Turkey is a country that straddles Europe and Asia. It is famous for its rich history, cultural heritage, and growing economy. The landscape of the country is a tapestry of populous cities, which play a vital role in the country’s economic and social life. The richest and the largest cities in Turkey serve as the hubs for culture, economic power, and history. Cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are the major powerhouses for the economy and are populous metropolitan areas.
10 Richest Cities in Turkey
The following are the 10 richest cities in Turkey;
- Istanbul
- Ankara
- Izmir
- Bursa
- Antalya
- Kocaeli
- Adana
- Mugla
- Konya
- Mersin
1) Istanbul
Istanbul, originally known as Byzantium, contributes 30.5% to Turkey’s GDP, making it the country’s richest city. It is the only city in the world that straddles two continents: Europe and Asia. Istanbul is a blend of Western and Eastern cultures. It is the most populated city in Europe with a population of more than 15 million and one of the world’s largest cities. The city is home to two major airports: Istanbul Airport, the largest airport in Turkey and one of the busiest airports in Europe, and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, which is situated on the Asian side of the city. Due to its strategic location, Istanbul is used as a junction for land and sea trade routes, which contributes to the economic growth of the city.
Istanbul is a hub for the largest banks in Turkey, multinational companies, and the Istanbul Stock Exchange. The wealth of the city is supported by diverse factors including international trade, tourism, and finance. Tourism plays an important role as the city attracts millions of visitors due to its rich history and cultural heritage.
2) Ankara
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey since 1923. It is located in the central part of the Anatolia region and contributes 9-10% of Turkey’s total GDP. The city has a population of more than 5.8 million which makes it the second-largest city in Turkey after Istanbul. Ankara is a hub for performing arts and is home to several national theatre companies and the Presidential Symphony Orchestra.
Ankara is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and its significant role in politics. It serves as the administrative heart of Turkey and is also a hub for many government institutions. Moreover, Ankara is now emerging as a center of technology and education which makes it one of the wealthiest cities in Turkey. The city features a mix of modern and ancient architecture and hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year. It is home to some of the most famous attractions of Turkey, including the Anıtkabir Museum which is dedicated to the founder of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
3) Izmir
Izmir is the third largest city of Turkey in western Anatolia located on the Aegean coast of the country. It is one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean world, with a history dating back to ancient times. Izmir contributes an average of 6.2% of Turkey’s GDP. The city has a population of 4.8 million which is 5.2% of the country’s total population. The strategic location of Izmir is very significant as it is a port city and home to international trade.
The city’s economy is supported by the manufacturing sectors, including automotive parts, foods, and textiles. Tourism also plays a significant role in shaping Izmir’s economic landscape. The city is also home to numerous universities, including Aegean University, which was established in 1955. Izmir is famous for its culture, rich history, and liberal atmosphere. It is also a hub for traditional bazaars and elegant mosques. Some of the most famous attractions in Izmir are the clock tower, the ruins of ancient Agora, and Kemeraltı Bazaar.
4) Bursa
Bursa is located in the northwestern part of Turkey near the Sea of Marmara and is the fourth richest city in Turkey. It is also the fourth most populated city in Turkey with a population of 3 million people. The city is known for its cultural heritage, rich history, and economic significance. It is also famous for its natural beauty, historical sites from the early Ottoman Empire, and mosques.
Bursa is an industrial hub of Turkey, known for its textile and automobile production. It plays a key role in Turkey’s export market. The city is a hub for silk trade which also plays a significant role in its wealth. The city is often recognized as ‘Green Bursa’ due to its parks and gardens. Bursa was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire and is now famous for its beautiful mosques especially the 14th century Ulu Cami (the Grand Mosque) which features 20 domes and Seljuk-style arches.
5) Antalya
Antalya is recognized as Turkey’s capital of tourism and contributes an average of 3% of Turkey’s GDP. It is located on the southwestern coast of Turkey and is known for its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural history. It is one of the most populated cities of Turkey with over 2.6 million inhabitants living in its metropolitan area.
The economy of this city revolves around tourism as it attracts millions of tourists throughout the year. People from around the globe visit Antalya to explore the traditional culture of Turkey and the beautiful beaches including the Konyaaltı Beach and Lara beach. Agriculture also plays a significant role in the economy of the city with the production of vegetables and citrus.
6) Kocaeli
Kocaeli is located in northwestern Turkey, bordered by the Black Sea to the north and the Sea of Marmara to the west. It plays a significant role in Turkey’s economy, mainly in industries like cement, textiles, petroleum, and paper products. Kocaeli is a significant contributor to Turkey’s GDP, its GDP per capita ranked first in the country and its industrial sector contributes 70% of its GDP.
Kocaeli has a rich history which dates back to ancient times. The population of Kocaeli was 2,102,907 (2023). It is often referred to as the “industrial capital” of Turkey due to its broad manufacturing sector. Kocaeli is a hub for organized industrial zones and sectors like automotive, metal production, and petrochemicals. Its extensive ports and closeness to Istanbul make it a crucial bug for logistics and trade. Kocaeli also has some cultural sites which reflect its rich history. It is also famous for its natural stunning landscapes and well-developed infrastructure like railway connections and highways that link it to Istanbul and other parts of the country.
7) Adana
Adana is located on the Seyhan River in southern Turkey. Its population is 2.26 million, making it one of the largest cities in Turkey. The city has a rich history that dates back over 8,000 years, and it is famous for its cultural heritage and luscious cuisine. Adana is a significant contributor to Turkey’s economy, contributing 1.95% to its GDP.
The city’s wealth is based on its agricultural power, mainly on cotton and citrus production. The industrial sector is also significantly participating in the city’s GDP, mainly textiles and food processing. Adana is also famous for its culinary expertise, particularly the Adana Kebab, a spicy minced meat dish that is its local specialty. The city also features some historical sites, including the Sabanci Merkez Mosque and the ancient Roman Bridge.
8) Mugla
Mugla is a city located in southwestern Turkey and it serves as the center of the Menteşe district and the province of Muğla, which extends along the Aegean coast of Turkey. The population of Mugla is 1,048,185 (2022). The city contributes an average of 1.17% to Turkey’s total GDP. The city is renowned for its rich history which dates back to classical antiquity and stunning coastlines along the Mediterranean seas and the Aegean.
The city is also a major tourist destination due to its historical sites, natural beauty, and vibrant nightlife. It is a hub to some of the most amazing beaches of Turkey, including the Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye. Its economy is highly supported by tourism as it attracts visitors from all over the globe throughout the year. Agriculture also plays a significant role mainly due to olive oil production, which makes it one of the wealthiest cities in Turkey.
9) Konya
Konya is a major city in central Turkey located on the southwestern edge of the Central Anatolian Plateau and serves as the capital of Konya province. The city has a population of 2.32 million which makes it one of the most populous cities in Turkey. It is one of the oldest cities in Turkey with a history rooted back to ancient times. Konya contributed 16.6 billion USD to Turkey’s total GDP (2021).
The city is mainly renowned for its beautiful Seljuk architecture with numerous historical sites including the Mevlana Museum and Alaeddin Mosque of the 12th century which is surrounded by the green parks of Alaeddin Hill. It is a major pilgrimage site for Sufis. Konya is also home to Jalaluddin Rumi’s tomb, the founder of the Mevlana order. Konya is a powerhouse of agriculture as it is the leading city in the production of wheat and sugar beet. The city is also focusing on its industrial base, mainly in machinery and automotive parts which contributes to its economic growth.
10) Mersin
Mersin is a large port city located on the Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey and serves as the capital of Mersin province. It has an estimated population of 1,085,000 (2024). It has a rich history and as a major port city, it plays a vital role in Turkey’s economy. Mersin’s port serves as the largest seaport in Turkey and is an international center for maritime trade.
Mersin is mainly famous for its cuisine like tantuni which is a delicious wrap made with marinated meat. The city has a strong economy which is focused on logistics and international trade. The free trade zones and export-oriented industries of the city, particularly in petrochemicals and agriculture, play a vital role in contributing to its wealth. The combination of industry and commerce makes Mersin a major hub for economic activities in the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the richest cities in Turkey play a crucial role in the country’s economy through various industries including tourism, agriculture, finance, and manufacturing. Istanbul leads with a strong economy which is heavily driven by finance and international trade. Cities like Mugla and Antalya prosper due to tourism sectors. Kocaeli and Bursa are the industrial hubs that emphasize the significance of manufacturing and cities like Konya and Adana are the agriculture hubs that demonstrate the country’s dependence on the fertile lands. As the economy of Turkey evolves these cities will continue to contribute to the economic development of the state.
FAQs
Why Is Istanbul the Richest City in Turkey?
Istanbul is the financial and cultural capital of Turkey with more than 15 million population. It features financial institutions and multinational companies which contribute to the country’s economy.
What’s the Biggest Company in Turkey?
Koç Holding A.Ş. is the biggest industry conglomerate in Turkey by revenue, founded in 1926. It has a wide range of sectors, including finance, automotive, energy, and consumer durables. The company’s headquarters are based in Nakkaştepe, Istanbul.
How Many Tourists Go to Turkey Every Year?
In 2023, over 49 million tourists visited Turkey surpassing 45 million in 2022.
Is Istanbul the Most Visited City in the World?
In 2023, Istanbul became the most visited city in the world as it hosted 17.5 million tourists.
What Is the GDP Ranking of Turkey?
According to the IMF, the GDP of Turkey was $1.024 trillion in 2023 which makes it the 17th largest economy in the world.
Which Industries Contribute to the Economy of the Cities of Turkey?
The economy of the cities is highly driven by factors such as finance, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and tourism.
