Turkey, a bridge between Europe and Asia, boasts a dynamic economy fueled by industry, tourism, and entrepreneurship. In recent years, a select group of Turkish individuals have amassed incredible fortunes through innovation, strategic investments, and global business ventures. These ultra-wealthy individuals have not only influenced Turkey’s economic landscape but have also gained international recognition. If you’ve ever asked: Who are the richest people in Turkey in 2025? What are their net worths? Which sectors drive their wealth? How do they manage and spend their fortunes? Then you’re in the right place!
This article explores the top 10 richest people in Turkey in 2025 and their net worth, giving you a glimpse into the financial giants who shape the country’s economy.
Who Are the Top 10 Richest People in Turkey in 2025?
These individuals stand out not just for their wealth, but for their contributions to business growth, job creation, and philanthropy. From banking to construction, retail to media, they dominate Turkey’s economic pillars. Learning about their journeys offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in success through enterprise.
Let’s explore the financial titans of Turkey and how they climbed to the top.
Profiles of the Top 10 Richest People in Turkey in 2025
1. Murat Ülker – Net Worth: $5.2 Billion
Who is Murat Ülker?
Murat Ülker is the chairman of Yıldız Holding, the parent company of global snack giant pladis, which owns brands like Ülker, McVitie’s, and Godiva.
How did he make his money?
He inherited the family business and expanded it globally, acquiring key food brands in Europe and North America. The strategic merger of snack brands under pladis boosted both visibility and profits.
Financial Journey
Ülker transformed a Turkish confectionery into a global powerhouse. Today, his empire spans over 100 countries.
Fun Fact
Murat Ülker is an art lover and supports cultural institutions across Turkey.
2. Erman Ilıcak – Net Worth: $4.6 Billion
Who is Erman Ilıcak?
He is the founder and chairman of Rönesans Holding, a leading construction and real estate company with major projects in Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
How did he make his money?
Through international construction projects, healthcare infrastructure investments, and public-private partnerships.
Financial Journey
Starting in Russia in the 1990s, Ilıcak built a reputation for high-quality projects and expanded into energy and real estate.
Fun Fact
Rönesans Holding built Europe’s largest hospital complex in Ankara.
3. Ferit Şahenk – Net Worth: $3.2 Billion
Who is Ferit Şahenk?
Şahenk is the chairman of Doğuş Group, with interests in finance, tourism, media, and automotive.
How did he make his money?
His diversified business empire includes luxury hotels, car dealerships, and former stakes in media and banking.
Financial Journey
Inheriting Doğuş Holding from his father, he modernized it and focused on luxury and service sectors.
Fun Fact
Ferit is known for owning some of Turkey’s most luxurious marinas and hotels under the D-Hotels brand.
4. Semahat Sevim Arsel – Net Worth: $2.7 Billion
Who is Semahat Sevim Arsel?
She is a leading shareholder in Koç Holding, Turkey’s largest conglomerate, involved in energy, automotive, and durable goods.
How did she make her money?
As a member of the Koç family, her wealth comes from dividends and shares in Koç Holding, known for its global partnerships.
Financial Journey
Koç Holding has collaborated with brands like Ford, Fiat, and Beko. Arsel also focuses on healthcare and education through philanthropy.
Fun Fact
She’s the oldest billionaire in Turkey and chairs the Vehbi Koç Foundation for health and education.
5. Rahmi Koç – Net Worth: $2.5 Billion
Who is Rahmi Koç?
A patriarch of the Koç dynasty, he served as Koç Holding chairman for decades and remains an honorary figure.
How did he make his money?
He led Koç Holding’s growth into a multinational entity and still holds substantial shares in the company.
Financial Journey
Koç modernized family operations and expanded into energy, banking, and electronics.
Fun Fact
He founded the Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Istanbul, showcasing Turkey’s industrial heritage.
6. Mustafa Küçük – Net Worth: $2.1 Billion
Who is Mustafa Küçük?
He is the founder of LC Waikiki, a major fashion retail brand operating in over 50 countries.
How did he make his money?
By transforming LC Waikiki into a global clothing chain with affordable fashion for all age groups.
Financial Journey
Starting from humble beginnings, Küçük’s retail empire grew through smart pricing and regional expansion.
Fun Fact
LC Waikiki's slogan, “Everyone deserves to dress well”, is echoed in over 1000 stores worldwide.
7. Ali Ağaoğlu – Net Worth: $1.8 Billion
Who is Ali Ağaoğlu?
A flamboyant Turkish businessman, he leads Ağaoğlu Group, a real estate and energy conglomerate.
How did he make his money?
Primarily through luxury housing projects, commercial real estate, and energy investments.
Financial Journey
Ağaoğlu capitalized on Istanbul’s construction boom and urban transformation projects.
Fun Fact
He is famous for his luxurious lifestyle, appearing frequently in Turkish tabloids with exotic cars and mansions.
8. Ahmet Çalık – Net Worth: $1.6 Billion
Who is Ahmet Çalık?
He is the chairman of Çalık Holding, with interests in energy, construction, finance, and textiles.
How did he make his money?
His international investments in infrastructure and energy, particularly in Central Asia, built his fortune.
Financial Journey
Çalık started in textiles but strategically diversified after the fall of the Soviet Union, targeting emerging markets.
Fun Fact
He served as the honorary consul of Turkmenistan in Turkey.
9. Tuncay Özilhan – Net Worth: $1.4 Billion
Who is Tuncay Özilhan?
He chairs Anadolu Group, a diversified holding with interests in beverages (like Coca-Cola İçecek), automotive, and health.
How did he make his money?
Through beverage bottling, automotive sales, and franchising popular international brands.
Financial Journey
From managing Turkey’s Coca-Cola operations to franchising McDonald’s, he built a business empire across 19 countries.
Fun Fact
He owns Anadolu Efes, one of the largest beer brands in Eastern Europe.
10. Eren Özmen – Net Worth: $1.2 Billion
Who is Eren Özmen?
She is a Turkish-American entrepreneur and chairwoman of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), a U.S. aerospace and defense firm.
How did she make her money?
Through government aerospace contracts, defense innovations, and space technology.
Financial Journey
With her husband, she turned SNC into a major player in space missions and high-tech aviation.
Fun Fact
Eren is one of the few Turkish billionaires with most of her wealth built in the U.S.
How Do the Richest People in Turkey Make Their Money?
Turkey’s wealthiest derive their fortunes from:
Construction & Real Estate
Retail & Fashion
Banking & Finance
Food & Beverage
Aerospace & Defense
Energy & Infrastructure
These sectors reflect Turkey’s unique position as a trade and industrial hub between continents.
Challenges Faced by Turkey’s Richest in 2025
Inflation and currency volatility
Political instability
Regulatory uncertainty
Global supply chain disruptions
Despite these, Turkey’s billionaires continue to diversify and invest abroad.
How Do Turkey’s Richest Spend Their Wealth?
Luxury real estate, yachts, and cars
Art collection and cultural philanthropy
Educational and medical foundations
Global real estate and tech investments
Lessons from the Top 10 Richest People in Turkey in 2025
Seize global opportunities
Invest in scalable businesses
Adapt to changing markets
Balance tradition with innovation
Give back to society through impact-driven philanthropy
Conclusion
The top 10 richest people in Turkey in 2025 reflect a blend of heritage, ambition, and strategic vision. Whether expanding global brands, innovating in aerospace, or building megaprojects, these magnates represent the pinnacle of Turkish entrepreneurship. Their stories offer inspiration to future generations — showing that with vision and persistence, extraordinary success is possible.
