The global carpet and flooring industry came together in Istanbul within the framework of the International Carpet & Flooring Expo 2026 (ICFE 2026), an event that once again highlighted Turkey—particularly Gaziantep—as one of the world’s leading hubs for carpet production, exports, and innovation.
Speaking on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of ICFE 2026, Fatma Şahin, Mayor of Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, announced that Turkey has officially initiated the process to apply for UNESCO recognition of the Turkish carpet as an element of intangible cultural heritage.
“We will formally submit an application to UNESCO for the Turkish carpet,” Şahin stated.
She emphasized that Gaziantep is not merely an industrial production center, but a city where carpet-making represents a deep-rooted cultural identity and civilizational memory.
“For us, carpet is not just a product; it is a cultural narrative that connects our past, present, and future. This perspective has enabled the carpet industry in Gaziantep to achieve sustainable success in production, employment, and exports,” she said.
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According to Şahin, Gaziantep has successfully developed strong industrial clusters in the carpet sector over recent years, becoming a benchmark for culture-driven industrial development. This model aligns with Turkey’s broader vision for the “Century of Türkiye,” contributing to increased manufacturing capacity, job creation, and export growth.
Referring to the city’s extensive experience working with UNESCO—including Gaziantep’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and recent registrations in traditional crafts—Şahin noted that the Turkish carpet fully meets UNESCO’s criteria.
“Carpet weaving, especially handwoven carpets, carries a powerful story, authenticity, and cultural value that perfectly align with UNESCO standards. We possess the technical expertise and institutional experience required to prepare a strong and professional application dossier, and we are determined to move forward swiftly,” she added.
Based on these statements, the UNESCO nomination file for the Turkish carpet—centered on Gaziantep’s historical and industrial legacy—will be prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Interior, exporters’ associations, and relevant industry bodies, with the goal of submitting it to UNESCO in the near term.
The organization of ICFE 2026 in Istanbul, alongside the simultaneous launch of the UNESCO initiative, underscores Turkey’s strategic approach: combining industrial leadership with cultural diplomacy. In particular, Gaziantep’s role demonstrates how heritage, manufacturing strength, and global ambition can converge—potentially reshaping both the cultural and economic dynamics of the global carpet market.
