TEXTILE DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING

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As Türkiye’s oldest and leading university, Istanbul Technical University has continuously evolved since its establishment in 1773 under the principle of constant development and has played a pioneering role in the advancement of Turkish industry.

The origins of the Textile Department date back to the Textile Chair founded within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in 1955. The department’s activities, which began in 1983 as the first and only Textile Engineering Department in Istanbul at Türkiye’s leading university, continued to develop and were transformed in 2004 into the country’s only faculty dedicated exclusively to this field. One of the most significant initiatives within this framework was the establishment of the “Textile Development and Marketing” program in cooperation with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York in 2004. The program graduated its first students in 2008. Through this program, ITU contributes significantly to the international development of the Turkish Textile and Apparel Industry by providing highly qualified graduates to the sector. In particular, the program serves as a guiding force for the textile and apparel industries located in Istanbul and its surrounding regions, with university-industry collaboration forming the cornerstone of its development.

As is widely recognized, today’s Turkish Textile and Ready-to-Wear industry competes globally in terms of technology and must continue increasing exports, which are essential for the country’s economy. This can only be achieved by strengthening its presence in existing markets and entering new markets through enhanced competitiveness. By adopting more flexible, efficient, and versatile production methods and manufacturing higher value-added, fashion-oriented products, the Turkish Textile and Apparel Industry has the potential to become a global leader. Indeed, this is the rightful aspiration of our successful and hardworking industrialists. Our Textile Development and Marketing Program was established and structured to serve as one of the key building blocks in meeting the sector’s needs.

The establishment of the Textile Development and Marketing Program was first discussed in 2002 within the framework of cooperation meetings held with the Fashion Institute of Technology. During various meetings with representatives of the Turkish Textile and Ready-to-Wear Industry, it was emphasized that although our industry, whose roots date back to the Ottoman Empire, possesses a very strong technical infrastructure, it is necessary to improve marketing strategies and enhance the effectiveness of high-value-added products in international markets. The lack of specialists capable of developing sales and marketing strategies and elevating customer relations to a higher level, despite the industry’s strong technical background, has consistently been highlighted. In light of this reality and considering that one of our missions is to guide industry development, the issue was addressed during these discussions. It became evident that the educational philosophy of the Textile Development and Marketing Program, based on “fashion-oriented marketing,” would provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to fill this gap and make significant contributions to the industry.

As with many pioneering initiatives in Türkiye, ITU once again provided the solution to a much-needed educational program that did not exist at any other university in the country. Following extensive discussions and considering both global developments and the realities of our country, the curriculum was designed and instruction began in 2004. Our program, the FIRST and ONLY one of its kind in Türkiye, graduated its first students in 2008.

Scope of the Program

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The program primarily includes theoretical and practical courses related to Textile Technology and Sciences, covering fibers, yarns, woven and knitted fabrics, nonwoven materials, dyeing, printing, finishing technologies, and textile products. Alongside fundamental technological education, students receive instruction in international markets, textile marketing techniques, economics, and finance. In this way, all factors that should be considered in increasing the market share of textile and ready-to-wear products are examined in detail. In addition, students are introduced to general concepts related to fashion, which significantly influences markets and market shares. Thus, the program aims to educate specialists capable of developing and marketing textile products with specific characteristics.

Courses offered within this scope include:

• Fiber, yarn, woven and knitted fabrics, nonwoven technologies, dyeing, printing, finishing technologies, and related products

• Introduction to the Fashion Industry

• International Markets

• Textile Marketing Techniques

• Economics and Finance

• Business Administration

• Advertising and Promotion

• Ecology and Environmental Issues

These courses are offered both theoretically and practically. In addition, students are provided with the opportunity to become closely acquainted with the industry through industrial application projects.

There is no compulsory internship requirement in the Textile Development and Marketing Department.

During the first two years of the program, students study at Istanbul Technical University. In line with the objectives of the program, our Faculty has established Design and Application Laboratories that enable students to develop their knowledge and practical skills. In these laboratories, students gain a detailed understanding of material structures through samples they create within the framework of their coursework and carry out various practical applications.

 

 

Figure 1. Weaving Design and Application Laboratory

 

 

 

Figure 2. Knitting Design and Application Laboratory

 

 

Figure 3. Ready-to-Wear Design and Application Laboratory

 

 

In addition, both the Textile Quality Control Laboratory and modern computer laboratories are made available for student use.

Alongside vocational and technical courses, subjects such as economics, marketing, finance, and business administration are taught by faculty members from the Faculty of Business Administration. Courses aimed at enhancing ecological awareness and environmental consciousness are delivered by academic staff from the Department of Environmental Engineering. In addition to all these, experienced senior industry professionals are also involved in certain courses. As can be seen, the Textile Development and Marketing Program delivers education in an interdisciplinary manner, aiming to graduate students equipped with technical, managerial, marketing, and environmental competencies through the contributions of various departments.

Students complete their third and fourth years at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) located in Manhattan, New York. There, they join programs offered by FIT and study in the same classes with students from diverse cultural backgrounds from all over the world, following a common curriculum. In this way, students complete their education in New York in an integrated academic environment. Fourth-year students of the Textile Development and Marketing Program at FIT also undertake industrial application projects, gaining the opportunity to closely experience the industry in the United States. One of the most important outcomes of our program is its project-based learning approach. As seen in the link below, previous graduates have developed a JEANS brand creation project under the guidance of industry professionals in the denim sector. Within the scope of this project, students developed decision-making skills and carried out not only product development but also the creation of a commercially viable BRAND. By completing such projects, our graduates contribute to the development of fashion-oriented product and brand creation, which is highly needed in our country.

Since all these activities are conducted in English, students are required to have sufficient English proficiency at the beginning of the program, demonstrated by a TOEFL (80 IBT) or PTE (53) score. (TOEFL iBT and PTE exam results taken in Türkiye are only valid if obtained from examination centers of state universities.) This requirement is not for admission but for commencing studies, as stipulated by FIT.

Applicants who wish to enter the program must obtain at least 150 points from the TYT examination held in the relevant year, and subsequently succeed in the Vocational Aptitude Assessment Exam/Interview conducted by the Evaluation Committee on the dates published in the Academic Calendar.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For the 2026–2027 Academic Year, the application dates for the program will be announced on Registrar's Office website. Detailed information regarding applications and other requirements can be accessed on the announcement.

In conclusion,

With the “Textile Development and Marketing” program, Istanbul Technical University aims to provide significant human resources support to ongoing development efforts within the Turkish Textile and Ready-to-Wear Industry. Graduates of this program are granted the right to work in the United States for one year, thereby gaining their first post-graduation international professional experience.

Graduates of the Textile Development and Marketing Program can look forward to a bright future through the career opportunities they will obtain.

Prof. Dr. Canan Sarıçam


Program Coordinator of Textile Development and Marketing

 

JEANS Project Link