Istanbul has once again become a focal point for the global textile industry as ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition and HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwoven Exhibition officially opened their doors at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center.
Organised by Teknik Fuarcılık and Tüyap in collaboration with TEMSAD, the event has brought together more than 1,000 companies and company representatives from 59 countries, alongside professional visitors from nearly 100 nations. The exhibition recorded strong international attendance on its opening day, reaffirming its position as one of the industry’s most influential global meeting points.
The opening ceremony welcomed industry leaders, association representatives, and senior executives from textile organisations and companies across Türkiye and international markets.
Growing International Reach
Commenting on the event, Necip Güney, Chairman of the Board of Teknik Fuarcılık, highlighted the strong global response to the exhibition despite it being only the first day.
“As Teknik Fuarcılık, in this special period where we are celebrating our 30th anniversary, we see ITM 2026 as one of the most important gatherings that will shape the future of our sector,” he said.
He noted that visitors from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, the Balkans, and Turkic Republics are expected throughout the five-day event, creating new opportunities for exhibitors to enter markets and establish long-term business partnerships.
Platform for Next-Generation Textile Technologies
Spanning 11 halls and covering 110,000 square metres, ITM 2026 serves as a launch platform for the latest textile manufacturing technologies.
The exhibition features innovations across yarn production, weaving, knitting, dyeing, finishing, and digital textile printing technologies. Exhibitors are showcasing advanced production systems focused on efficiency, energy savings, automation, digitalisation, and sustainability.
Among the key highlights are AI-powered manufacturing solutions, smart factory applications, data-driven production management systems, and environmentally responsible technologies designed to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Visitors also have the opportunity to observe machinery in operation and engage directly with experts to explore emerging research and development solutions.
Investment and Business Opportunities
Beyond technology showcases, ITM 2026 is positioned as a strategic business platform for investments, partnerships, and industry collaboration.
B2B meetings throughout the exhibition are expected to generate significant commercial activity, supported by purchasing delegations and investors from major textile-producing countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, India, and Egypt.
The event is anticipated to facilitate new trade agreements, machinery investments, and long-term partnerships, benefiting both the Turkish textile machinery sector and international markets.
Istanbul Strengthens Accessibility
Organisers also highlighted Istanbul’s strategic geographical position and relatively accessible visa procedures as key factors driving international participation.
The city’s connectivity across Europe, Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, combined with simplified visa arrangements for several textile-producing nations, has further enhanced the exhibition’s global reach.
HIGHTEX 2026 Focuses on Technical Textiles and Nonwovens
Running alongside ITM 2026, HIGHTEX 2026 brings together manufacturers, technology suppliers, and investors from the technical textiles and nonwoven sectors.
The exhibition covers applications ranging from medical and hygiene textiles to protective fabrics, filtration systems, geotextiles, automotive textiles, composite materials, and advanced nonwoven technologies.
In addition to showcasing innovations, HIGHTEX 2026 provides a platform for international collaboration, market expansion, and investment opportunities across the growing technical textiles segment.
Together, ITM 2026 and HIGHTEX 2026 reinforce Istanbul’s role as a global hub for textile innovation, technology exchange, and international business development.
