MAKTEK Eurasia 2026 puts Turkiye at the center of global manufacturing transformation

MAKTEK Eurasia 2026 is preparing to bring together manufacturers, technology providers and international trade representatives in Istanbul as Turkiye seeks to strengthen its role as a strategic industrial hub connecting Europe and Asia. Scheduled to take place from 28 September to 3 October 2026 at the Tuyap Fair and Congress Center, the exhibition will focus on machine tools, digital production systems and advanced manufacturing technologies, while promoting the vision encapsulated by its central theme, “Turkiye is Key”.

Organised by Tuyap Fairs and Exhibitions Organization Inc. in cooperation with the Machine Tools Industrialists and Business Association (TIAD), and supported by the Turkish Machine Manufacturers Association (MIB) and the Turkish Ministry of Trade, the event is being positioned as a platform that reflects broader changes taking place across global manufacturing and supply chains. The exhibition will bring together participants from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia at a time when manufacturers are reassessing production locations, logistics strategies and supply chain resilience. According to organisers, the event has already attracted strong market interest, with more than half of the available exhibition space reserved within the first 45 days of bookings.

Changing manufacturing dynamics

The timing of MAKTEK Eurasia 2026 coincides with significant shifts in international production patterns. European manufacturers continue to face elevated energy and labour costs, while industrial production across the European Union has experienced an uneven recovery throughout 2024 and 2025. These conditions have accelerated efforts by companies to diversify supply chains and adopt nearshoring strategies aimed at reducing dependence on long-distance logistics routes and limiting exposure to geopolitical risks.

As manufacturers seek locations that combine customs integration with the European Union, established industrial infrastructure and competitive operating costs, Turkiye has emerged as an increasingly attractive option. The country`s participation in the EU Customs Union for industrial goods, combined with its geographic position between European and Asian markets, has strengthened its appeal as a production and logistics base.

Commenting on the role of the exhibition within this changing industrial landscape, Ilhan Ersozlu, General Manager at Tuyap Fairs Production Inc., said that the event is intended to communicate a clear message about Turkiye`s capabilities to the international business community. “In a period when global manufacturing balances are being redefined, MAKTEK Eurasia 2026 delivers a clear strategic message to the international business community about Turkiye’s production capacity, logistics capabilities, skilled workforce and competitive cost structure”, Ersozlu said. “For markets across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, Turkiye stands out as a reliable, sustainable and long-term partner in industry and trade”.

Focus on advanced manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing technologies will be at the heart of the 2026 edition. The exhibition will be organised around the motto “DAHA”, the Turkish word for “more”, which organisers say represents a vision of manufacturing that is faster, more efficient, more precise and more intelligent.

Visitors will be able to explore a broad range of technologies, including CNC machine tools, sheet metal processing systems, robotics solutions, automation platforms and digital manufacturing software. The programme will also place a strong emphasis on Industry 4.0 and emerging Industry 5.0 applications, highlighting technologies such as digital twins and data-driven production models that are increasingly shaping modern industrial operations.

MAKTEKVERSE Expands the Exhibition Experience

A notable addition to the 2026 event will be the introduction of MAKTEKVERSE, a new concept designed to extend the exhibition experience beyond conventional product showcases. Organisers describe MAKTEKVERSE as an interactive platform that aims to foster collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange across different segments of the manufacturing ecosystem.

Within this framework, the Tech-Force Area will provide a dedicated space for student projects, start-ups and engineering-focused innovation initiatives. The Effect-Force Area, meanwhile, will serve as a venue for sector discussions, presentations and knowledge-sharing activities.

Ersozlu said the initiative is designed to strengthen connections between experienced manufacturers and the next generation of engineering talent. “Our aim is to connect established manufacturers with younger engineers and technology developers, reflecting broader efforts across Europe and neighbouring regions to address skills gaps in advanced manufacturing”, he said.