Turkish Natural Stones Make Their Debut in Singapore
Foreks - Turkish natural stone was featured at the World Architecture Festival (WAF), one of the leading architecture festivals in the world, held in Singapore this year. Under a project that included the Istanbul Mineral Exporters Association (İMİB), the Aegean Exporters' Association (EİB), and the Western Mediterranean Exporters' Association (BAİB), a sponsorship agreement was signed with WAF to promote Turkish natural stones on the global stage. The Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Singapore, Mehmet Burçin Gönenli, also attended the event. Eyüp Batal, Chairman of İMİB, stated that they sponsored WAF with the ‘Turkish Stones’ brand as part of the ‘Land of Stone’ project, saying, “The three associations came together to elevate the Turkish Stones brand to its rightful place in the world. We brought Turkish natural stones together with participants at the pinnacle of the architecture world. Additionally, the competition section of the festival featured the ‘Best Use Of Stone’ category, sponsored by ‘Turkish Stones’. WAF will continue next year in Miami, and we will be there again. One of the long-term goals for Turkish Stones is to host this prestigious event in Turkey.”
The Mineral Sector Board formed by the Istanbul Mineral Exporters Association (İMİB), the Western Mediterranean Exporters’ Association (BAİB), and the Aegean Mineral Exporters’ Association (EİB) has accelerated efforts to elevate the ‘Turkish Stones’ brand. Under a joint initiative by the three associations, the ‘Land of Stone’ project participated in the world-renowned World Architecture Festival (WAF) held this year in Singapore. With the support of Turquality, the goal of the ‘Land of Stone’ project is to establish Turkish natural stone as a globally recognized brand, and ‘Turkish Stones’ sponsored the ‘Best Use Of Stone’ category in the festival’s competition section. The organization held in Singapore was attended by Turkey's Ambassador to Singapore Mehmet Burçin Gönenli, İMİB Chairman Eyüp Batal, İMİB Board Member Funda Bekişoğlu, İMİB TIM Delegate Orçun Kocaman, EİB Board Member Efe Nalbantoğlu, EİB Board Member Mehmet Şen, and BAİB Board Member Ahmet Tekin.
Eyüp Batal emphasized that the project under the Turkish Stones brand aims to globalize Turkish natural stone. “As part of the project, we aim to increase the visibility and export share of the Turkish Stones brand. Facilitating encounters between Turkish companies and key decision-makers in the global market ranks among our critical objectives,” he stated. He explained that the project is named ‘Land of Stone’ because the land we live on is where the history of natural stone began. “We want to harness the strength derived from this history to promote Turkish natural stones, and we will continue to work on this.” Batal highlighted that natural stone production in Turkey is in line with modern technologies and exceeds global standards, noting that high-quality production is being carried out in Turkey, capable of meeting demand. He emphasized that efforts continue to ensure this richness is better recognized worldwide.
Eyüp Batal mentioned that they took the first step in promotional efforts at WAF held in Singapore, stating, “In the following process, we aim to participate in the most prestigious events around the world. Additionally, within our projects, we plan to promote Turkey's world-famous ancient cities and the use of stone in these cities. WAF, held for the last time this year in Singapore, will continue in Miami. Among our long-term goals under the Turkish Stones brand is to host this prestigious event in Turkey as well.”
The winner of the ‘Best Use of Stone’ category, which was sponsored by the ‘Turkish Stones’ brand, was the OH HO Residence by Play Architecture. Other projects that made it to the Best Use Of Stone shortlist for 2024 included: Twentyfour by 3DM Architecture, Abrahamic Family House by Adjaye Associates, Future Car Park by Daniel Statham Studio, SCORPIOS BODRUM by GEOMIM, Seddülbahir Fortress by KOOP Architects / AOMTD (Arzu Ozsavasci Architecture), Jade Apartment by Matrix Design, Sunita Shekhawat Flagship Store and Gallery by Studio Lotus, and Village House by Studio MK27.
Under the integrated marketing activities that will last for four years, promotional films, documentaries, digital video content, and printed promotional materials will be utilized. The project will focus on countries such as the USA, Italy, the UK, Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, and France. A Turquality committee was established for the project, chaired by İMİB Board Member Funda Bekişoğlu. Additionally, an advisory board composed of leading architects from Turkey is guiding the project's future. The project aims not only to participate in international events but also to collaborate on joint projects with architects, designers, and artists in Turkey to reach a global audience.