Turkey is the largest exporter of natural stones to the U.S. The traditional heritage and designs of Turkish architecture are found 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 cherished throughout Turkey and the world. 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, fully 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.
About 40% of the world’s total marble reserves are in Turkey. There are more than 1,000 marble quarries, 1,500 factories and about 7,500 workshops in the sector. 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. Turkey is also a major exporter of natural stones to the U.S. 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.
Click here to see the list of natural stone exporters.
Turkish Stones - Istanbul Mineral Exporters' Association (IMIB)
www.turkishstones.org