Antakya Furniture Showcased at IMOB Fair
The furniture collections designed within the scope of the Development of Antakya Furniture Project (ANMOGEP), implemented with the technical assistance of the Project Group Consulting and WYG Türkiye Consortium, were presented to international delegations, architects, and consumers at the 13th IMOB International Istanbul Furniture Fair.
The ANMOGEP Project, carried out under the Competitive Sectors Programme of the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology and led by the Antakya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aims to enhance the production quality and capacity of the furniture sector in Antakya, strengthen its competitiveness in international markets, and promote innovation and branding. After two years of research and design, 15 different furniture collections were unveiled for the first time at the IMOB Fair.
In addition to the Antakya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, project partners include the Antakya Municipality, Eastern Mediterranean Development Agency, Antakya Small Industrial Site Cooperative, Hatay Union of Craftsmen and Artisans Chambers, and the Antakya Carpenters and Lumbermen’s Chamber. The project, with a total investment of €7.3 million, is expected to significantly contribute to the development of local furniture SMEs and the socio-economic growth of the Hatay region.
Establishment of a Common Production Center
A Common Production Center has been established within the project, equipped with advanced computer-based technologies to serve the local furniture industry. Expected to become operational in 2017, the center will be accessible to all producers, enabling them to use high-capacity, state-of-the-art machinery that would otherwise be financially out of reach. This will help manufacturers produce higher-quality goods at lower costs and strengthen their competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
Training Activities Empower Local Manufacturers
To support local businesses, increase their knowledge and skills, and encourage the formation of an industrial network, seven training sessions were held with the participation of 300 local producers. Following the training, 10 role model companies were selected and provided with tailored consultancy services to improve their operations.
15 Collections Comprising 63 Unique Pieces
Based on extensive field research in Hatay-Antakya and surrounding areas, over 300 traditional motifs were collected as design inspirations. Guided by these motifs, industrial designers Sezgin Akan and Sergio Perez Fortea, together with Antakyan master craftsman Ali Altun, created 15 collections and 12 traditional furniture designs, consisting of a total of 63 individual pieces.
These traditional, neoclassical, and modern furniture and accessory collections were produced under the brand “Antakya Furniture” by ten selected role model manufacturers with deep local roots. The prototype pieces were exhibited for the first time at the 13th IMOB International Istanbul Furniture Fair, held between 24–29 January.
Strategic Marketing and Branding Plan Developed
The project began with a market research study across 11 provinces to analyze the current status of the Antakya furniture sector. The study assessed design trends, local production capacity, craftsmanship, and customer expectations—forming the foundation of the Sectoral Strategic Marketing and Branding Plan.
As part of the project’s corporate identity development, a catalog titled “From Motif to Collection” was produced, a dedicated “Antakya Furniture” logo was designed, and promotional tools such as a website and social media accounts were launched to enhance the brand’s visibility and reach.
