Erdoğan Akbulak
Erdoğan Akbulak, one of the founders and Chairman of the Board of Silkar, was among the pioneering figures who united production, engineering, design, and international branding under a single vision within the Turkish natural stone industry.
Throughout his professional journey in the natural stone industry, which began in the early 1990s, he regarded natural stone not merely as raw material, but as a strategic building material enriched through technology, aesthetics, and project management. This perspective played a defining role in Silkar's growth over the years through its integrated production structure, international operations and value-added product development culture.
Shaped by quarry investments, production facilities, quality systems, R&D initiatives, and international expansion, this vision contributed significantly to strengthening the global position of Turkish natural stone. In particular, his efforts to advance the architectural and technical applications of natural stone created a major transformation within the industry, especially in areas such as laminated natural stone panels and project-based customized solutions.
Erdoğan Akbulak placed great importance on strengthening the relationship between production and design, and viewed the colloborations between architects, designers, artists and academic institutions as a strategic area for the development of the industry. Through international exhibitions, biennials, design organizations, and academic initiatives, he contributed to increasing the global visibility of the cultural and design value of Turkish natural stone.
Quality, sustainability, institutionalization, and a commitment to continuous improvement were among the fundamental principles of Erdoğan Akbulak’s leadership approach. In addition to his disciplined, inquisitive, and innovative mindset, he left a lasting impact on colleagues and industry stakeholders through his modest character, mentoring approach, and the importance he placed on human relationships.
Following his passing on January 12, 2026, the vision and values of Erdoğan Akbulak continue to serve as one of the cornerstones of Silkar’s corporate culture and long-term strategic approach today.
