INTERNATIONAL IZMIR FAIR

The birth of the Izmir International Fair dates back to the exhibition opened at the Economics Congress convened in Izmir on February 17, 1923, with Atatürk's instruction.

With the inspiration taken from the Economics Congress Exhibition, the Dokuz Eylül Exhibition was opened at Mithat Paşa Art School four years later on September 4, 1927. 195 Turkish companies, 71 Chambers of Commerce, stock exchanges, official or semi-official organizations and 72 from Poland, Germany, Russia, America, England, Italy, France, Switzerland and Hungary participated in this exhibition, which was opened in a 12.000 m² closed and 13.000 m² open area. A total of 338 companies participated. The Second Nine September Exhibition, which was opened in the same venue a year later, was more successful than the previous one in terms of both the number of participants and visitors.

The effects of the 1929 World Depression in Turkey turned into a serious economic crisis between 1930 and 1932 and the Dokuz Eylül Exhibitions could not be opened in these years.

The third exhibition, which was prepared nationally in 1933 and named "Dokuz Eylül Fair", was opened in the area in Cumhuriyet Square, which was specially prepared for the fair. In 1934 and 1935, the Dokuz Eylül Fair gained an international character and was opened in the same area under the name of “Arsınational İzmir Fair”.

It was decided to open the fair in 1936 in Kültürpark, which was planned to be built in the area of ​​the fire. For this purpose, as soon as the 1935 fair was closed, the foundation of Kültürpark was laid on January 01, 1936, with intense activity. Thus, the fair, which was held for the sixth time in 1936, was opened with a magnificent ceremony by Prime Minister İsmet İnönü on September 1, at its new location in the 360,000 square meter Kültürpark with the name “Arsınational İzmir Fair”.

After the fair was closed and throughout 1937, the preparatory work for Kültürpark continued. While the Health Museum was under construction, the Parachute Tower was being built, roads, pools, casinos and gardens were being prepared by the municipality around the pavilions in the fairground.

On August 20, 1937, the fair was named “İzmir International Fair” and opened by the then Minister of Economy Celal Bayar. The ninth Izmir International Fair, which was opened with a brilliant ceremony on August 20, 1939, witnessed the beginning of an event that would sadly shake the whole world on its thirteenth day: The Second World War started with Germany's attack on Poland on September 01.

In 1940 and 1941, the Second World War was continuing at full speed in the world, and a new front was opening every day. While such hot developments were taking place in the world, İzmir International Fair continued to be opened in 1940 and 1941, preserving its international character. However, due to the ongoing World War II, Izmir International Fair could not be opened in 1942 with the decision of the government. This time, “Kültürpark Entertainments” was prepared to ensure the influx of visitors that İzmir is accustomed to during the fair period.

Izmir Fair, which was opened internationally again in 1943, was opened in 1944 with a national character. Unfortunately, due to the continuing negative effects of the war all over the world and in our country, it was decided to open the İzmir Fair in a national manner again in 1945 and 1946. Izmir Fair was able to regain its international character in 1947. In 1948, İzmir International Fair became a member of the International Fairs Association (UFI).

Izmir International Fair, which has continued to open uninterruptedly since the 1950s, is experiencing the happiness and pride of being able to open its doors for many more years.

İZFAŞ Brief History:  Fair organization activities affiliated to İzmir Metropolitan Municipality were carried out by “İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Fairs and Tourism Directorate” until 1990. In order to transform İzmir International Fair and specialized fairs into a more contemporary and modern structure, a new organization was established on February 7, 1990, under the leadership of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, in partnership with the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, Aegean Region and Industry Chamber, Aegean Exporters' Association, İzmir Chamber of Commerce and İzmir Commodity Exchange. organization was established. This international organization, which set out to make İzmir a “City of Fairs and Congresses”, is İzfaş in short.

Source : www.izfas.com.tr