Turkish marble used globally, revamps NYC subway

KONYA

Marble mined in central Turkey is being used in 20 countries all around the world from Saudi Arabia to the famed New York City subway system, a marble producer has said. 

“Selçuklu Marble, founded 13 years ago, exports 90 percent of its all marble production,” Nuh Gün, the company’s chair, told Anadolu Agency.

The company’s marble products are being used in significant projects in the United States and Saudi Arabia, the company’s largest markets, he stressed.

Gün said the company also exports marble to European countries, Australia, China, India, and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.

“We send raw materials for the New York City subway’s restoration, they use our products,” he underlined, saying this is a mark of its quality.

The company employees 95 people, including nearly 40 women.

“Our aim is to be among the top 10 in the sector, and we attend fairs, upgrade our technology, and step up marketing for this target,” Gün said.

Last year, exports of natural Turkish stone—including processed and uncut marble, granite, travertine, and slate—totaled 7.94 million tons or $2.05 billion, according to the Istanbul Mineral Exporters’ Association data.

Turkey is also the world’s top marble exporter, followed by Italy and Greece.