One of the most prestigious meeting points of the global furniture industry, the International Istanbul Furniture Fair (IIFF) 2026, has opened its doors to visitors. Organized under the coordination of the Federation of Furniture Associations (MOSFED) and held simultaneously at the Istanbul Expo Center and TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center, the fair will take place between January 27–31 across a total area of 250,000 square meters, bringing together 3,000 brands and the latest collections from the industry with the world…
Ranked among the top three most prestigious global gatherings of the furniture industry, the highly anticipated International Istanbul Furniture Fair (IIFF 2026) officially opened with a ceremony and strong participation. The opening ceremony was hosted by MOSFED President Ahmet Güleç, with the attendance of Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) President Mustafa Gültepe, and Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) President Şekib Avdagiç.
Bringing together all product groups of the sector under one roof—from modern and modular furniture to luxury designs, office, hotel and outdoor furniture, as well as bedding, children’s and youth room collections—MOSFED President Ahmet Güleç emphasized in his opening speech that as the world enters a new era, trade balances shift and supply chains are reshaped, Istanbul and Türkiye offer significant opportunities thanks to their production capacity, flexibility and geographical advantages.
Güleç stated: “The International Istanbul Furniture Fair is a powerful platform where these opportunities become tangible—where trade, design and vision meet on common ground. At IIFF 2026, a total of 3,000 brands from a vast geography stretching from Europe to Asia, the Middle East to the Americas are showcasing their latest products and collections to buyers and industry professionals from more than 150 countries. This picture clearly shows one thing: today, global furniture trade, cooperation and vision are being shaped in Istanbul.”
MOSFED President Ahmet Güleç: “The International Istanbul Furniture Fair is a powerful platform where trade, design and vision come together.”
A Sector with a Strong Voice in Global Markets
Emphasizing that the Turkish furniture industry continues to strengthen its export performance while transforming with a focus on sustainability, Güleç said: “Every product exhibited at IIFF 2026 is not made solely of wood, metal or fabric, but of design, craftsmanship, know-how and vision. The world is undergoing a major transformation. Sustainability is no longer a choice, but a necessity. Environmentally responsible production, responsible resource use and long-lasting design have become key elements of the Turkish furniture sector’s global competitiveness.”
He added that the sector has reached a strong position by combining inspiration from tradition with modern design and craftsmanship with advanced production technologies.
“We are no longer just a manufacturing sector; we are a sector that designs, innovates and has a strong voice in global markets. Our goal is clear: to make Turkish furniture a globally referenced brand through its design, quality and sustainability. The International Istanbul Furniture Fair continues to be the strongest showcase of this vision.”
Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat: “Our furniture sector, as one of Türkiye’s most established and dynamic industries, continues to make us proud.”
Standing by Our Exporters
Noting that Türkiye continues to increase its export success and that the furniture sector plays a significant role in this achievement, Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat stated:
“Our furniture sector creates significant added value for our economy through its finished products and has successfully maintained its net exporter status for more than 20 years. In 2025, furniture exports increased by 1.8 percent compared to the previous year, reaching approximately USD 4.6 billion. Türkiye has succeeded in ranking among the top 10 furniture-exporting countries worldwide.”
Bolat highlighted that 68 UR-GE projects conducted by 42 different cooperation organizations have been supported to date, with 17 of them currently ongoing. He also emphasized the ‘Heartmade Furniture’ Turquality® Promotion Project, designed to strengthen the image of Turkish furniture globally, as well as continued support through the Responsible® Program within the scope of the Green Deal Compliance Project.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül: “Producers from all over Türkiye and the world showcase their products in Istanbul.”
Istanbul: The City Where the Heart of Global Furniture Beats
Commenting on the fair, Governor Davut Gül said: “Istanbul is the center of trade and our gateway to the world. Producers from across Türkiye and around the globe present their products here. Beyond exports, the furniture sector is extremely valuable due to its labor-intensive nature and its use of domestic raw materials. I believe that with additional exhibition areas, this fair will become one of the leading fairs in the world.”
TİM President Mustafa Gültepe underlined that Istanbul has become the new trade capital of furniture: “While Cologne weakens and Milan stagnates, if the Istanbul Furniture Fair is growing, if exhibition halls are no longer sufficient to display collections, and if thousands of buyers from around the world are coming here, there is only one meaning: Istanbul is the new trade capital of furniture.”
İTO President Şekib Avdagiç emphasized that competition in furniture is not based solely on price, but also on quality, fast delivery, strong design and being a reliable supplier—areas where Turkish furniture excels.
“I see the Istanbul Furniture Fair as a harbinger of achieving these goals. I believe this fair plays a critical role in shaping the perception of the Turkish furniture sector in global markets, 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 expected to host more than 150,000 professional visitors from over 150 countries and regions. Attracting strong interest from interior architects, decorators, chain store executives, import-export professionals, hotel purchasing managers and designers, the fair will pave the way for new partnerships and export opportunities.
Bringing together sustainable production, innovative design and an export-oriented approach, the fair showcases all product groups of the sector under one roof—from modern and modular furniture to luxury designs, office, hotel and outdoor furniture, as well as bedding and children’s and youth room collections.
