The Carpeting Sector Connects with the Designers of the Future
The winners of the National Carpet Design Competition, organized by the Istanbul Carpet Exporters Association (İHİB) for 17 years, have been announced. During the evening where representatives who contributed to the carpet sector's exports in 2023 were also rewarded, TİM President Mustafa Gültepe stated, "We have a voice in the global carpet market with an export figure of 2.8 billion dollars. We must expand this success by merging production with design and innovation." İHİB Board Chairman Ahmet Hayri Diler noted that Turkish carpet weaving has established a strong presence worldwide, saying, "Value-added exports are not only the keys to economic successes but also to carrying our cultural riches to the world through design and technology. The 17th National Carpet Design Competition is a beautiful example of innovation and creativity being the lifeblood of our sector. Our designs are not merely products; they are guiding lights for the future of Turkish carpet weaving."
The winners of the National Carpet Design Competition, held for the 17th time by the Istanbul Carpet Exporters Association (İHİB), were announced, and representatives who contributed to the carpet sector's exports in 2023 were recognized. The first place in the 17th National Carpet Design Competition went to İnan Burhanlı, with Esma Deniz taking second place and Yaren İleri coming in third. Awards for those contributing to the carpet sector's exports in 2023 were distributed to 10 firms in the categories of Woven Carpet, Tufting Carpet, Velvet Carpet, and Prayer Rug & Handmade Carpet. Mine Gökbuket Erbek received the İHİB Special Award, which she dedicated to Turkish female textile workers. The Special Award for Carpet Maker of the Year went to Erhan Ör, known for Hereke carpets. The ceremony, hosted by İHİB Board Chairman Ahmet Hayri Diler, was attended by Deputy Governor of Istanbul Cengiz Karabulut, TİM Board Chairman Mustafa Gültepe, İTHİB Board Chairman Ahmet Öksüz, İDMİB President Güven Karaca, Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Associations Board Chairman Zeynel Abidin Kaplan, and many guests.
Cengiz Karabulut emphasized that carpets are a cultural heritage that extends from the past to the present, stating, "In every knot, history is hidden; in every pattern, there is a story. This competition serves as a valuable platform that brings tradition and innovation together. Each design holds significant importance in introducing the richness of our culture to the world. I believe that the works presented here today will not only be designs but also will be remembered as artworks for generations."
WE MUST MERGE PRODUCTION WITH DESIGN Mustafa Gültepe highlighted the unique place of carpets in Turkish culture, noting that looking at the 2,500-year history reflects that Turks are among the nations that best understand the genetics of carpets. He mentioned that Turkey accounts for 16.4% of global carpet exports, continuing, "Last year, we achieved carpet exports worth 2.8 billion dollars. This year, we closed the January-November period with a 5% increase. We can say that we will nearly complete 2024 with an increase of this rate. Carpets are a cultural heritage of 2,500 years that we need to protect and develop. It is also one of the sectors where we have the most advantages globally. Therefore, we must take good care of these sectors. To achieve greater success in exports, we must merge production with design, innovation, and high technology." Mustafa Gültepe stated that the competition allows talented young people to connect with the industry and emphasized that the youth will develop this valuable heritage from their ancestors and carry it into the future.
TURKEY IS THE WORLD LEADER Ahmet Hayri Diler mentioned that they combine both the rooted cultural heritage and strong commercial potential of the carpet sector, saying, "We take pride in bringing together the pioneering representatives of our sector, Turkey's talented designers, and the youth who will build our future. The carpet sector is one of the brightest pages in Turkey's global success stories. Today, Turkey is the second in total carpet exports and first in woven machine carpets globally. This achievement has been obtained through the solid infrastructure of our sector, its innovative vision, and its determination to carry the values of our culture. Value-added exports are key to transporting our cultural riches to the world through design and technology, not just economic successes. The 17th National Carpet Design Competition exemplifies that innovation and creativity are the lifeblood of the sector. Our designs are not just products; they illuminate the future of Turkish carpet weaving. Turkish carpet weaving is not only an economic asset but also an art form that deserves recognition worldwide."