Top 10 Richest Men In Turkey According To Forbes (2025)

When most people think of billionaires, their minds go to Silicon Valley tech moguls, Wall Street tycoons, or European luxury brand owners. But Turkey – a nation bridging Europe and Asia – has its own crop of wealthy powerhouses who have built fortunes in industries ranging from food and beverages to construction, energy, and retail.

According to Forbes’ 2025 Billionaires List, Turkey is home to a number of high-net-worth individuals whose business empires not only dominate the local market but also make a significant impact globally. Some inherited their wealth and expanded it; others are entirely self-made, climbing from humble beginnings to international success.

Here’s a breakdown of the Top 10 Richest Men in Turkey and how they made their billions.

1. Murat Ülker – $5.5 Billion

Age: 66
Industry: Food & Beverage
Source: Yıldız Holding

Murat Ülker sits at the top of the billionaire rankings in Turkey. As the chairman of Yıldız Holding, the largest food company in the country, he presides over a massive portfolio that includes global brands like Godiva Chocolatier and McVitie’s biscuits.

Yıldız Holding has a presence in over 130 countries, making Ülker one of the most influential figures in the international food industry. Known for his strategic acquisitions and global mindset, Murat Ülker transformed a family-owned biscuit business into a multinational powerhouse.

His fortune reflects not just Turkey’s love for sweets and snacks but also his ability to successfully navigate global markets.

2. Saban Cemil Kazancı – $4.3 Billion

Age: 64
Industry: Energy
Source: Kazancı Holding

Energy is one of Turkey’s most important sectors, and Saban Cemil Kazancı has carved out a dominant position in it. As a key figure in Kazancı Holding, he has expanded the company’s footprint into electricity generation, distribution, and trading.

The company’s Aksa Energy subsidiary operates both domestically and internationally, powering homes and businesses across Turkey and beyond. Kazancı’s wealth comes from understanding the crucial role of reliable energy in economic growth and positioning his company to meet that demand.

3. İpek Kıraç – $3.2 Billion

Age: 40
Industry: Diversified
Source: Koç Holding

One of the youngest billionaires on this list, İpek Kıraç is a shareholder in Koç Holding, Turkey’s largest industrial conglomerate, with interests in energy, automotive, consumer goods, and more.

Her wealth is largely inherited – she is part of the influential Koç family – but İpek is actively involved in various charitable and educational initiatives. She represents the next generation of Turkish business leaders, blending corporate influence with philanthropy.

4. Semahat Sevim Arsel – $3.1 Billion

Age: 96
Industry: Diversified
Source: Koç Holding

Another prominent member of the Koç family, Semahat Sevim Arsel is the eldest daughter of the group’s founder, Vehbi Koç. Despite her advanced age, she remains a key shareholder in Koç Holding.

Her fortune is deeply tied to the group’s performance in sectors like banking, energy, tourism, and manufacturing. Semahat is also known for her contributions to education and healthcare in Turkey, showing that wealth and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

5. Erman Ilıcak – $3.1 Billion

Age: 57
Industry: Construction & Engineering
Source: Rönesans Holding

Erman Ilıcak is a self-made billionaire who founded Rönesans Holding, one of the largest construction companies in Turkey. The company has taken on major infrastructure projects both domestically and internationally, from shopping malls to hospitals and government buildings.

His rise from civil engineer to billionaire entrepreneur is a testament to Turkey’s booming construction industry over the past few decades, and his company remains a key player in large-scale developments worldwide.

6. Mustafa Rahmi Koç – $2.8 Billion

Age: 94
Industry: Diversified
Source: Koç Holding

The Koç family influence continues with Mustafa Rahmi Koç, the honorary chairman of Koç Holding. With decades of experience in steering one of Turkey’s most powerful conglomerates, he has been instrumental in its global partnerships and expansion.

Though largely retired from active management, Rahmi Koç remains an important figure in Turkish business circles and a symbol of long-standing corporate leadership.

7. Ferit Faik Şahenk – $2.8 Billion

Age: 61
Industry: Diversified
Source: Doğuş Group

Ferit Şahenk is the chairman of Doğuş Group, a diversified conglomerate with investments in banking, construction, media, tourism, and automotive sectors. Under his leadership, Doğuş has also expanded into luxury hospitality, owning and operating high-end hotels and restaurants around the world.

Known for his love of art and culture, Şahenk has also made significant investments in lifestyle and entertainment businesses.

8. Filiz Şahenk – $2.6 Billion

Age: 58
Industry: Diversified
Source: Doğuş Group

Sister to Ferit Şahenk, Filiz Şahenk is also a major shareholder in Doğuş Group. While much of her wealth comes from inheritance, she plays a key role in the group’s fashion and luxury retail arm. She has also been involved in philanthropic work, especially in areas promoting women’s empowerment and education.

9. Feridun Geçgel – $2.5 Billion

Age: 54
Industry: Utility Equipment / Diversified
Source: Business Ventures

Feridun Geçgel is a relatively lesser-known figure internationally but is a powerhouse in Turkey’s industrial equipment and utility sector. His diversified investments and leadership in specialized manufacturing have earned him a place among Turkey’s wealthiest individuals.

10. Mehmet Sinan & Family Tara – $2.5 Billion

Age: 66
Industry: Construction & Engineering
Source: Enka İnşaat ve Sanayi A.Ş.

Mehmet Sinan Tara heads Enka, one of Turkey’s largest construction companies. The firm has handled high-profile engineering projects in energy, infrastructure, and commercial development across multiple countries.

With a strong reputation for reliability and engineering expertise, Enka has secured multi-billion-dollar contracts, cementing the Tara family’s place in Turkey’s billionaire ranks.

What This List Tells Us About Wealth in Turkey

A few patterns emerge when looking at Turkey’s wealthiest individuals:

• Family Dynasties Dominate: The Koç and Şahenk families appear multiple times, showing how generational wealth plays a major role in Turkey’s billionaire class.

• Diversification is Key: Many of the richest Turks own businesses that span multiple sectors, reducing risk and increasing profit potential.

• Construction and Energy are Power Industries: Given Turkey’s rapid urbanization and strategic location, infrastructure development and energy generation remain highly lucrative.

• Global Reach: From luxury chocolates to international hotels, many of these billionaires operate on a global scale.

Final Thoughts

Turkey’s richest men (and some influential women who hold leadership roles) are not just business leaders; they are influencers in shaping the nation’s economy. From Murat Ülker’s global food empire to Erman Ilıcak’s construction projects spanning continents, these individuals show the diverse ways wealth can be built and sustained.

While global economic challenges and currency fluctuations may affect their net worth year to year, their businesses are deeply rooted in essential industries – food, energy, infrastructure, and finance – which gives them resilience.

In a country that stands as a bridge between East and West, these billionaires symbolize not just personal success but also Turkey’s role in the global economic landscape.