07.05.2025 09:42
The U.S.-based Forbes magazine has prepared the '100 Richest Turks' list after four years. The list, which again features Murat Ülker at the top, includes four names that have entered for the first time.
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Forbes Turkey published its "100 Richest Turks" list for 2025, once again highlighting the economic power balances of the country. The list, released after a four-year hiatus, brings together the most influential figures in the business world, while also drawing attention with some surprising names.
THE OWNER OF THE SUMMIT: MURAT ÜLKER
At the top of the list is Murat Ülker, Chairman of Yıldız Holding. Ülker's wealth is estimated at 5.5 billion dollars. The size of Yıldız Holding, which operates in many sectors such as food, retail, and packaging, is the most important factor in Murat Ülker's position at the top.
WEALTH IN SCIENCE AND HEALTH: UĞUR ŞAHİN IN SECOND PLACE
Prof. Dr. Uğur Şahin, the developer of the COVID-19 vaccine and founder of BioNTech, ranks second on the list with a wealth of 4.8 billion dollars. Şahin stands out as a special figure due to his Turkish roots and his contribution to solving the global health crisis.
OWNER OF KAZANCI HOLDING IN THIRD PLACE
Cemil Kazancı, the owner of Kazancı Holding, ranks third with a wealth of 4.3 billion dollars. Known for his investments in energy and production sectors, Kazancı manages one of Turkey's largest industrial groups.
RECORD INCREASE IN TOTAL WEALTH
A total of 108 individuals are included in Forbes' 2025 list. Individuals with the same amount of wealth are listed with equal rank numbers. As of 2025, the total wealth of these individuals has reached 128 billion dollars. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the total wealth of 100 billion dollars announced four years ago.
NEW NAMES ON THE LIST: SURPRISING ENTRIES
This year, four names entered the list for the first time:
- Hakan Safi – Chairman of Safi Holding
- Kemal Tahir Güleryüz – Major shareholder of Gülermak
- Abidin Gülmüş – Founder of Gen İlaç
- Ahmet Ahlatcı – Owner of Ahlatcı Holding
These entries indicate that sectors such as construction, pharmaceuticals, and precious metals are also starting to produce billionaires.
INHERITED WEALTH ALSO DRAWS ATTENTION
The grandchildren of Şevket Sabancı, who was among the "Billionaire Families" in previous years, Can Köseoğlu and Kazım Köseoğlu, entered the list individually this year, continuing the family legacy.
WEALTH GAP IS DEEPENING
According to the Forbes list, the wealth of the top 10 individuals is approximately seven times the total wealth of the 10 individuals at the bottom of the list. This situation is considered a significant indicator of the wealth distribution gap in Turkey.
IT'S NOT EASY TO ENTER THE LIST: RELIABLE DATA IS A MUST
Forbes made the following statement regarding the absence of some well-known names from the list:
"If there are names you are asking 'Why are they not on the list?' that everyone knows, the answer is simple: They are not included because a calculation based on reliable information and sources, not just self-reported data, could not be made."
NAMES AND WEALTH IN THE TOP 10
- Murat Ülker (Yıldız Holding) – 5.5 billion dollars
- Uğur Şahin (BioNTech) – 4.8 billion dollars
- Cemil Kazancı (Kazancı Holding) – 4.3 billion dollars
- Eren Özmen (Sierra Nevada Corp.) – 4 billion dollars
- Fatih Özmen (Sierra Nevada Corp.) – 3.8 billion dollars
- Erman Ilıcak (Rönesans Holding) – 3 billion dollars
- Ferit Şahenk (Doğuş Holding) – 2.8 billion dollars
- İpek Kıraç (Koç Holding) – 2.7 billion dollars
- Filiz Şahenk (Doğuş Holding) – 2.6 billion dollars
- Semahat Arsel (Koç Holding) – 2.6 billion dollars
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