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 – an excellent base for new arrivals looking to work 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 should find opportunities in Ankara’s job market, given the city’s more than 15 universities and the multitude of international schools. The OSTIM Industrial Zone houses approximately 5,000 companies in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, defence, aviation and medical technologies. Turkey’s largest industrial production area, it employs between 50,000 and 65,000 workers. Other major employment sectors include hospitality, agriculture and the media and arts industries, which are particularly suited for those with excellent English-speaking abilities.

Work culture in Ankara

The work culture in Ankara is shaped by both Western and Eastern influences, and it reflects the influence of the many multinational corporations and global institutions that call the city home.

Hard work is highly valued in Ankara, and working long hours is a common practice. 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 decision-making here.

Respecting authority and hierarchy is important when working in Ankara. New arrivals who are accustomed to egalitarian cultures may struggle to adjust to the decision-making process here, which is typically hierarchical and top-down. Still, working in Ankara offers a culturally enriching experience.

The typical workweek runs from Monday to Friday, with hours generally from 9am to 6pm. Lunch breaks usually last an hour, commonly taken between noon and 1pm. Professional networking in Ankara centres around personal relationships rather than formal events. Building trust takes time, and expats often find that connections made through colleagues, LinkedIn groups or expat communities like the Ankara Expat Connection prove most valuable for career advancement.

Doing Business in Turkey