Top 20 Billionaires In Turkey

The economic landscape of Turkey in 2025 is a testament to the resilience and strategic diversification of its leading industrial families. Despite global fiscal challenges, Turkey’s wealthiest individuals have expanded their influence through international trade, advanced manufacturing, and a significant shift toward high-technology sectors such as defence and renewable energy. This article examines the twenty most influential billionaires in Turkey, exploring their business origins, market impact, and legacies in a rapidly evolving global market.

1. Murat Ülker

Chairman of Yıldız Holding (Food and Beverage)

Murat Ülker remains the pre-eminent figure in Turkey’s food and beverage industry, maintaining his position as the nation’s wealthiest individual in 2025 with a net worth of $5.1 billion. As the driving force behind Yıldız Holding, Ülker has successfully transformed a local biscuit manufacturer into a global snacks powerhouse. Through the strategic formation of Pladis, which consolidated brands like Ülker, McVitie’s, and Godiva, he has ensured that Turkish products are enjoyed across six continents.

In 2025, his focus has shifted significantly towards sustainable sourcing and the modernisation of supply chains. By investing heavily in agricultural technology, Yıldız Holding has mitigated the risks associated with climate-driven commodity price volatility. Beyond his commercial success, Ülker is a noted art collector and a dedicated philanthropist. The Sabri Ülker Foundation, named after his father, continues to fund international research into metabolic health and nutrition, reinforcing the family’s commitment to public well-being. His leadership style is characterised by a blend of traditional values and a progressive, digital-first mindset, ensuring that the Ülker legacy remains robust amid shifting consumer preferences.

2. İpek Kıraç

Member of the Board at Koç Holding (Diversified)

İpek Kıraç represents the next generation of the Koç family, Turkey’s most influential business dynasty. In 2025, her net worth is estimated at $3.1 billion, reflecting her significant stake in Koç Holding and her successful leadership in the maritime sector. As the head of Sirena Marine, Kıraç has gained international acclaim for producing world-class luxury yachts, positioning Turkey as a serious competitor in the high-end European boat-building industry.

Her role within Koç Holding is equally vital, where she contributes to the strategic oversight of a conglomerate that accounts for a substantial percentage of Turkey’s GDP. In recent years, she has been a vocal advocate for the digitalisation of the industrial sector and the empowerment of women in management. Kıraç is also deeply involved in the family’s philanthropic endeavours, particularly through the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, which supports research on neurodegenerative diseases and cultural preservation. Her ability to balance the demands of a traditional conglomerate with the innovation required for modern niche manufacturing has made her one of the most respected female leaders in the Middle East and Europe.

3. Semahat Sevim Arsel

Director at Koç Holding (Diversified)

Semahat Sevim Arsel is the eldest member of the Koç family and a cornerstone of the Turkish business community. With a net worth of $3.0 billion in 2025, her wealth is rooted in her extensive holdings within the Koç group. While her brothers took more public roles in the past, Arsel has been the steady hand behind the family’s focus on healthcare and social development. She is particularly renowned for her work in nursing, having established the Semahat Arsel Nursing Education and Research Centre.

In 2025, her influence continues to be felt through her board positions at several Koç companies, including those in the tourism and energy sectors. Her investment philosophy has always been one of long-term stability rather than short-term gain, a strategy that has served the Koç group well during periods of economic turbulence. Arsel’s commitment to education and healthcare has transformed Turkey’s private social services sector, making her a symbol of the “civic billionaire” who prioritises national progress alongside corporate profitability.

4. İbrahim Erdemoğlu

Chairman of SASA Polyester (Manufacturing)

İbrahim Erdemoğlu has seen his fortune grow to $2.8 billion in 2025, largely due to the explosive growth of SASA Polyester. Under his leadership, SASA has become one of the world’s largest producers of polyester staple fibre and filament yarn. Erdemoğlu’s strategy has been one of aggressive expansion and vertical integration. By investing billions in new production facilities in Adana, he has reduced Turkey’s dependence on imported raw materials, thereby significantly improving the nation’s trade balance.

The year 2025 marks a turning point for Erdemoğlu Holding, as it advances into the petrochemical sector with the commissioning of large-scale PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) plants. This move has allowed the company to control its entire supply chain, from raw chemical inputs to the final textile products. İbrahim is known for his modest lifestyle and his dedication to his hometown of Adıyaman, where he has funded numerous schools and community centres. His success is a classic example of how industrial focus and a commitment to domestic manufacturing can create immense wealth while simultaneously driving national industrialisation.

5. Mustafa Rahmi Koç

Honorary Chairman of Koç Holding (Diversified)

Mustafa Rahmi Koç is the patriarch of the Koç family and one of the most iconic figures in Turkish history. In 2025, his net worth is estimated at $2.7 billion. Although he has retired from active day-to-day management, his influence as Honorary Chairman remains profound. He oversaw the most significant era of expansion for Koç Holding, leading the group into sectors as diverse as automotive, energy, finance, and consumer durables.

Koç is perhaps equally famous for his passion for industrial heritage. The Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Istanbul is a world-class institution that showcases the history of transport, industry, and communications. In 2025, he remains a key figure in international diplomatic and business circles, often acting as an informal ambassador for Turkish commerce. His legacy is one of institutionalisation, as he was instrumental in transforming the Koç Group into a modern, transparent corporation that adheres to global governance standards.

6. Erman Ilıcak

Chairman of Rönesans Holding (Construction)

Erman Ilıcak has built one of the world’s most successful construction and investment companies. With a net worth of $2.4 billion in 2025, Rönesans Holding operates across Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Ilıcak’s success is built on his ability to execute complex infrastructure projects in challenging environments. From high-rise buildings in St. Petersburg to hospitals and shopping centres in Turkey, his company has become a symbol of Turkish engineering prowess.

In 2025, Ilıcak shifted the group’s focus towards renewable energy and sustainable urban development. Rönesans Energy is now a major player in Turkey’s green transition, investing heavily in wind and solar projects. Ilıcak is known for his strategic partnerships with global sovereign wealth funds, which have allowed him to scale his operations rapidly. His philanthropic work through the Rönesans Education Foundation provides thousands of scholarships every year, reflecting his belief that education is the primary driver of economic development.

7. Ferit Faik Şahenk

Chairman of Doğuş Group (Diversified)

Ferit Faik Şahenk leads the Doğuş Group, a conglomerate with a strong presence in hospitality, media, and real estate. In 2025, his net worth is valued at $2.4 billion. Şahenk is widely credited with modernising Turkey’s luxury lifestyle sector. Through his investments in high-end restaurants, boutique hotels, and the massive Galataport project in Istanbul, he has helped reposition the city as a premier destination for global tourism and commerce.

Beyond hospitality, Şahenk has maintained a significant interest in the automotive sector, representing brands like Volkswagen and Porsche in Turkey. In 2025, he focused on digitizing the group’s media and retail businesses to ensure they remained competitive in the era of online consumption. Despite the sale of major assets in prior years, Şahenk has successfully deleveraged his business, thereby creating a more agile and resilient group. He is also a major patron of the arts, particularly through his support for the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and various jazz festivals nationwide.

8. Filiz Şahenk

Shareholder of Doğuş Group (Diversified)

Filiz Şahenk is a major shareholder in the Doğuş Group and the sister of Ferit Şahenk. With a net worth of $2.2 billion in 2025, she plays a vital, albeit more private, role in the family’s business empire. Her wealth reflects the group’s diverse interests and its continued success in the Turkish and international markets. She is particularly involved in managing the group’s tourism and retail portfolios, which include some of the world’s most prestigious brands.

Filiz is known for her dedication to philanthropy and social responsibility. She oversees the Ayhan Şahenk Foundation, which focuses on education, healthcare, and environmental protection. In 2025, the foundation launched a new initiative aimed at supporting rural development and providing students in underprivileged areas with better access to technology. Her steady presence on the board offers a sense of continuity and family unity that is essential to the long-term success of a large conglomerate such as Doğuş.

9. Sezai Bacaksız

Co-founder of Limak Holding (Construction and Infrastructure)

Sezai Bacaksız is one of the pillars of Turkey’s construction industry. As the co-founder of Limak Holding, he has a net worth of $1.9 billion as of 2025. Limak has been instrumental in building Turkey’s modern infrastructure, including the Istanbul Airport, numerous hydroelectric dams, and major highway networks. Bacaksız and his partner, Nihat Özdemir, have expanded the company into international markets, securing major contracts in Africa and Eastern Europe.

In 2025, Limak became a leader in the energy sector, operating several thermal and renewable power plants. Bacaksız is known for his technical expertise and his hands-on approach to project management. He has also led the company’s efforts to enhance sustainability in the construction industry, focusing on carbon-neutral cement production and environmentally friendly building practices. His wealth is a testament to the enduring importance of infrastructure development in emerging economies.

10. Şefik Yılmaz Dizdar

Partner at LC Waikiki (Fashion Retail)

Şefik Yılmaz Dizdar is a key figure in the global success of LC Waikiki, Turkey’s largest fashion retailer. With a net worth of $1.9 billion in 2025, Dizdar has led his company to become a retail giant with over 1,300 stores in 59 countries. The company’s motto, “Everyone deserves to dress well,” reflects a business model focused on affordability and high quality, which has resonated with consumers worldwide.

Dizdar is known for his low public profile and his disciplined approach to business. In 2025, LC Waikiki has accelerated its digital transformation, investing heavily in e-commerce and automated logistics centres to support its rapid international expansion. The company is also a major employer in Turkey, providing thousands of jobs in manufacturing and retail. Dizdar’s commitment to sustainable fashion and ethical sourcing has earned the company praise from international watchdogs, making LC Waikiki a model for Turkish retail success on the world stage.

11. Nihat Özdemir

Co-founder of Limak Holding (Construction and Infrastructure)

Nihat Özdemir is the public face of Limak Holding and a former president of the Turkish Football Federation. In 2025, his net worth is estimated at $1.9 billion. Alongside Sezai Bacaksız, Özdemir has built Limak into a global powerhouse in construction, energy, and cement production. He is widely respected for his ability to navigate complex political and economic landscapes, ensuring that Limak’s projects are delivered on time and within budget.

In 2025, Özdemir focused on expanding Limak’s presence in the global aviation sector, with the company taking on new airport management contracts in several countries. He is also a major supporter of sports and education in Turkey, funding numerous facilities and scholarship programmes. His influence extends beyond the business world, as he remains a key figure in the nation’s social and sporting circles. His career is a masterclass in how to combine industrial ambition with a strong sense of national duty.

12. Selçuk Bayraktar

CTO of Baykar (Defence Technology)

Selçuk Bayraktar has become a global icon of Turkish technological achievement. As the Chief Technology Officer of Baykar, his net worth in 2025 is estimated at $1.8 billion. He is the principal designer of the Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have revolutionised modern warfare and are now exported to more than 35 countries. His work has made Turkey a world leader in drone technology, challenging the dominance of traditional military powers.

In 2025, Selçuk is overseeing the development of the Kızılelma, Turkey’s first unmanned fighter jet, and several space-related ventures. He is also a key figure in the TEKNOFEST festival, which aims to inspire the next generation of Turkish engineers and scientists. Selçuk is often credited with sparking a “national technology move” that has galvanised the country’s high-tech sector. His wealth, while significant, is regarded as secondary to his mission to ensure Turkey’s technological independence and national security.

13. Ali Erdemoğlu

Shareholder of SASA Polyester (Manufacturing)

Ali Erdemoğlu is the brother of İbrahim Erdemoğlu and a major shareholder in Erdemoğlu Holding and SASA Polyester. In 2025, his net worth is estimated at $1.8 billion. While he maintains a lower profile than his brother, Ali is a vital part of the family’s decision-making process and has played a key role in the group’s expansion into textiles and petrochemicals.

The Erdemoğlu family is known for its strong internal cohesion and its commitment to reinvesting profits back into the business and the community. In 2025, Ali has been actively overseeing the family’s philanthropic efforts in Gaziantep and Adıyaman, with a focus on the construction of schools, hospitals, and mosques. His wealth reflects the steady, compounding growth of a manufacturing empire that has remained true to its industrial roots while embracing modern technology.

14. Hamdi Akın

Chairman of Akfen Holding (Diversified)

Hamdi Akın is one of Turkey’s most versatile entrepreneurs, with interests in infrastructure, energy, and real estate. In 2025, his net worth stands at $1.7 billion. Akın is known for his ability to identify undervalued assets and turn them into profitable enterprises. He was a pioneer in the privatisation of Turkish airports and seaports, and his company, Akfen Holding, remains a major player in the global concessions market.

In 2025, Akın has pivoted towards green energy and high-end residential real estate. Akfen Renewables is now one of the largest clean energy producers in the region, with a diverse portfolio of wind, solar, and hydro assets. Akın is also a dedicated philanthropist, having established the TİKAV foundation to support the development of university students in Turkey’s eastern provinces. His business philosophy is grounded in the principle of “creating value,” and he remains an active mentor to many of Turkey’s younger entrepreneurs.

15. Haluk Bayraktar

CEO of Baykar (Defence Technology)

Haluk Bayraktar is the CEO of Baykar and the elder brother of Selçuk Bayraktar. In 2025, his net worth is estimated at $1.6 billion. While Selçuk focuses on the technical side of the business, Haluk is the strategic and commercial mind behind Baykar’s global success. He has been instrumental in negotiating export agreements and building strategic alliances with governments worldwide.

Under Haluk’s leadership, Baykar has experienced a surge in export revenues, with 90% of its turnover now coming from overseas sales. In 2025, he has also been a vocal advocate for the development of a self-sufficient Turkish defence industry. He has worked closely with various international organisations to promote ethical standards in the use of UAVs. Haluk’s ability to manage a rapidly growing high-tech company while navigating the complexities of international diplomacy has made him one of the most influential figures in the global defence sector.

16. Ahmet Çalık

Chairman of Çalık Holding (Energy and Diversified)

Ahmet Çalık is a major player in the energy, textile, and construction sectors. With a net worth of $1.5 billion in 2025, Çalık Holding has a strong presence in Turkey, Central Asia, and Africa. Çalık is known for his close business ties in the Turkic republics, where his company has built everything from power plants to textile factories.

In 2025, Çalık focused on expanding the group’s interests in digital banking and telecommunications. Aktif Bank, the group’s financial arm, is now a leader in Turkey’s fintech sector, providing innovative solutions for both retail and corporate customers. Çalık is also a major supporter of education and culture in Central Asia, funding several universities and cultural exchange programmes. His wealth reflects his ability to serve as a bridge between Turkey and the emerging markets of the East.

17. Deniz Şahenk

Board Member of Doğuş Group (Diversified)

Deniz Şahenk is the widow of the late Ayhan Şahenk and a significant shareholder in the Doğuş Group. In 2025, her net worth is estimated at $1.5 billion. She is a respected figure within the Turkish business elite and plays a key role in maintaining the family’s legacy and philanthropic traditions.

Deniz is particularly active in the Doğuş Group’s cultural and educational initiatives. She has been a major supporter of the Göbeklitepe archaeological project, helping to preserve one of the world’s most important historical sites. In 2025, she continues to provide strategic guidance to the group’s board, ensuring its continued commitment to its core values of excellence and social responsibility. Her wealth reflects the enduring strength of the Doğuş brand and its central place in the Turkish economy.

18. Mehmet Aydınlar

Chairman of Acıbadem Healthcare (Hospitals)

Mehmet Aydınlar is the man who transformed Turkey’s healthcare industry. As the founder and chairman of Acıbadem Healthcare Group, his net worth in 2025 is $1.4 billion. Acıbadem is now one of the world’s leading private healthcare providers, with a network of hospitals across Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East.

In 2025, Aydınlar has focused on the expansion of Acıbadem University, which has become a centre of excellence for medical education and research. He is also a major supporter of sports, having served as the president of the Turkish Football Federation and the primary sponsor of several volleyball teams. His commitment to quality and patient care has made Acıbadem a global brand, attracting thousands of international patients to Turkey every year for advanced medical treatments.

19. Kazım Türker

Chairman of Türkerler Holding (Construction)

Kazım Türker has built an empire in the construction, energy, and healthcare sectors. With a net worth of $1.4 billion in 2025, Türkerler Holding is one of Turkey’s most active developers. The company is responsible for several massive “City Hospital” projects, which have modernised the nation’s public health infrastructure through public-private partnerships.

In 2025, Türker focused on expanding the group’s renewable energy portfolio, particularly in geothermal and wind power. He is also a major player in the luxury real estate market, with several high-profile projects in Istanbul and Ankara. Türker is known for his entrepreneurial drive and his ability to manage large-scale, capital-intensive projects successfully. His fortune reflects the continued growth of Turkey’s domestic infrastructure and energy markets.

20. Bülent Eczacıbaşı

Chairman of Eczacıbaşı Holding (Pharmaceuticals)

Bülent Eczacıbaşı is a leading figure in Turkey’s pharmaceutical and consumer goods sectors. In 2025, his net worth is estimated at $1.3 billion. Eczacıbaşı Holding is known for its high-quality products, including medications, personal care products, building materials, and ceramics.

Bülent is perhaps equally well-known as a major patron of the arts. He is the chairman of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) and was instrumental in establishing Istanbul Modern, the city’s first museum of contemporary art. In 2025, he remains a vocal advocate for sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility. His wealth reflects a balanced approach to business that values both commercial success and cultural enrichment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which sector in Turkey produces the most billionaires?

Traditionally, diversified conglomerates (like Koç and Sabancı) and construction have been the primary sources of wealth. However, in 2025, we are seeing a significant rise in billionaires from the defence technology and petrochemical sectors, reflecting a shift towards high-value manufacturing.

Who is currently the wealthiest person in Turkey?

As of late 2025, Murat Ülker remains the wealthiest person in Turkey with a net worth of $5.1 billion, driven by the global success of his food and beverage empire, Yıldız Holding.

Are there many women among Turkey's top billionaires?

Yes, several women hold prominent positions on the list, including İpek Kıraç, Semahat Sevim Arsel, Filiz Şahenk, and Deniz Şahenk. These individuals are not only major shareholders but are also deeply involved in management and philanthropy.

How has the defence sector impacted Turkey's billionaire list?

The rise of the Bayraktar brothers (Selçuk and Haluk) is directly attributable to the success of Baykar's UAV exports. Their inclusion highlights the growing importance of the indigenous defence industry to Turkey’s overall economic health.

Do Turkish billionaires contribute to social causes?

Almost every billionaire on this list manages a significant philanthropic foundation. These organisations fund thousands of scholarships, build hospitals, restore historical sites, and support scientific research, playing a crucial role in Turkey’s social development.

Billionaire In Turkey

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Istanbul | Ankara | İzmir | Kocaeli | Bursa

Top 20 Billionaires In Turkey

1. Murat Ülker

Chairman of Yıldız Holding (Food and Beverage)

2. İpek Kıraç

Member of the Board at Koç Holding (Diversified)

3. Semahat Sevim Arsel

Director at Koç Holding (Diversified)

4. İbrahim Erdemoğlu

Chairman of SASA Polyester (Manufacturing)

5. Mustafa Rahmi Koç

Honorary Chairman of Koç Holding (Diversified)

6. Erman Ilıcak

Chairman of Rönesans Holding (Construction)

7. Ferit Faik Şahenk

Chairman of Doğuş Group (Diversified)

8. Filiz Şahenk

Shareholder of Doğuş Group (Diversified)

9. Sezai Bacaksız

Co-founder of Limak Holding (Construction and Infrastructure)

10. Şefik Yılmaz Dizdar

Partner at LC Waikiki (Fashion Retail)

11. Nihat Özdemir

Co-founder of Limak Holding (Construction and Infrastructure)

12. Selçuk Bayraktar

CTO of Baykar (Defence Technology)

13. Ali Erdemoğlu

Shareholder of SASA Polyester (Manufacturing)

14. Hamdi Akın

Chairman of Akfen Holding (Diversified)

15. Haluk Bayraktar

CEO of Baykar (Defence Technology)

16. Ahmet Çalık

Chairman of Çalık Holding (Energy and Diversified)

17. Deniz Şahenk

Board Member of Doğuş Group (Diversified)

18. Mehmet Aydınlar

Chairman of Acıbadem Healthcare (Hospitals)

19. Kazım Türker

Chairman of Türkerler Holding (Construction)

20. Bülent Eczacıbaşı

Chairman of Eczacıbaşı Holding (Pharmaceuticals)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which sector in Turkey produces the most billionaires?

Who is currently the wealthiest person in Turkey?

Are there many women among Turkey's top billionaires?

How has the defence sector impacted Turkey's billionaire list?

Do Turkish billionaires contribute to social causes?

Billionaire In Turkey

Names

Industry

Places