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Forbes unveils Türkiye's richest for 2024

Turkiye's richest man Murat Ulker. (AA Photo)

Forbes has released its highly anticipated list of Türkiye's wealthiest individuals for 2024, showcasing the financial standing of the country’s top billionaires.

While some names continue to dominate the rankings, others have experienced significant shifts in their fortunes. Here are the key figures shaping the Turkish business landscape.

Murat Ulker,source: Yildiz Holding

1. Murat Ulker – $5.1 billion

Murat Ulker leads the list as Türkiye’s richest person, with a net worth of $5.1 billion. He is the Chairman of Yildiz Holding, the largest food company in Central and Eastern Europe, and ranks as the 601st richest person globally.

Despite his wealth, Ulker lives modestly. In a recent interview, he shared that he owns no property outside of Türkiye and stays in hotels when traveling. "I travel the world, I have businesses everywhere, but I only have a home in Türkiye," he stated.

2. Saban Cemil Kazanci – $3.2 billion

Cemil Kazanci began his career managing the family business in generator production. He later played a key role in founding Aksa Enerji in 1997, which has become one of Türkiye's largest energy producers. Kazanci serves as CEO and Chairman of Kazanci Holding, as well as holding leadership roles in its group companies.

3. Ipek Kirac – $3 billion

As Türkiye’s wealthiest woman, Ipek Kirac has led multiple business ventures. A graduate of Brown University, she has a strong background in medical research and business. From 2012 to 2021, she served as CEO of Sirena Marine, transforming it into a global player in the luxury yacht market.

Under her leadership, the company’s revenue grew fivefold, and its profitability increased twentyfold. Kirac is also involved in philanthropy, spearheading initiatives such as "Suna's Daughters," which empower young girls, and founding the SemtPati Foundation, which focuses on the welfare of stray animals.

4. Semahat Sevim Arsel – $2.9 billion

Born in 1928, Semahat Sevim Arsel is the eldest daughter of Vehbi Koc, the founder of Koc Holding, one of Türkiye’s largest conglomerates. She remains an influential member of the Koc Holding board.

5. Erman Ilicak – $2.7 billion

Erman Ilicak founded Ronesans Holding, an international construction giant ranked 53rd globally. After stepping down as Chairman in 2014, he remains an Honorary President. Ilicak is actively involved in education and sustainability initiatives through the Ronesans Education Foundation.

6. Mustafa Rahmi Koc – $2.6 billion

Rahmi Koc, Honorary Chairman of Koc Holding, played a vital role in expanding the family business. After nearly two decades as Chairman, Koc now serves as Honorary Chairman and continues to influence the company's direction.

7. Hamdi Ulukaya – $2.5 billion

Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, revolutionized the yogurt industry in the U.S. Born in Türkiye, he moved to the U.S. and turned Chobani into one of the fastest-growing food companies in the world. Ulukaya is also known for his advocacy for refugees and global food accessibility.

DAVOS/SWITZERLAND, 25JAN12 - Ferit F. Sahenk, Chairman, Dogus Group, Turkey speaks during the session 'The Global Business Context' at the Annual Meeting 2012 of the World Economic Forum at the congress centre in Davos, Switzerland, January 25, 2012. Copyright by World Economic Forum swiss-image.ch/Photo by Sebastian Derungs

Other billionaires shaping Türkiye’s economy

Ferit Sahenk – $2.2 billion
Ibrahim Erdemoglu – $2.2 billion
Mehmet Sinan – $2.1 billion
Filiz Sahenk – $2.1 billion
Ali Erdemoglu – $1.9 billion
Mustafa Kucuk – $1.9 billion
Nihat Ozdemir – $1.9 billion
Sezai Bacaksiz – $1.8 billion
Sefik Yilmaz Dizdar – $1.8 billion
Hamdi Akin – $1.7 billion
Ahmet Calik – $1.5 billion
Mehmet Aydinlar – $1.5 billion
Ali Metin Kazanci – $1.4 billion
Bulend Eczacibasi – $1.3 billion
Selcuk Bayraktar – $1.2 billion
Deniz Sahenk – $1.2 billion
Aydin Dogan – $1.2 billion
Haluk Bayraktar – $1.1 billion
Faruk Eczacibasi – $1.1 billion
Mustafa Latif Topbas – $1.1 billion
Murat Vargi – $1.1 billion

Forbes' 2024 list highlights not only Türkiye’s wealthiest individuals but also the evolving dynamics of the country's economy.

While some fortunes have seen dramatic declines, others remain stable or continue to grow, reflecting the broader uncertainties and opportunities within the Turkish business landscape.

October 10, 2024 04:22 PM GMT+03:00