Turkish Trade and Business Portal

TURKISH NATURAL STONES INDUSTRY

Turkey is one of the largest exporters of natural stones to the world and the largest to U.S. Hence, it is not peculiar to observe the distinctive patterns and designs, which reflects Turkey’s architectural heritage throughout the world. Having evolved from ancient methods dating back 4,000 years, the Turkish natural stone sector has developed into a world leading industry. Turkey holds some of the richest resources of marble, travertine, granite, basalt, sandstone and serpentine in the world. These vast resources have been applied to construct grandiose palaces and temples. The majestic architecture and sculpture of numerous monuments constructed over Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods draw millions of tourists each year. Turkey’s expertise in the construction of buildings and monuments has been sharpened throughout civilizations from man-made creations designed by skilled artisans and laborers to the world’s most advanced electronic and completely automatic processes. Today, landmarks such as the Basilica of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Ephesus and Bodrum are some of the most visited attractions in Europe and grouped in lists such as seven wonders of the ancient world and wonders of the medieval world.

Turkey holds about 40% of the world’s total marble reserves. There are more than 1,000 marble quarries, 1,500 factories and about 7,500 workshops in the sector in Turkey. With Turkey’s large reserves of stones having high quality, variety in color and patterns and sizes, the country is one of the largest exporters of natural stones in the world. Turkish stone can be found in the buildings and sidewalks of over 150 countries. Turkish marble can be seen in sights including the White House, United States Congress Building, luxury hotels and Disneyland resorts. Turkey’s processing plants are capable of producing tiles and cutting to size all commercially required sizes and quality standards to meet customer needs.

CRADLE OF CERAMICS

Turkey is renowned for its state of the art ceramic production facilities and exclusive ceramic design capabilities inherited throughout history. With its international sales volume of over 1.12 billion square feet, Turkey is the world’s fourth largest exporter in the ceramic tiles segment and largest producer and exporter of ceramic sanitary ware in Europe. The Turkish ceramic industry holds the world’s largest ceramic sanitary ware and tile manufacturing facilities with production in the country tracing back at least eight thousand years. A strong historical tradition has enriched the crafting abilities of industry. Developed and added to by Urartu, Roman, Byzantium, and Ottoman civilizations, the Turkish ceramic industry is home to some of the world’s oldest and best preserved pre-historical ceramic artifacts.

The sector became industrial during the early 1960s and presently employs more than 220,000 artisans and laborers. Continuous efforts to increase capacity in recent years has catapulted Turkey’s ceramics production output to a whopping 2.37 billion sq feet. Turkish craftsmen and artists create modern designs and patterns influenced by Anatolian heritage and culture to supply international buyers while adhering to international benchmarks.

On the other hand, Turkey is also a key player in the high-tech segments of the ceramic industry such as ceramic medical equipments industry and vitrified ceramic products. Accordingly, it is the largest exporter of medical ceramics and vitrified ceramics product in Europe. The top-quality of Turkish ceramics has continually improved through technological investments and an increasing number of international certifications.