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Türkiye’s furniture industry aims to join the world’s top 10, with the 16th National Furniture Design Competition in Ankara on September 24 showcasing its push for innovation and global reach.
Organized by the Central Anatolian Furniture, Paper, and Forestry Products Exporters’ Association (OMKO), the event will conclude with an award ceremony in Ankara on Sept. 24, highlighting the country’s bid to compete on a global scale.
Over 1,000 applications were submitted to this year’s contest, which features categories including home, office, kitchen-bathroom, and smart furniture.
The event welcomes participants from primary school students to professional designers, providing a platform for young talents to showcase projects to the industry.
Winners will share a total prize pool of ₺977,500 (about $23,761.54) across 38 categories.
In addition, successful designers will receive state-backed opportunities to study at international institutions in countries such as Italy and the United Kingdom.
According to OMKO, around 300 Turkish designers have previously gained experience abroad through this initiative.
Speaking ahead of the competition, OMKO Chairman Tahsin Ata said Türkiye’s strong production infrastructure helped the country raise its share of global furniture exports from 0.3% to 2% over the past decade.
However, he stressed that future growth depends on original design and brand development.
Ata noted that Türkiye’s furniture industry employs more than 300,000 people and produces over $1 billion worth of goods each month.
"When we achieve the desired increase in added value through innovative designs, Türkiye will be among the world’s top 10 in furniture," he said.
He added that young designers who gain international education are expected to contribute to the sector’s export growth in the coming years.
This year’s contest continues to embrace the "Design for Export" vision, which positions design as a tool for boosting Türkiye’s international trade performance and brand image.
Ata underlined that while Turkish exports remain strong in nearby markets such as Europe and the Middle East, expansion into Asia and the Americas is vital to further raise global market share in an industry valued at nearly $300 billion worldwide.
"Through this competition, students and young designers are not only offering aesthetic solutions but also presenting innovative ideas in ergonomics, functionality, and environmentally friendly materials," Ata said.
He explained that such approaches would strengthen the appeal of Turkish furniture in global markets and support the sector’s transformation.
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