The Heart of the Global Furniture Industry Beats in Istanbul with IIFF 2026

One of the most prestigious meeting points of the global furniture industry, the International Istanbul Furniture Fair (IIFF) 2026, has officially opened its doors to visitors. Organized simultaneously at Istanbul Fair Center and TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center under the coordination of the Federation of Furniture Associations (MOSFED), the fair will host 3,000 brands and the latest collections of the industry across 250,000 square meters between 27–31 January.

Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat: “Our furniture industry, as one of Türkiye’s most established and dynamic sectors, continues to make us proud.”

Governor of Istanbul Davut Gül: “Producers from all over Türkiye and across the world come to Istanbul to showcase their products.”

Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) Mustafa Gültepe: “We introduce the production strength, design capability, and quality of the Turkish furniture industry to buyers from around the world.”

Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) Şekib Avdagiç: “I believe this fair acts as a significant lever that shapes the global perception of the Turkish furniture industry, accelerates branding, and lays the groundwork for long-term export strategies.”

MOSFED Chairman Ahmet Güleç: “The International Istanbul Furniture Fair is a powerful platform where trade, design, and vision converge.”

A Global Industry Meets in Istanbul

Ranked among the top three most prestigious furniture fairs worldwide, the highly anticipated International Istanbul Furniture Fair (IIFF 2026) opened with a grand ceremony and strong participation. The opening ceremony was hosted by MOSFED Chairman Ahmet Güleç, with the attendance of Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Governor of Istanbul Davut Gül, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, and İTO Chairman Şekib Avdagiç.

Bringing together all product categories under one roof—from modern and modular furniture to luxury designs; from office, hotel, and outdoor furniture to bedding, children’s, and youth room collections—IIFF 2026 highlights the full scope of the sector.

In his opening speech, MOSFED Chairman Ahmet Güleç emphasized that as the world enters a new era marked by shifting trade balances and restructuring supply chains, Istanbul and Türkiye stand out with their strong production capacity, flexibility, and strategic geographical advantages.

“The International Istanbul Furniture Fair is a powerful platform where these opportunities materialize—where trade, design, and vision meet on common ground. At IIFF 2026, a total of 3,000 brands from Türkiye and a broad geography extending from Europe to Asia, the Middle East to the Americas, are presenting their latest products and collections to buyers and industry professionals from over 150 countries. This picture clearly shows one reality: Today, global furniture trade, partnerships, and vision are being shaped in Istanbul,” said Güleç.

A Sector with a Strong Global Presence

Emphasizing the Turkish furniture sector’s transformation with a strong focus on sustainability and its growing export performance, Ahmet Güleç stated:

“Every product exhibited at IIFF 2026 is not made solely of wood, metal, or fabric, but of design, craftsmanship, know-how, and vision. Sustainability is no longer a choice—it is a necessity. Environmentally responsible production, responsible use of resources, and long-lasting design are now core elements of the global competitiveness of the Turkish furniture industry.

Our sector has reached a point where it successfully blends inspiration from tradition with modern design, combining craftsmanship with advanced production technologies. Today, we are not just a manufacturing sector, but one that designs, innovates, and holds a strong voice in global markets. Our goal is clear: to position Turkish furniture as a globally recognized benchmark brand with its design, quality, and sustainability. The International Istanbul Furniture Fair continues to be the strongest showcase of this vision.”

Standing by Our Exporters

Highlighting Türkiye’s rising export performance and the significant role of the furniture industry, Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat stated:

“Our furniture industry creates substantial added value for our economy through finished products and has maintained its net exporter position for over 20 years. In 2025, furniture exports increased by 1.8% year-on-year, reaching approximately USD 4.6 billion, placing Türkiye among the top 10 furniture-exporting countries worldwide.

To date, we have supported 68 UR-GE projects carried out by 42 cooperation organizations, with 17 projects currently active. One of our Turquality® Promotion Projects specifically targeting the furniture sector is the ‘Heartmade Furniture’ initiative, reflecting the vision of introducing Turkish furniture—crafted with heart—to the world.

Additionally, through our Green Deal Compliance Project (Responsible® Program), we support consultancy costs for companies and aim to further enhance this support in line with exporters’ transformation needs. Currently, 134 companies participate in the Responsible® Program, 10 of which operate in the furniture sector.”

Istanbul: Where the Heart of Global Furniture Beats

Commenting on the fair, Governor of Istanbul Davut Gül said:

“Istanbul is our gateway to the world and the center of trade. Producers from every corner of Türkiye and across the globe come to Istanbul to present their products. The furniture sector is particularly valuable for Türkiye due to its labor-intensive structure and reliance on domestic raw materials. I believe that with the addition of new exhibition areas, this fair will become one of the world’s leading fairs.”

Stating that Istanbul has become the new trade capital of furniture, TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe noted:

“If Cologne is weakening, Milan is standing still, and the Istanbul Furniture Fair is growing—if our halls are no longer sufficient to display collections and thousands of buyers from around the world are coming here—there is only one meaning: Istanbul is the new trade capital of furniture.”

İTO Chairman Şekib Avdagiç added:

“With its productivity, quality, and export capacity, the Turkish furniture industry stands out globally. Competition in furniture is not solely about price; qualified products, fast delivery, strong design, and above all, being a reliable supplier are equally important—and these are our key strengths. The Istanbul Furniture Fair plays a crucial role in shaping global perceptions, accelerating branding, and supporting long-term export strategies.”

Over 150,000 Professional Visitors from More Than 150 Countries

Opening its doors under the theme of “Sustainability,” IIFF 2026 is set to welcome over 150,000 professional visitors from more than 150 countries and regions. The fair attracts strong interest from interior architects, decorators, chain store executives, import-export professionals, hotel purchasing managers, and designers, creating new opportunities for international cooperation and exports.

Bringing together sustainability-driven production, innovative designs, and an export-oriented vision, IIFF 2026 unites all product groups of the furniture industry under one roof—from modern and modular furniture to luxury designs; from office, hotel, and outdoor furniture to bedding, children’s, and youth room collections.

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
Email