The International Carpet & Flooring Expo – ICFE 2026 officially opened its doors at the Istanbul Fair Center, bringing together the global carpet and flooring industry for one of the sector’s most significant annual gatherings.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Ahmet Hayri Diler, President of the Istanbul Carpet Exporters’ Association (İHİB), highlighted the scale and international reach of this year’s event. According to Diler, ICFE 2026 is expected to welcome around 40,000 visitors, including approximately 10,000 international buyers and professionals, underlining the exhibition’s growing global profile.
This year’s edition hosts exhibitors from 25 countries, with a participation structure of roughly 70% domestic and 30% international companies. European exhibitors, including companies from Belgium, are present alongside participants from Asia and the wider region, such as Iran, Pakistan, China, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan.
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ICFE 2026 showcases a broad range of products, with a strong focus on machine-made carpets and related segments, including wall-to-wall carpets, artificial turf, velvet carpets, tufted products, and selected handmade collections. The exhibition spans 11 halls and covers more than 50,000 square meters, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest carpet-focused trade fair.
Diler also emphasized the strategic role of Gaziantep, noting its global leadership in machine-made carpet production and exports. The exhibition is jointly supported by the Southeastern Anatolia Carpet Exporters’ Association and İHİB, and organized by TÜYAP, reflecting Turkey’s coordinated industry approach.
Looking ahead, Diler pointed to the importance of expanding both exhibition space and international participation, as well as strengthening complementary activities such as design competitions, exhibitions, and cultural programs, to further enhance ICFE’s global impact.
MENA Covering continues to provide independent coverage of ICFE 2026, focusing on industry trends, exhibitor insights, and regional market dynamics. Readers and industry professionals are invited to share their views and experiences from the exhibition and contribute to the ongoing conversation around the future of the global carpet and flooring sector.
