Türkiye’s pioneering fair that launched the country’s exhibition journey and broke many new grounds—the Izmir International Fair (IIF)—will open its doors for the 94th time. Speaking at the press conference, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay announced that the 94th IIF will kick off with a large parade in a festival atmosphere and called on the people of Izmir to take part. Tugay said, “Best wishes for our fair. We invite all our fellow citizens to our fair. Izmirites will find many things here that will make them happy.”
One of the city’s symbols, the Izmir International Fair (IIF), is preparing to open its doors for the 94th time. Hosted by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ with the slogan “The Fair in the Heart of the City,” the fair will welcome visitors at Kültürpark between August 29 and September 9, 2025.
A press conference for the international event was held in front of the Kültürpark İsmet İnönü Art Center. The launch, hosted by Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay, was also attended by the main sponsor Folkart’s Chairman of the Board, Mesut Sancak, and the event sponsor Migros’ North Aegean Director, Güneş Fırıldak. İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu, senior municipal officials, and representatives of the business world were also present.
Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay said: “This is truly a special moment for us. We’re undertaking many projects in Izmir, but as you all know, the IIF is one of the city’s emblematic events. It’s not only Izmir’s first fair, it’s also Türkiye’s first fair and first international fair—an event that has left its mark on our country’s history. Over the past 94 years, with millions visiting from across Türkiye, it has gained a special meaning for them as well. Organizing such an event is a great honor and pleasure—and just as great a responsibility. Last year we said we needed to give this fair a renewed identity while preserving the beautiful memories from the past, keeping them alive, and injecting new dynamism. We spent the year thinking constantly about what we could do and worked to prepare the best organization possible.”
Touching on Izmir’s exhibition history, Mayor Tugay noted that the story began with decisions taken at the Izmir Economic Congress on February 17, 1923. “At the Domestic Goods Exhibition, agricultural products and industrial goods all the way to furniture were displayed under the conditions of the day. Thus, the first steps of fair-making in Izmir were taken. Afterwards, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk instructed that fairs be established and exhibitions opened in this city. That’s how the IIF journey began. After Izmir’s liberation in 1922, a great fire left the city in ruins. Kültürpark was one of those devastated areas. Through intensive work over the following 15 years, it was transformed into a green, cultural space and opened its doors in 1936. Kültürpark healed the wounds of the fires, became a gathering place for all, and—while the treeless land turned green—also nurtured hopes for the future. Rising from the ashes, Kültürpark became a center of commerce, culture, art, sports, and entertainment. With our legendary mayor Behçet Uz’s vision—‘This should not be merely a green space, but a place to drive the cultural transformation of Izmir’s youth’—this area, which we can call a century-old plane tree, took root in the heart of the city. For all Izmirites, Kültürpark is synonymous with the fair. Even during World War II, when the world was in chaos, the park and the fair remained standing. In 1943, more than 1 million people visited the fair. While Germany and the UK were at war, they stood side by side here with their booths—so the IIF even served as a bridge of peace. In 1944–45 the fair hosted 2.5 million visitors—an extraordinary figure for those times. Initially organized and recognized mainly as a trade fair, our fair later saw changes in meaning as the world and needs evolved. Yet, as Behçet Uz said, it has always remained an exceptional Republican achievement and one of Izmir’s most important cultural heritages.”
Mayor Tugay shared information on long-running efforts to revive Kültürpark in line with its founding values. He stated that the museum building that had been idle was restored into an art gallery and will continue operating after the fair, and that the building formerly used as the Painting and Sculpture Museum has been converted into a modern library. He added: “We’ve restored the Lake Casino; it’s finished. The large pool we call the lake will also be ready. While the Lake Casino will serve as a restaurant, a preview exhibition prepared for the Izmir Culinary Museum will be presented in the indoor area for visitors. We couldn’t finish the Island Casino this year, but we’ll complete it next year as a social facility serving our city.”
Mentioning a small change this year, Mayor Tugay said: “I believe that, as it becomes traditional and more colorful over time, it will turn into a truly impressive visual spectacle. Our fair will start with a parade. Many festivals around the world have parades. We’re launching a beautiful parade this year featuring guests from outside the city and the colorful themes of our city. I think in the years ahead this will become a magnificent visual show. We know Izmir is a leading city in Türkiye’s social and cultural fabric—many cities take inspiration from Izmir, and our events have often inspired others. As this parade grows more colorful over the years, it will reach an international scale. This year we decided to highlight the Balkan culture theme more strongly at our fair, and we’ll also hold the Balkan Folk Dance Festival.”
Emphasizing that the fair will feature vibrant scenes with lawn events and programs for youth and children, Mayor Tugay invited Izmirites to contribute to the city: “Everyone should do whatever they can for Izmir. Our media, our business community, and our valued Izmirites raised in culture and the arts all have important roles. If there is development—if there are hopes and excitement for the future—it happens when we are together. Let no one forget this. My colleagues and I will continue to do our best. Rest assured, we will do wonderful things—step by step in Izmir. I thank Migros and the Folkart family for their sponsorship support today. This is supporting and standing by Izmir. I would like to remind those who seem to have lost faith in Izmir to be a bit more active. Best wishes for our fair—we invite all our fellow citizens. They will see many things here that will make them happy. Hopefully next year, at the 95th, we’ll do something even better together. My thanks to everyone who contributed this year.”
İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu said: “This is where trade fair organizing began in Türkiye. This year we’re holding the fair with the slogan ‘The Fair in the Heart of the City.’ The fair truly is in the heart of the city, because Kültürpark is in the heart of the city. Everyone living in Izmir has memories at Kültürpark and the Izmir International Fair. That’s why for 94 years, fair means the Izmir International Fair. Fair means Izmir. It’s a very important legacy of the young Republic. We’ve prepared a fair filled with art, sports, and culture that appeals to children, youth—everyone from 7 to 70.”
Folkart Chairman Mesut Sancak said they are pleased to be the main sponsor again this year, noting that two works by world-renowned media artist Refik Anadol—transforming data science and AI into an artistic language—will be exhibited, and that “And His Blue Eyes Sparkled,” a special exhibition of Atatürk’s photos and personal belongings, will be on view for the first time. “Izmir is not just a city we live in—it’s a place that has hosted civilizations throughout history, inspiring us with its culture, nature, and people. We are part of this city. As a brand born and raised in Izmir, we are proud to carry the responsibility of adding value to our city. With this understanding, as in previous years, we are once again the main sponsor of the 94th Izmir International Fair. I extend my gratitude to our Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay for deeming us worthy of this honor. We consider these activities as a duty we fulfill with love for the Izmir we are devoted to,” he said.
Migros North Aegean Director Güneş Fırıldak said: “As Migros, we are happy to have sponsored the Izmir International Fair— a cultural feast where commerce and entertainment blend—for 14 years. Under the slogan ‘The Fair in the Heart of the City,’ we’ll offer delightful experiences to our guests with our Migros store, supplier street, family club, personal care and cosmetics brand Mion, and Money stand. We’ll host many activities at our stands. At the concerts we sponsor—Gripin and Derya Uluğ—we expect guests of all ages to have a great time. We believe we collectively carry this fair, which has become one with Izmir and is eagerly awaited, to an even higher level each year.”
Addressing a question about the amusement park that had long occupied space in Kültürpark and was removed through a legal process, Mayor Tugay said: “The area where the amusement park was set up is not designated as an amusement-park area. It shouldn’t have been there. If something happened to someone, we’d be penalized for operating an unlicensed amusement park. It was a year-round structure. We examined usage and saw that apart from special days, visitors were very few. Another issue was the outdated, old-fashioned rides that didn’t attract the attention of today’s children. This is Izmir—Türkiye’s third largest city. We’re ambitious; we say we’ll propel Izmir forward, yet the same attractions have been there for years—that’s a problem. It was an unlicensed operation and we saw potentially dangerous situations. There was no rental contract; the reason was that the area was not designated for an amusement park. We had to remove it from this vicious cycle. I don’t think we did anything wrong. There are three or four other amusement parks in Izmir for those who want that. I truly believe we deserve a much better theme park, one that will even serve Izmir’s tourism. We have different locations in some parts of Izmir suitable for thematic parks. A far more advanced park than a standard amusement park can be realized.”
This year’s guest country of the Izmir International Fair— which has hosted many different nations to date—will be Bosnia and Herzegovina. The municipalities of Tuzla, Stari Grad, and Centar, chambers of commerce, and various institutions and organizations from Bosnia and Herzegovina will participate. Stands reflecting Bosnian culture will bring a wide range—from gastronomy and handicrafts to city promotion and cultural products—to Izmirites. France, Côte d’Ivoire, India, Ukraine, and Cambodia are among the participating countries. Through the Italian Consulate, the music group Tamburi del Vesuvio will also perform at the IIF on different days. Senior executives from B40 member cities and foreign delegations will be among the visitors.
The official opening ceremony of the IIF will take place on August 29 at 20:00 in front of the Lausanne Gate – İsmet İnönü Statue. Before the opening, at 19:30, a parade will begin at Gündoğdu Square and end at Lausanne Square, enlivened by a marching band and dances by participants of the Balkan Folk Dance Festival. In addition, a Flying Screen show at the opening ceremony will offer a visual feast for spectators.
The indispensable Lawn Concerts of fair evenings will once again bring tens of thousands of music lovers together at Kültürpark. The concert series will start with Candan Erçetin on August 29; on August 30, Edis with a pre-performance by Ali Altay will bring Victory Day enthusiasm to Izmirites. Yıldız Tilbe (Aug 31), Ceza (Sep 1), “90’s Mood with Nihat Sırdar” (Sep 2), Derya Uluğ (Sep 3), and Gripin (Sep 4, sponsored by Migros) will follow. The series continues with Mustafa Sandal (Sep 5), Selda Bağcan (Sep 6), Sertab Erener (Sep 7), and Duman (Sep 8). On the final day, September 9, Mor ve Ötesi will deliver a finale befitting the 103rd anniversary of Izmir’s liberation. Concerts start at 21:15.
This year’s IIF also stands out with its exhibition program. In cooperation with Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and Folkart, the Atlas Pavilion will host “And His Blue Eyes Sparkled” — Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Exhibition, as well as Refik Anadol’s “Perception of Healing” and “Machine Dreams: Aegean.”
“And His Blue Eyes Sparkled” will shed light on history with 250 never-before-seen photographs of Atatürk, 226 personal belongings, and hundreds of documents—from letters by Zübeyde Hanım to Atatürk’s medical devices. Opening with the fair, the exhibition will remain on view until December 21, 2025.
World-renowned media artist Refik Anadol’s works in “Perception of Healing,” premiering for the first time, and “Machine Dreams: Aegean” will offer a powerful example of technology meeting art at the IIF. This exhibition will be open until September 30.
The building in Kültürpark constructed in 1939 and formerly used as the Izmir Museum of History and Art is being restored by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality into a visual arts gallery. Returned to its original state, the building will serve art lovers as the “Mehmet Tüzüm Kızılcan Art Gallery,” named after the world-renowned Izmir-born ceramic artist. The gallery will present Izmir-born international weaving artist Fırat Neziroğlu’s “I Miss Izmir” exhibition alongside the Mehmet Nuri Göçen Foundation International Ceramics Collection. These exhibitions will be open between August 26 and October 31, 2025.
At the Pakistan Pavilion in Kültürpark, the “Tracing the Mark Within the City” exhibition prepared by the Izmir Planning Agency will be on display from August 30 to September 21, 2025.
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and its affiliates will take part in the fair with a specially prepared stand. Visitors will have the chance to get to know the Municipality from A to Z, with services and projects introduced through new projects, visual materials, and expert presentations. The stand will also host many activities such as sports, quizzes, and dance performances. In the “Street of Municipalities,” district municipalities will present their services and showcase local tourist attractions and products to fair visitors.
Beyond concerts, the fair will offer theater plays, stand-up shows, international street performances, children’s workshops, sports events, and tournaments—creating a full-on festival atmosphere. At the Atatürk Open-Air Theater from September 1 to 8, the program will feature, in order: Oyun Atölyesi – Animal Farm (play), Deniz Göktaş (stand-up), Aşkım Kapışmak (stand-up), Mesut Süre “Relationship Test,” Miray Akovalıgil “What If There’s Nothing Wrong With Me?” (stand-up), Enver Ertaş “The Illusionist” (magic show), Anlatan Adam “İbrahim Türker” (stand-up), and Tahsin Hasoğlu (stand-up). Shows begin at 20:00.
Throughout the fair, international street acts—Teddy Bears parade, Edgar Groll, Charming Jay, and Zirk Comedy—and the Shadow Dance/Water Screen Projection digital installation at the Cascading Fountain will meet Izmirites.
The Youth and Sports Area will again host colorful events: Red Bull activities, motorsports, reflex games on the lawn by the Wooden Stage; a WSBK Toprak Razgatlıoğlu race watch party on September 7; plus vibrant programs by various municipal units. Highlights include Meslek Fabrikası’s ceramics, barista, and employment bus; the Department of Culture and Social Affairs’ print, mosaic, and stained-glass workshops; ESHOT’s museum and blue bus exhibition; field hospital by Eşrefpaşa Hospital; sports and awareness events by the Disability Services unit; painting, origami, karaoke, and tea ceremony by Youth Services; and equality and awareness activities by the Women’s Services unit. Yoga, tango, Quiz Night trivia, e-sports tournaments, and foot-tennis will offer fun and educational experiences for young people. Stands of Izmir’s sports clubs and various sports activities will also be present.
From August 29 to September 9, the fair will host the 3x3 Streetball Izmir Cup 2025; the finals will be on September 9 in the Youth and Sports Area.
The renewed Food & Beverage and Event Area will deliver a festival vibe with a packed program—from concerts and dance contests to sports tournaments and DJ sets. Each evening between 19:00–21:00, performers such as Gizem Ataş & Muffin Band, Sedat Yüce, Dolce Band, Ibis Maria Latin Night, Nilay Selçuk, Sevil Arnoczky, and Burak Kibar will take the stage, along with special performances by the IZM (Municipal) Pop Orchestra and the Culture Orchestra. Lively DJ sets will cap the nights. Dance Festival Competitions on September 6–7 will bring together salsa, bachata, and kizomba enthusiasts.
For children, a rich program is ready with the İZELMAN Fair Children’s Club, Dobidop Education Bus, Mobile Children’s Stage, and EÇEV activities—from storytelling to play workshops. The Izmir City Theaters will stage The Giraffe in Search of Itself on September 6–7 at the Mobile Children’s Stage, and The School of Jesters on August 31 and September 7 at the İsmet İnönü Art Center. Little ones will enjoy the fair to the fullest.
“Fair Talks” will offer visitors informative and inspiring sessions on the lawn in front of the İsmet İnönü Art Center, covering topics such as environment, agriculture, women’s rights, and history. On September 3, the talks “Violence Against Nature” and the panel “From Food Sovereignty to Food Safety” will be held. On September 4, a “Standard-Up” event and a presentation on “The Effects of Climate Change and Drought on Agricultural Production” will take place. On September 5, sessions on “Women’s Rights and Gender Equality” and “The History of Izmir’s Sodas from Past to Present” will be offered. On September 6, there will be a talk on “Beer and Breweries of Izmir,” and on September 7, a signing and talk on “Human Origins.” These talks will provide both informative and interactive experiences.
Kültürpark’s iconic Lake Casino has been restored true to its original form and will open as a social facility and the Culinary Museum. On Mayor Tugay’s proposal, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is converting the historic Lake Casino into the Izmir Culinary Museum. Curator Nejat Yentürk notes an exceptional archive has been created with thousands of items donated by three major collectors. Aiming to be Türkiye’s largest and among the world’s leading gastronomy museums, the project seeks to carry Izmir’s rich culinary culture into the future. A preview exhibition prepared for the museum will meet visitors in the foyer of the Lake Casino between August 29 and September 9 as part of the 94th IIF—offering a tantalizing glimpse into the museum’s content.
On September 6, a Treasure Hunt will be held at different points within Kültürpark, combining adventure and fun. The award ceremony will take place the same day between 18:30–19:00.
Big Boyz Fest, hosted by the fair, will take place between August 29 and September 2 next to the Long Pool (Uzun Havuz). Organized in Izmir for the first time, the festival will offer hobby products such as motorcycles, sailing gear, drones, and fishing rods, along with workshops, stands, DJ performances, and activities—promising a unique experience. Many brands will have stands; participants will both examine the vehicles and join interactive events.
Last year the Izmir International Fair hosted 756,635 visitors in 11 days; this year, over 12 days, it aims again to serve as the international showcase of the city and the country. The main sponsor of the fair is Folkart, and the event sponsor is Migros. Admission is 40 TL (full) and 25 TL (student). The fair, to be held at Kültürpark between August 29 and September 9, will welcome visitors daily from 16:00 to 23:00.
