Furnishings & Design Istanbul (FDI), the global meeting point for the furniture and interior design ecosystem, will open its doors for the third time on 24–26 September 2026. Organized this year under the motto “Where Design Leads,” the exhibition will bring together design vision, a curated platform structure, a high-quality business network, and global visibility under one roof.
Positioning design not merely as an aesthetic element but as a driving force that shapes the industry, FDI aims to connect Türkiye’s growing manufacturing and design capabilities with the international trade ecosystem. Having welcomed more than 100 brands and over 26,000 visitors from 38 countries at its previous edition, the exhibition is preparing once again to become one of the most important gathering points for the global design community. Bringing together the competitive manufacturing strength of the Turkish furniture and interior design industry with a strong design vision, Furnishings & Design Istanbul (FDI) continues to stand out as a platform that contributes to the transformation of the sector.
Organized by the Federation of Furniture Associations (MOSFED) at the Istanbul Expo Center from 24–26 September 2026, FDI Istanbul will unite the global design ecosystem through its curated platform structure, qualified business approach, and international design focus. Aiming to connect Türkiye’s design and production capabilities with leading buyers from the global trade network, the exhibition will once again highlight the defining role of design in the industry under this year’s motto, “Where Design Leads.” In addition to product display areas featuring design-driven collections, the exhibition will showcase FDI Stage & Talks, the Designer-to- Business (D2B) Program, Design Circle, New Horizon, the FDI Lounge, as well as exhibition and installation spaces. These multi-layered experience zones will provide brands with powerful opportunities to tell their stories through diverse, design-focused formats.
FDI Istanbul 2026 Built Around Five Strategic Design Pillars Stating that FDI Istanbul has evolved beyond the traditional trade fair model into a multi-dimensional platform where design shapes the future, MOSFED Chairman Ahmet Güleç commented on this year’s motto, “Where Design Leads”: “We believe that design is not merely a language of form, but also a culture of living, a way of thinking, and a strategic approach. Our motto, ‘Where Design Leads,’ emphasizes design’s ability to guide, transform, and lead. This approach, which gives meaning to spaces, strengthens brand identities while also enabling differentiation. At FDI, not only products are exhibited; ideas are discussed, brands are positioned, new collaborations are established, and market dynamics are reshaped. In line with this vision, we have structured our exhibition around five strategic pillars: a qualified brand ecosystem, thought leadership in design, collaboration and connectivity, regional reference, and global visibility.” The Design Ecosystem of the Future Takes Shape Under the FDI Roof Focusing on sustainability, innovation, design, and contemporary production models, FDI Istanbul is preparing to take its multi-layered structure even further in its third edition.
The exhibition is not only a commercial platform where products are displayed, but also a venue where ideas are generated, design agendas are discussed, and perspectives on the future of the industry are developed. Within this framework, the FDI Stage & Talks program will host leading speakers from Türkiye and around the world, with sessions focusing on design, creative economies, sustainability, digitalization, and industry transformation. Over the course of three days, topics such as better production, stronger marketing models, nextgeneration collaborations, and the future of networking culture will be explored from a multidimensional perspective.
As a result, FDI will go beyond commercial interaction to become a powerful knowledge platform that fosters intellectual production and industry dialogue. The Designer-to-Business (D2B) Program, which brings designers and manufacturers together through meaningful collaborations, will pave the way for new partnerships. Meanwhile, the New Horizon Exhibition will provide visibility for independent designers and next-generation creative ideas. The Design Circle, organized each year around a different theme, will highlight the multi-layered nature of design through its curatorial approach and spatial experience. Special exhibitions and installation areas will further strengthen the cultural and intellectual dimension of FDI Istanbul, presenting selected brands, projects, and design narratives that explore the relationship between design and art from fresh perspectives. The FDI Lounge, positioned at the intersection of all these structures, will serve as a dedicated meeting space that fosters communication among stakeholders, encourages idea exchange, and supports natural interaction.
The Selective Intelligence Behind FDI: The Design Committee One of the strongest pillars of FDI Istanbul is its Design Committee, composed of respected professionals from various disciplines. Responsible for shaping the exhibition’s curatorial framework, content direction, and alignment with the “Where Design Leads” vision, the committee transforms the event into a highly qualified industry gathering with strong program coherence. Chaired by Alpay Er, academician and industrial designer, the Design Committee consists of:
• Ahmet Raşit Karaaslan – Interior Architect and Designer
• Aynur Yılmaz – Architect • Cem Cemal Çobanoğlu – Senior Interior Architect
• Cengiz Ayyıldız – Strategic Content Consultant
• Ece Yalım – Industrial Designer and Interior Architect
• Erdem Akan – Designer, Curator, and Educator
• Şule Koç – Industrial Designer Together,
the committee plays a key role in ensuring that FDI Istanbul continues to serve as a distinguished platform where design leadership, innovation, and global industry dialogue converge.
