Turkish marble used worldwide, including NYC subway

By Abdulhamit Yasar

KONYA, Turkey (AA) - Marble mined in central Turkey is being used in 20 countries all around the world, including Saudi Arabia and in the famed New York City subway system, a marble producer said on Tuesday.

"Selcuklu Marble, founded 13 years ago, exports 90 percent of its all marble production," Nuh Gun, the company’s chair, told Anadolu Agency.

The company's marble products are being used in significant projects in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, the company's largest markets, he stressed.

Gun said that 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.

He said the company employees 95 personnel, 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," Gun stressed.

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 Istanbul Mineral Exporters' Association data. Turkey is also the world's top marble exporter, followed by Italy and Greece.