The 19th Asansör Istanbul Fair, the largest gathering of the elevator and escalator industry in Türkiye and the Middle East, took place at TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center on May 15-18. 

The Asansör Istanbul Fair, which is regularly held every two years in March, was held in May this year due to the holy month of Ramadan. More than 30,000 people from 73 different countries visited the fair during the four days of sunny weather and torrential rain. 

The opening ceremony, which took place at TÜYAP Black Sea Hall on the first day of the fair, was attended by members of the European Lift Association (ELA) and the Elevator and Escalator Industrialists Association (AYSAD). AYSAD Chairman of the Board of Directors Fevzi Yıldırım, who took the floor first in the ceremony, explained with figures how the fair has grown from 1,000 m2 at the first fair to today. Yıldırım said: 

“This organization, which will open its doors for the 19th time today and is one of the three largest fairs in the world in its field, will bring together tens of thousands of guests from many countries in Istanbul, the meeting point of all continents from east to west, north to south.” 

Wim Koster, chairman of the Board of Directors of ELA, took the floor afterwards and talked about the importance of AYSAD’s ELA membership after making a humorous introduction to his speech. He thanked AYSAD management and Informa Fuarcilik for hosting the ELA Congress last year. Koster also talked about the work of the World Elevator and Escalator Federation (WEEF), an umbrella organization that covers the entire sector, and shared information about the ELA Congress to be held in Warsaw, Poland, after the fair. After the official opening of the fair with the ribbon cutting following the opening speeches, the delegation toured the fair area together.

The Asansör Istanbul fair, which was included under the roof of Informa last year, took place in Halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of TÜYAP. Mostly from Türkiye, 363 local and foreign companies opened stands at the fair. Especially in the seventh and eighth halls, the companies participating with giant booths presented their latest products and designs to the visitors.

Arkel Arsis

The Arkel Arsis shaft copying system, introduced by Arkel, a leading control systems manufacturer in Türkiye and around the world, was the standout new product at the exhibition. This new measurement and control system is based on the principle of magnetic measurement. The system consists of a sensor, a magnetic tape with absolute coding and a switch to detect the presence of the tape. This space-saving measuring system can even operate in the presence of smoke, such as in case of fire or contamination. The SIL3 absolute position and speed sensing unit scans the coded magnetic tape and detects the current and absolute cabinet position. Tests have been completed and certification is in process, and we will soon be able to see the product on the market.

AI-Supported Smart Elevator From EKA

Today, as AI technologies are rapidly integrating into every aspect of our lives, elevator systems are also becoming a part of this transformation. Emlak Konut Asansör (EKA) brings a breath of fresh air to the sector with the “Smart Elevator Application” it developed and introduced at the fair. Integrating image processing, machine learning and deep learning technologies into elevator cabins, this system takes the user experience to a whole new level not only in terms of transportation but also in terms of security and interaction.

Thanks to this system developed by EKA, every creature or object entering the elevator can be detected and tracked with a temporary identification number. People identified by the facial recognition system are welcomed by the system. The application, which draws attention with its ability to distinguish non-human creatures, can also instantly determine the number of people in the cabin and provide statistical data. This data can be used for cabin load forecasting and predicting possible overload situations.

However, it is the contribution to safety that makes the real difference. Situations such as smoking, smoke detection, falls, fainting, fights or the detection of dangerous objects (guns, knives, etc.) in the elevator can be automatically detected by the system. This enables remote and rapid intervention in emergencies.

Optimizing elevator traffic calculations by analyzing user behavior, providing interactive communication with the user and developing data-driven decision processes are among the prominent aspects of the project.

One Counterweight in Three Shafts

One of the most striking innovative designs of the fair was the single counterweight group elevator system developed by entrepreneur Nuh Uymaz. He plans to save on elevator shafts in buildings thanks to the common weight system he developed by integrating the counterweight system, which is normally used separately by each elevator, into a single elevator shaft with a pulley block system. In the models he exhibited as an example, he integrates twice the amount of counterweight needed by each elevator into the common counterweight system in double elevator systems through the 2:1 pulley system, ensuring that equal force is transferred to both elevators in every position.

In triple group elevator systems, the patented system, in which the amount of counterweight is quadrupled and equal force distribution is realized in all three elevators thanks to the 4:1 pulley system, has attracted a lot of attention.

Fupa Elevator and Alberto Sassi Celebrated 30 Years of Cooperation at Asansör Istanbul 2025

Fupa Elevator and Italian machine manufacturer Alberto Sassi celebrated the 30th anniversary of their strategic cooperation with a modest event at their booth. During the celebration, Rıza Latif, chairman of the Board of Directors of Fupa Elevator, and Can Latif, member of the Board of Directors, made a speech on the meaning and importance of this long-term cooperation, and drew attention to the contributions and joint success of to theindustry. In his speech, Latif said: 

“This journey, which started with the exclusive representation and distributorship agreement we signed with Alberto Sassi Italy in 1995, has turned into a success story that has grown steadily and set an example in our industry. Over the past 30 years, together with our quality-conscious business partners, we have successfully integrated more than 100,000 geared and gearless Sassi machines into many prestigious projects.”

Nidec Inaugurates New Facility

In the afternoon of the second day of the fair, Nidec opened its new warehouse and control panel production facility in Küçükçekmece with invited solution partners and guests. Firas Toma, Nidec Sales manager, gave the opening speech and said that this facility, which has a stock of 500 machines of various power and sizes, is capable of providing immediate solutions to all the needs in our region. After the inauguration, all guests were hosted at a dinner on the boat with a magnificent view of the Bosphorus.

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Seminar Program

by Turhan Korkmaz

In the panel titled “Elevators in Seismic Situations — Elevators in Case of Fire” held on the first day of the fair and moderated by Yıldırım, Dr. Ferhat Çelik, member of Blain Hydraulic GmbH and ELA Component Committee, said in his presentation: 

“Elevators are one of the most expensive equipment in buildings, but they also have various mechanical and electrical/electronic components that are prone to damage during earthquakes. Damage to elevators due to earthquakes can cause economic losses as well as trapped in the cabin or fatal incidents. At the same time, it is especially important that elevators in strategic buildings (hospitals, public buildings, energy, communication, transportation facilities, etc.) where uninterrupted service is expected to be provided, remain active after an earthquake without damage. Therefore, when it comes to elevators in seismic zones, the selection and installation conditions of vertical transportation systems also become very important.”

Çelik drew attention to the correct elevator selection for seismic zones and underlined that the damage rate of hydraulic elevators is much lower than elevators with and without a machine room. 

Paolo Tattoli, CEN/TC10/WG1/WT5 and team leader for the Update of EN 81-77 Standard, said that “EN 81-77:2022 is part of the EN 81 series and addresses additional safety requirements for elevators in seismic zones. It has been developed to ensure passenger safety and elevator functionality during and after seismic events.” In his presentation, he drew attention to the application areas of the relevant standard, how it fits into the European legislative framework and the requirements of EN 81-77 during elevator installation. While giving examples of seismic damages occurring in elevators, he stated that there should be a seismic detection system for elevators with counterweight or balancing weight.

Serkan Selamet, Engineering and Modernization manager from TK Elevator Asansör, made a presentation on “EN81-77 Design and Application Examples of Elevators Subject to Seismic Conditions.” Under the heading of safety requirements and/or protective measures; Protection Against Tripping in Elevator Shafts, Analysis of Tripping Controls in Shaft Plan, Measures to be taken at Tripping Points should be planned according to Shaft Plan and Shaft Height, Alternative Application Examples of Wire to be drawn along the Shaft, Dilatation Joints and Elevator Shaft, Mass of the car for elevator design calculations, Ground Investigation Information, Cabin Emergency Guides, Cabin Door Lock, Counterweight or Balancing Weights, Drive Pulleys, Protection for Pulleys, Balancing Systems, Guide Rail System, Seismic Force Calculations and acceleration direction calculations with examples.

ITU Mechanical Engineering Faculty Lecturer Prof. Erdem İmrak referred to the items in the checklists of the Planned Areas Zoning Regulation, Elevator Regulation, Elevator Periodic Control Regulation under the title of elevators during and after the fire and said, “At least 0.1 m2 in the elevator shaft, 0.025 times the shaft area with a minimum of 0.1 m(2) in the elevator shaft or the shafts are pressurized,” “Elevator doors must be at least 30 min resistant to fire and smoke-tight, and must be at least 60 min resistant to fire and smoke-tight in buildings with a building height of more than 51.50 m.” Sharing the articles within the scope of the Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings, İmrak pointed to definitions such as “high-rise building,” “public building,” “designated stop” and shared statistical information on fire response time and causes of death in fire. 

Murat Camgöz, Fermator Middle East office director, under the heading of “Resistance of Elevator Doors in Buildings in the Event of Fire,” said: “The elevator door is a passive fire barrier in the building.  Its purpose is to prevent the passage of flames and/or hot gases from one floor of the building to another. The resistance class and duration are defined by local building codes. Not all elevator doors need to be fire resistant.” While pointing out the definitions of “E-Integrity,” “W-Radiation” and “I-Isolation” under the title “Fire resistance classes of elevator doors,” he made a presentation on topics such as firefighter elevators, behavior of elevators in case of fire, evacuation of disabled people, smoke control and door applications.

On the second day of the fair, a panel titled “Elevator Directive — Updates in Standards — Digitalization in Elevators” was held. In the panel moderated by AYSAD Legal Counsel Dr. Ali Osman Özdilek, Alper Çalışkan, senior project program manager at Otis France, shared information under the headings of “Cyber Security, Operability, New Definition of The Safety Function in the Machinery Directive” in his presentation titled “Digitalization,” starting from the terminologies of “EU’s Digital Strategy, Related EU Legislation, Smart Elevators and Escalators, Which Standards?”  In addition to the European Union’s (EU) view and evaluation of AI and data law, Çalışkan stated that “EU countries are currently in the testing phase of the SRI scheme with the support of the European Commission and the SRI (Subresource Integrity) technical support team,” and pointed out that it will include a devolved law that will make SRI mandatory in large non-residential buildings until June 2027.

Esfandiar Gharibaan, speaking next under the title “The Elevator Directive and the Update of Standards to ISO Standards,” pointed out that this technical harmonization in the form of global standards used in all countries around the world will increase the efficiency of the industry by improving safety and accessibility for all and facilitate the flexibility of the supply chain. Referring to the adoption of many ISO standards by CEN and other standardization bodies, Gharibaan said: “New technologies and connectivity are rapidly being adopted by the industry and stakeholders. Worldwide regulations are emerging. Standards are created when the technology is mature enough for standardization. CEN/TC 10 and ISO/TC 178 are working together to achieve the set of ISO standards used worldwide.”

Gharibaan said “On December 31, 2025, the revised ISO 8100-1/2 will be published by ISO, CEN will publish the standards as EN ISO 8100-1/2 and on December 31, 2028, EN 81-20/50 will be repealed.”

In the next presentation “Norms and Standardization Actual Situation and Next Steps,” Guiseppe De Francesco underlined the definitions of “EN 81-20/50: Door Securing Strength and Rigidity (Static load tests verify that the door withstands the forces, dynamic impact tests simulate collision), Closing Force Limitation (Force measurement prevents crushing), Door Reopening (Must be reopened when blocked by light curtains. Protects vulnerable users), Motion Prevention (Cabin cannot move when doors are open).” In his presentation titled “Digitalizing Digital Products and Field Services Understanding the Concept of Digital Twins in Elevator Systems,” Roberto Galizzi shared various insights under the subtitle “Exploring the benefits of digital twins for elevator safety and efficiency and installation improvements.”

Prolift 25th Anniversary Celebration

Bursa-based Prolift celebrated its 25th anniversary with its solution partners, customers and suppliers at a dinner held at World Point Restaurant on the evening of the second day of Asansör Istanbul Fair. Approximately 300 guests attended the 25th anniversary dinner where Prolift’s guests enjoyed live music and dancing to relieve the fatigue of the fair.

The next Asansör Istanbul will be held on May 6-9, 2027, again at TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center.