The origin of the Turkish textile sector dates back to the Ottoman period of the 16th and 17th centuries, with the entire national industry focusing on this sector until the formation of the current Republic, after which its development continued until the 20th century, especially between 1923 and 1962. The growth of cotton production, a basic material, contributed decisively to the development of the sector during the following years.

During the 80s the sector opened to the outside world, representing the turning point on the path towards internationalization, reaching 9.3% of total national exports during the 90s and continuing its growth to this day.

The vast majority of companies in the sector are medium-sized, within a capital-intensive industry. The companies that encompass the Turkish textile export sector are mainly concentrated in Istanbul, Izmir, Denizli, Bursa, Kahramanmaraş and Gaziantep.

Due to price competition from Asian companies in general and Chinese companies in particular, the Turkish textile industry has focused in recent years on offering products with high added value and high quality, developing brands that are beginning to be seen in such important markets like the European markets.

Turkey is the third largest exporter of textile products in the World and the second in Europe, exporting 49% of the total to the EU and having the former Soviet republics as its second market.