Syrian investors continued to strengthen their presence in Turkey’s business landscape, topping the list of foreign partners in newly established companies during May 2026. According to data from the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), Syrian investors contributed to the establishment of 425 new companies last month, the highest number among all foreign nationalities operating in the country.
This leading position reflects a steady increase in Syrian economic activity in Turkey in recent years. Thousands of Syrians established companies and launched projects in major cities, benefiting from the investment environment and the commercial experience brought from regional markets.
Diverse Investments Across Key Industries
Syrian investments span a range of sectors, including trade, food production, textiles, services and restaurants. Small and medium-sized enterprises have become a major driver of this activity, contributing to job creation and supporting local economic growth.
Over the past several years, Syrian investments grew from relatively small projects into more organized and larger-scale operations. At the same time, Syrian businessmen have expanded their presence across productive and commercial sectors, increasing their contribution to the Turkish economy while strengthening links between Turkish markets and several Arab and regional markets.
Business Growth in Major Cities
As the Syrian population in Turkey has grown, many residents have turned to entrepreneurship, particularly in cities such as Istanbul, Gaziantep and Mersin, which are known for their strong commercial activity.
Speaking to Levant24, Omar, a young Syrian restaurant owner in Turkey, described his experience building a business in Gaziantep. “I traveled to Turkey in 2014, and after years of hard work, I was able to establish my own project, a restaurant,” he said.
“The beginning was difficult, especially with the language barrier and the legal system, but I invested my previous experience in Syria and adapted to the Turkish market. The presence of a large Syrian community in Gaziantep, along with the facilities provided by the Turkish government to Syrian investors, also helped me.”
Omar said his presence in Turkey has provided an opportunity for stability and productivity. He added that many Syrians are gradually shifting from being asylum seekers to becoming economic actors contributing to the Turkish economy and communities.
Shift Toward Long-Term Investment
In recent years, Syrians have become one of the most prominent foreign investor groups in Turkey, benefiting from relatively accessible conditions for company formation. Their commercial experience and cross-border business networks have helped strengthen their position in the Turkish market while expanding connections with Middle Eastern markets.
The evolution of Syrian business activity from small ventures to larger and more structured projects reflects a broader transition from economic adaptation to long-term investment. As Syrian entrepreneurs continue to expand their operations, they remain an increasingly visible part of Turkey’s economic landscape.
