ISSA member Hakan attended the Mugla Marble Forum and delivered a keynote speech

MUĞLA, Turkey – October 9-10, 2024 – Hakan, a distinguished sculptor, symposium curator, and member 

of the International Sculpture Symposium Alliance (ISSA), attended the Muğla Marble Forum as a keynote 

speaker. The two-day forum, held on October 9th and 10th, was organized by a consortium of leading

institutions including the Muğla Marble Workers Association, Muğla Governorship, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman 

University, and Muğla Metropolitan Municipality.

The forum's primary purpose was to emphasize the added value and artistic potential of marble in 

architecture and art, reveal new design trends and technological possibilities, and encourage young 

designers and artists to incorporate marble into their work. The event aimed to address key industry 

challenges, such as the perception of marble being limited to traditional uses, insufficient awareness 

of its varieties, a shortage of qualified craftsmen, and the high cost and complexity of application processes.

In his keynote address, Hakan, who also serves as the curator for the forum's associated symposiums, 

elaborated on the significant benefits that sculpture symposiums bring to society and participating 

institutions, such as municipalities. Drawing from the rich, eight-year history of the symposiums held 

in conjunction with the forum, he provided concrete examples of how such events successfully bridge 

the gap between raw material and artistic expression.

The forum enjoyed support from prominent industry bodies such as the Muğla Chamber of Commerce and 

Industry, Tümmer, the Aegean Mineral Exporters Association, and the Istanbul Mineral Exporters Association,

 underscoring the event's importance to Turkey's marble and stone sector.

By bringing together industry experts, artists, and institutions, the Muğla Marble Forum served as a vital 

platform for inspiring innovation and securing the future of marble craftsmanship in Turkey and beyond.

Materials Providers: ISSA Member   Hakan Şengönül 

Chief Editor: Liu Qin

English Version Editor: Sun Ya’nan

Legal Advisor: Tao Ranting