“We will Make Turkish Carpets A Strong Brand in Every Corner of the World”
The Istanbul Carpet Exporters Association (IHIB) honored representatives of the carpet industry who contributed to exports and increased the recognition of Turkish carpets abroad. A total of 40 companies received ‘platinum awards’ in four different categories, while special awards were also presented.
The Export Awards Ceremony organized by the Istanbul Carpet Exporters’ Association (IHIB) was held with the broad participation of Istanbul Deputy Governor Elif Canan Tuncer, Chairman of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) Mustafa Gültepe, Chairman of the Board of the Istanbul Carpet Exporters’ Association Ahmet Hayri Diler, and representatives of the sector.
At the ceremony, where the successful export performance of the Turkish carpet industry was recognized, 40 companies received Platinum Awards in the categories of Woven Machine-Made Carpets, Tufted Carpets, Velvet Carpets and Prayer Rugs, as well as Handwoven Carpets. In addition, Mustafa Kayhan and Serra Oruç were honored with the IHIB Distinguished Service Award, Ramazan Kaynar received the Veteran Carpet Producer Award, and Bedri Yokuş was awarded the Carpet Producer of the Year Award.
Gültepe: We Hold a 16.4% Share of Global Carpet Exports
In his speech at the awards ceremony for carpet exporters, Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TIM), emphasized that they view carpets not only as a commercial product but also as a cultural heritage. Noting that Turkiye is one of the two strongest players in the world in carpet exports, Gültepe said, “We hold a 16.4% share of global carpet exports. In 2024, we achieved $2.9 billion in carpet exports. In the January-November period of 2025, our exports reached $2.6 billion.”
Stating that carpets were exported this year to a total of 179 countries, primarily the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, Gültepe emphasized that despite losing price competitiveness, the sector continues to contribute to the Turkish economy through its resilience.
Noting that the carpet industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years driven by technological advancements, Gültepe said that new production methods and materials have resulted in higher-quality and more durable products. Stressing that competitiveness can only be maintained by responding swiftly and decisively to new demands, Gültepe made the following assessment: “We hold a strong position globally in terms of production capacity and technical expertise. To maintain this position, we must adapt to new technologies and further enhance our flexible production capabilities. If we achieve this, I believe we will increase our share in global exports.”
“The Perception of Turkish carpets is Strengthening”
Speaking at the ceremony, which once again highlighted the global standing reached by Turkish carpet weaving and the sector’s future-oriented goals, İHİB Chairman of the Board Ahmet Hayri Diler drew attention to the efforts behind carpet exports and emphasized the rising prominence of the Turkish carpet industry on the world stage. Addressing the award-winning companies, Diler stated: “Today, we have come together not only for an awards ceremony, but to celebrate the rise of Turkish carpet weaving on the global stage and the tremendous effort behind this success. Our award-winning companies have once again proven that they are the true stars of our industry by carrying the quality and elegance of Turkish carpets to every corner of the world.”
Touching upon the global representative power of the Turkish carpet industry, Diler shared the initiatives carried out in line with İHİB’s international vision. He stated that the ICFE International Carpet and Flooring Exhibition, which has become one of the key meeting points of the global carpet industry, has made a significant contribution to the sector’s international visibility, and noted that this impact will be further strengthened with the third edition of the fair to be held on January 6–9.
Referring also to the Carpet Festival, organized for the first time this year, Diler described the event as an important milestone for the sector, adding that it is aimed to transform it into a larger-scale and internationally recognized event with broader participation in the coming years.
“We Are Building Pathways to Ensure There is No Geography Left Untouched by Turkish Carpets”
Congratulating the award-winning companies at the closing of the ceremony, Ahmet Hayri Diler shared the following assessment regarding the future of the Turkish carpet industry: “Just as tying a single knot requires patience and mastery, elevating an industry to global leadership demands the same level of dedication. As IHIB, empowered by the strength we receive from our members, we will continue our efforts with determination to make Turkish carpets a strong global brand in every corner of the world. We are building pathways to ensure that there is no geography left where Turkish carpets are not present.”
