South Korea, India and the United Arab Emirates) . Marble İzmir is set to sign an important cooperation this year as well. Through an agreement with the Confindustria Marmomacchine, the is the Italian Association of Producers and Processors of Marbles, Granites and Natural Stones in general, and of Manufacturers of Machinery, Complete Plants, Tools and Complementary Products to quarry and processing Natural Stones, the strongest representative of Italy’s natural stone and stone-processing machinery sector.
The contacts initiated during the 30th Marble İzmir Fair paved the way for the cooperation agreement between Marble İzmir and the Confindustria Marmomacchine. Through this agreement, it is aimed to increase the presence of Italian companies at Marble İzmir, strengthen the fair’s position in the European market, and further develop cooperation between Türkiye and Italy in the natural stone and machinery sectors. The process is expected to create new business opportunities for companies from both countries by bringing together Türkiye’s strong production infrastructure with Italy’s expertise in technology and processing.
Promotional, networking and cooperation efforts aim to attract a greater number of international participants and visitors. Within the scope of activities carried out across various markets worldwide, the objective is to strengthen Marble İzmir’s international visibility and increase professional interest in the fair. Companies from many countries — ranging from Italy to the USA, from India to China and Iran, and from Portugal to Poland — are expected to participate.
Buyer Delegations, B2B Meetings and Design Competition
In 2026, buyer delegations from various countries will once again visit İzmir within the scope of Marble İzmir. B2B meetings held during the fair will provide participating companies with opportunities to enter new markets and expand their exports. The fair will also host 8th International Novel Natural Stone Design Competition, aiming to introduce young designers to the sector and bring an innovative vision to natural stone.
“We Will Continue to Carry the Global Strength of the Sector from İzmir to the World”
Emphasizing that Marble İzmir will continue to be the international meeting point of the natural stone industry in its 31st edition, İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu stated:
“With more than 30 years of history, Marble İzmir has become a major organization that brings together producers, exporters, technology developers, architects and designers on the same platform. Our fair is not only Türkiye’s fair, but one that belongs to the entire sector. The cooperation we have established this year with the Confindustria Marmomacchine will further strengthen international interaction. B2B meetings to be held with participants, professional visitors and buyer delegations from many countries — from Europe to Asia, from America to Africa — will offer new trade opportunities to our companies. In addition to trade, Marble İzmir will continue to be a center where innovation, sustainability and design are discussed. In our 31st edition, we will continue to carry the global strength of the sector from İzmir to the world.”
