INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding, and the Television and Cinema Film Producers Association of Turkey (TESİYAP), have partnered to launch The Istanbul Content Market 2027.

The agreement aims to collaborate on the development and organization of an international specialized content market, to be hosted in Istanbul, Republic of Turkey, over two days in 2027. The event will serve as a platform bringing together leading producers, content creators, distributors, buyers, representatives of television broadcasters and digital platforms, investors, and other stakeholders across the media and entertainment industries. It will provide expanded opportunities for networking, business development, and exploring commercial and creative partnerships between Turkey and regional and international markets.

The market will provide an integrated platform for presenting local, regional, and international content, while opening new avenues for content financing, co-production, licensing, distribution, and acquisition opportunities. These opportunities will be facilitated through business meetings, professional networking, pitching sessions, showcases, industry discussions, and specialized programs. The event will also seek to support emerging talent and showcase innovative content, creative formats, technologies, and business models shaping the future of the media and entertainment industries.

Eng. Anas Abdulsalam Al Madani, Vice Chairman and CEO – Global Growth & Ventures, INDEX Holding, said: “Over the past nine years, the Dubai International Content Market has successfully established itself as an international platform bringing together leading producers, distributors, buyers, and broadcasting networks from around the world. It has played an important role in building business relationships and cross-border partnerships, while strengthening Dubai’s role in connecting the global content industry with markets across the region. Today, building on this success and our extensive experience, we are embarking on a new phase of INDEX’s international expansion through the launch of The Istanbul Content Market. This strategic step reflects our ability to take successful business models to new destinations and further develop them in line with the opportunities and potential of global markets.”

Eng. Anas Abdulsalam Al Madani added: “Over the past nine years, the Dubai International Content Market has successfully established itself as an international platform bringing together leading players in the content, production, distribution and broadcasting industries from around the world. It has played an important role in building business relationships and cross-border partnerships, while strengthening Dubai’s position as a hub connecting the global content industry with markets across the region. Today, building on this success and our extensive experience, we are embarking on a new phase of INDEX’s international expansion through the launch of The Istanbul Content Market, in partnership with the Television and Cinema Film Producers Association of Turkey (TESİYAP). This strategic step reflects our ability to take successful business models to new destinations and develop them in line with the opportunities and potential of global markets.”

Eng. Anas added: “Turkey holds a prominent position in the content and entertainment industry, driven by its strong production capabilities and the international reach of its productions. This makes Istanbul a strategic destination for developing a specialized market that brings together key industry stakeholders, drives business growth, and expands opportunities to reach new markets and audiences. We view this partnership as a strategic investment in the future of the content industry and an opportunity to strengthen the synergies between Dubai and Istanbul as important gateways connecting regional and global markets. Through this initiative, we aim to create a business environment that facilitates content rights trading, encourages investment and co-production, and opens new channels for distribution and commercial collaboration.”

He further stated: “Our ambition is to build international platforms that go beyond professional networking to become drivers of economic growth, creating new opportunities for investment and commercial collaboration for companies and content creators. The launch of The Istanbul Content Market also represents a strategic step towards strengthening the economic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Turkey, and broadening cooperation across the media and entertainment industries. This will further enhance INDEX’s presence in global markets, reinforce its role in advancing the exhibitions and specialized markets industry, and generate sustainable economic value.”

Mr. Birol Güven, General Director of Cinema at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, said that the collaboration represents an important opportunity to support the content industry, strengthen connections among industry professionals, and open new avenues for cooperation with regional and international markets. He added: “Turkey has successfully established a strong presence in the global content industry, with its television and film productions achieving wide reach and attracting audiences across international markets. Istanbul is a leading destination for television series and film production, supported by its extensive production capabilities, creative talent and accumulated industry expertise. The launch of The Istanbul Content Market represents an important step towards building on this position and creating new opportunities for producers and industry professionals to connect with international partners, explore new business prospects, and expand the global reach of Turkish content. Through this collaboration, we look forward to strengthening ties with the UAE and other regional and international markets, while encouraging co-production, investment and the exchange of expertise. We believe this event will contribute to the growth of the content and entertainment industry, further expanding its international presence and development”.