Working in Ankara

Turkey’s political capital, Ankara, is also one of the country’s key commercial centres. The city has recently become a hub for innovation and industry, making it the perfect base for new arrivals set on working in Ankara.

Job market in Ankara

As Turkey’s centre of power, Ankara is home to many government offices, embassies as well as international institutions, including the UN, International Monetary Fund and the World Bank and many city residents are employed by these organisations.

Newcomers who have education and technology qualifications will have no trouble in Ankara’s job market thanks to the city’s more than 20 universities and the multitude of international schools. With approximately 5,000 companies operating in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and defence, the OSTIM Industrial Zone in Ankara is Turkey’s largest industrial production area, and it employs approximately 50,000 workers. Other major employment sectors include hospitality, agriculture and the media and arts industries for those with excellent English-speaking abilities.

Work culture in Ankara

The work culture in Ankara is a rich tapestry of Western and Eastern influences, owing to the many multinational corporations, embassies and global institutions that call the city home. 

Hard work is highly valued in Ankara, and working long hours is common. Fortunately, the Turkish are friendly and professional, which makes for a welcoming and pleasant work environment. Those employed in international or diplomatic organisations may experience more Western workplace cultures, although building strong relationships with Turkish clients and colleagues remains an integral part of doing business in the city.

Respecting authority and hierarchy is important when working in Ankara. New arrivals who are used to egalitarian cultures may have a difficult time adjusting to the decision-making process here, which is typically top-down. Still, working in Ankara is likely to be a dynamic and culturally enriching experience.