Furnishings & Design Istanbul (FDI), launched with great enthusiasm by the Furniture Associations Federation (MOSFED) to shape the future of the furniture and related industries through a design-focused approach, continues its journey in 2025 with expanded goals and growth following its remarkable success in its first year. The event, which stood out last year with strong feedback from brands, manufacturers, and creative professionals, continues to drive the transformation of the industry.
Preparations for Furnishings & Design Istanbul (FDI) that will take place at Istanbul Expo Center on September 25-27, 2025, the fair’s design committee, advisory board, participating brands from 2024, business partners, and stakeholders recently gathered at Sofitel Istanbul Taksim for a key meeting. During the discussions, participants exchanged ideas on FDI 2025’s content while sharing insights on new practices and collaborations that will drive the industry forward. MOSFED President Ahmet Güleç stated, “FDI continues its journey by establishing a powerful exhibition space for original design, a strong collaboration channel, and a dynamic platform for experience and idea exchange.”
The Furniture Associations Federation (MOSFED) organized a strategic meeting at Sofitel Istanbul Taksim for its own initiative, Furnishings & Design Istanbul (FDI). This comprehensive platform focuses on design and branding across the entire interior ecosystem, with particular emphasis on Turkiye’s furniture sector, which now exports to 200 countries and has achieved twentyfold growth over two decades. The gathering brought together the Design Committee, Advisory Board members, and key stakeholders to evaluate last year’s achievements and exchange ideas on this year’s event details. Discussions meticulously addressed steps to elevate Turkish design culture to a globally influential position in the furniture and related sectors, while examining FDI’s role in this mission and its strategy. FDI will open its doors at Istanbul Expo Center on September 25-27, 2025, featuring an expanded exhibition space, a stronger content framework, and groundbreaking opportunities to lead the industry forward. Drawing inspiration from Istanbul’s history of inspiring creative minds, FDI will continue leading the way in embedding design from sustainability to innovation at the heart of the industry.
We Will Showcase Our Design Power
Speaking at the FDI Advisory Board Meeting, MOSFED President Ahmet Güleç said, “FDI was not formulated just as a showcase for good products, but also as an information center. Through symposium programs, exhibitions, and Designer to Business (D2B) initiatives, we offer a strong platform for education and learning. Moreover, by bringing the world to Istanbul through this fair, we aim to demonstrate our design strength and support our brands on their international journey. FDI features original and high-quality designs. No brand that does not meet this standard can participate in FDI. However, we must also create this vision in all manufacturers in Turkey. That’s why we aim to attract not only buyers but also global contractors and clients seeking to buy design and concepts. Because now, we want to say, ‘Turkiye is not just producing furniture, it is producing designed furniture.’We believe we can achieve this with FDI.”
We Will İncrease The Added Value
Emphasizing that design and sustainability are the main factors determining added value today, but that these must be integrated with “demand,” Güleç said, “Good design is not just about appearance — it’s also about how well it functions. This is where the true power of design lies, and this is where the potential for creating added value is hidden. Material quality, sustainable production processes, and an innovative perspective transform a piece of furniture from a simple object into a design piece with a story. This is how a brand is born; the rest is just strong marketing and logistics management. With the vision we present through FDI, we believe our industry will succeed in all these areas.”
The Power Of Design And İnnovation Will Shine At The Fair
At the meeting held at Taksim Sofitel Hotel, a wide range of participants attended, including design committee members, journalists, exhibitors, designers, manufacturers, industry leaders, and heads of associations and unions. Many key figures, especially members of the design committee shared their views on the current state of the manufacturing industry in Turkiye, the challenges it faces, possible solutions, and the transformative role of FDI in this process. The meeting stood out with constructive ideas and inspiring suggestions, shedding light on the future of the sector. With its 2024 edition, FDI laid the groundwork for new collaborations that will transform the furniture and interior design industry around the themes of design, innovation, and sustainability. In its second year, FDI will continue to be a platform that shapes the industry’s vision. The power of design and innovation will once again be shine at the fair.
Innovative Areas Will Draw Attention
Furnishings & Design Istanbul (FDI) is more than just a fair, it offers a unique platform for industry professionals to form innovative collaborations and exchange inspiring ideas. Taking place at the Istanbul Expo Center on September 25–27, 2025, this year’s event will welcome visitors in two halls, covering a total area of 10.000 square meters, with more brands, more designers, and richer content. Built on the achievements of the previous year, FDI 2025 will highlight the power of design in the furniture industry even more strongly. The fair will host more international visitors and purchasing delegations compared to last year. Additionally, with events themed around “Good Possibilities” various players in the sector will come together once again. The fair will once again feature standout sections such as “FDI D2B,” “FDI Design Houses,” and “FDI New Horizon Exhibition,” which showcase original design spaces. In FDI D2B, designers and brands will hold one-on-one meetings to explore collaboration opportunities. Also new this year is the specially developed “Design Circle,” which will highlight the collective power of design, while the “FDI Stage & Talks” area will feature inspiring talks and productive discussions that will shape the industry’s agenda.
* Other sponsors of the meeting held at Sofitel İstanbul Taksim Hotel are Heartmade, Tuna Office, and Sothis Architecture.
