From May 13 to 16, 2026, Istanbul will host the prestigious Global Design Forum for the first time. After being a key part of the London Design Festival for 15 years, the event is moving to Türkiye to showcase the strong potential of the region’s creative industries.

A city turned into an artistic stage

Under the leadership of world-renowned designer Melek Zeynep Bulut, the forum will extend beyond traditional conference halls. Historic locations, including the grounds of Topkapı Palace, will be transformed into art spaces. Unique installations by leading international artists and designers will turn the city into an open-air creative laboratory.

The forum program includes several key areas:

• Discussion platform: global experts will discuss the role of design in addressing today’s global challenges.

• “Rethinking” competition: a project aimed at reviving Istanbul’s unique garden culture.

• “İstanbullar” initiative: a platform was created to support and promote local creative youth.

The creative ecosystem of a metropolis

The choice of Istanbul as the host city is no coincidence. Today, the city has a highly developed infrastructure, including 41 congress centers, 225 galleries, and 27 universities offering design-related programs. Its reputation as a cultural hub is reinforced each year by events such as the Istanbul Biennial and Contemporary Istanbul art fair.

For visitors, the forum will offer a chance to experience Istanbul from a new perspective. The combination of centuries-old architecture, traditional craftsmanship, and bold innovation creates a unique cultural atmosphere, making the city’s May events calendar especially vibrant.

Supported by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), the Global Design Forum aims to strengthen Istanbul’s role as a dynamic center on the global stage of contemporary design.

ORIENT