• Architects, Interior Designers, and Innovative Talents Unite for FDI Istanbul 2025
• Ahmet Güleç: “The world now demands not just well-made’ but ‘well-thought-out’ and ‘well-designed.’”
Groundbreaking ideas and striking innovations in interior design will once again converge at Furnishings & Design Istanbul (FDI). As Turkey’s first fair fully focused on design, FDI will open its doors at the Istanbul Expo Center from September 25 to 27, 2025. Organized under the leadership of the Furniture Associations Federation (MOSFED), FDI will build upon its initial success and expand its vision for the 2025 edition. The event will bring together all key elements shaping interior spaces—from furniture to lighting, home textiles to decorative accessories—under innovatieve perspectives.
In preparation for FDI 2025, the fair’s design committee, advisory board, business partners, and stakeholders convened for the second time. During the meeting, participants exchanged ideas on the event’s content and discussed new initiatives and collaborations that could propel the sector forward. Emphasizing the growing importance of design, MOSFED President Ahmet Güleç stated: “We are no longer just producing well; we are designing well and showcasing it to the world. We are now global players in design. The world no longer seeks just ‘well-made’ but ‘well-thought-out’ and ‘well-designed’ products.”
Organized under MOSFED’s leadership and hosted by IDEALIST and addresistanbul, the gathering brought together leading architects, interior designers, and innovative talents to discuss FDI 2025’s mission and objectives. Güleç elaborated: “At the heart of this event lies our shared dream: to form a sector that places design at its core, speaks to the world, and is nourished by our ancient cultural heritage. We often repeat this phrase: ‘placing design at the heart of industry.’ We want working with designers and producing design to become a non-negotiable approach for all manufacturers. Through FDI, we aim to support our brands in presenting original Turkish designs to the world while also offering value, vision, and character. We envision FDI as a meeting point for everyone who views design not merely as form or ornamentation but as a mindset, a way of thinking, and a vision for the future.”
Design: An Indispensable Element of Industry
Last year, FDI welcomed visitors from 26 countries, strengthening its position in the sector with its mission to make design an essential part of industry. Güleç underlined the growing necessity of combining design with sustainability: “Concepts like eco-design and circular economy— producing and designing in harmony with nature, without depleting resources—are no longer just optimistic goals but concrete necessities for the future. We must place this new perspective that integrates design with functionality, innovation, and sustainability at the center of our production. The role of our interior designers, and innovative brands is absolutely critical. We now fully understand that sustainability-focused design is no longer a choice but the defining factor in today’s competitive landscape.”
The Turkish Furniture Sector Continues to Excel Highlighting the international achievements of Turkey’s design-focused furniture industry, Güleç said: “Visibility, accurate representation, and managing differentiation are just as important as production. Our Heartmade business platform has become a powerful showcase that connects Turkish furniture with the world 365 days a year through digital channels. Beyond being a business platform, Heartmade serves as a cultural ambassador, reflecting the spirit of Turkish design and presenting our cultural richness in a contemporary language.”
One of the most tangible examples of this approach was Türkiye’s recent participation in the prestigious ICFF – International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York. Under the Heartmade banner, over 300 Turkish brands were digitally promoted via kiosks, while nine select brands exhibited their products physically. These unique designs, each with its own story, attracted significant attention. Among them, the ‘Taht’ vanity table designed by Hale Betül Güleç, design director at Heartmade member Ndesign, won one of the fair’s most prestigious honors: the ICFF Editors Awards, bringing pride to the Turkish design community.
