# Companies with in-house R&D headquartered in Istanbul

Tamtam tracks 177 companies with in-house R&D headquartered in Istanbul. This list ranks the 30 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Anadolu Group, Turkcell and Trendyol Group. Their median headcount is 4,579. Half of them were founded in 1986 or later.

These Istanbul-based companies with in-house R&D span diverse sectors, primarily large groups and established firms. Anadolu Group is a multinational conglomerate, Turkcell provides telecommunication services, Trendyol Group is an e-commerce company, and Arçelik Türkiye manufactures consumer durables. Farmasi produces beauty and personal care products, while DeFacto is a global fashion brand.

The list reveals a mix of traditional manufacturing and modern technology sectors. Several companies, such as Arçelik Türkiye and Şişecam, have a strong manufacturing presence. Additionally, there is a notable cluster of companies founded in the mid to late 20th century, indicating a history of industrial development.

🇹🇷 Istanbul · 30 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Anadolu Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/anadolu-group) (anadolugroup.com)<br>A multinational group operating in 7 sectors, with partnerships with leading global brands, linking Anatolia to the world | Holding Companies | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 36,225 |  |
| 2 | [Turkcell](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/turkcell) (turkcell.com.tr)<br>A converged telecommunication and technology services provider based in Turkey, offering voice, data, TV, and value-added services on mobile and fixed networks globally | Telecommunications | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 16,035 |  |
| 3 | [Trendyol Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/trendyol-group) (trendyol.com)<br>A highly successful e-commerce company backed by multiple investors, delivering millions of packages daily across 27 countries with a strong focus on technology and innovation | Technology, Information and Internet | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 11,722 | 2010 |
| 4 | [Arçelik Türkiye](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/arcelik-turkiye) (arcelikglobal.com)<br>A global producer and marketer of consumer durables and electronics with manufacturing facilities in 7 countries, sales in 33 countries, and 30,000 employees | Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 11,670 |  |
| 5 | [Farmasi](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/farmasi) (farmasi.com)<br>An international beauty and personal care manufacturer with a wide range of products, including cosmetics, fragrances, personal care, wellness, and household items | Personal Care Product Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 8,541 | 1950 |
| 6 | [DeFacto](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/defacto) (defacto.com.tr)<br>Established in 2005, the company is a global fashion brand with over 500 stores and online operations serving millions of customers worldwide They focus on sustainable practices and technology innovation | Retail | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 8,236 | 2004 |
| 7 | [Şişecam](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sisecam) (sisecam.com)<br>Global player in glass and chemicals industry, operating in all core glass production areas, including flat glass, glassware, glass packaging, and glass fiber | Glass, Ceramics and Concrete Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 8,006 | 1935 |
| 8 | [Hayat](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hayat) (hayat.com)<br>A global leader in fast moving consumer goods, specializing in branded diapers, tissues, and personal care products Operating in 100 countries with 16 powerful brands | Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 6,989 | 1987 |
| 9 | [Kuveyt Turk Participation Bank](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kuveyt-turk-participation-bank) (kuveytturk.com.tr)<br>Specializing in interest-free finance with a customer-focused approach, innovative technology, and digital transformation Leading in asset size and Islamic banking, supporting mega projects and entrepreneurship | Banking | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 6,740 | 1989 |
| 10 | [TOFAS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tofas) (tofas.com.tr)<br>Turkish automotive company, R&D center, vehicle production for multiple brands, domestic market representation for various luxury automotive brands. | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 5,996 | 1968 |
| 11 | [Eczacıbaşı Topluluğu](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/eczac-bas-toplulugu) (eczacibasi.com.tr)<br>Founded in 1942, the group operates in various industries such as bathroom, ceramics, consumer products, health, finance, and technology, contributing to societal development and sustainability | Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 5,960 |  |
| 12 | [Abdi Ibrahim Pharmaceuticals](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/abdi-ibrahim-pharmaceuticals) (abdiibrahim.com.tr)<br>Leader in Turkish pharmaceutical industry since 1912, with a large product portfolio, global presence, strong R&D focus, and commitment to sustainability | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 5,174 | 1912 |
| 13 | [Tüpraş](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tupras) (tupras.com.tr)<br>Refines crude oil, distributes fuel, transports goods, trades oil products, generates electricity, and invests in energy transition solutions. | Oil and Gas | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 5,108 |  |
| 14 | [Mercedes-Benz Türk A.Ş.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mercedes-benz-turk-a-s) (mercedesbenzturk.com.tr)<br>Manufacturing intercity and city buses, heavy-duty trucks, and tractor units. Conducting R&D for Daimler Truck AG's global development and production network. | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 4,867 | 1967 |
| 15 | [BSH Ev Aletleri Türkiye](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bsh-ev-aletleri-turkiye) (bsh-group.com)<br>A global white goods manufacturer with innovative products, 39 factories, and 80 companies in 50 countries, focusing on energy efficiency and innovation | Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 4,579 | 1992 |
| 16 | [Yapı Merkezi Holding](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/yap-merkezi-holding) (yapimerkezi.com.tr)<br>An organization focused on creating and realizing construction projects globally with a commitment to quality, innovation, beauty, and respect for communities | Holding Companies | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 4,231 | 1965 |
| 17 | [Hepsiburada (NASDAQ: HEPS)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hepsiburada-nasdaq-heps) (hepsiburada.com)<br>Leading e-commerce platform in Turkey with 50 million members and 1007k active merchants Offers vast selection, competitive prices, and efficient delivery services | Technology, Information and Internet | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 4,036 | 1998 |
| 18 | [Yıldız Technical University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/y-ld-z-teknik-universitesi) (edu.tr)<br>Established in 1911, an old and reputable Turkish university in Istanbul, offering various faculties and vocational schools for higher education to thousands of students. | Higher Education | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 3,598 | 1911 |
| 19 | [Bosch Türkiye](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bosch-turkiye) (bosch.com.tr)<br>A company operating in Turkey since 1910 with factories in Bursa, focusing on mobility, industrial technologies, consumer goods, energy, and building technologies | Industrial Machinery Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 3,114 |  |
| 20 | [Kariyer.net](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/kariyer-net) (kariyer.net)<br>A leading online employment platform in Turkey connecting job seekers and employers through innovative technologies Over 28 million resumes available Serving nationwide with 400+ employees | Technology, Information and Internet | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 3,014 | 1999 |
| 21 | [DEVA Holding A.Ş.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/deva-holding-a-s) (deva.com.tr)<br>A leading pharmaceutical manufacturer specializing in human and veterinary medicine, cologne, and medical ampoule production, with a focus on innovation and global reach | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 2,977 | 1958 |
| 22 | [MARTUR FOMPAK International](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/martur-fompak-international) (marturfompak.com)<br>Design and manufacture of automotive seating systems, foam, and interior trim components for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 2,836 |  |
| 23 | [İstanbul Aydin University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/istanbul-aydin-university) (aydin.edu.tr)<br>A university in Istanbul offering modern campus life, practical training, international opportunities, advanced technology access, and a focus on scientific research | Higher Education | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 2,788 | 2003 |
| 24 | [Karel](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/karel) (karel.com.tr)<br>Leading technology firm in Türkiye excelling in defense industry, communication systems, automotive technologies, electronic production, and emerging technologies with a focus on innovation and R&D | Technology, Information and Internet | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 2,666 | 1986 |
| 25 | [Nobel Ilac A.S](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nobel-ilac-a-s) (nobel.com.tr)<br>A pharmaceutical organization developing and manufacturing a wide range of quality products for various health needs globally since 1964 | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 2,586 | 1964 |
| 26 | [Koçtaş](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/koctas) (koctas.com.tr)<br>A leading home improvement retailer in Turkey, offering a wide range of products through physical stores, e-commerce, and mobile app for an enhanced customer experience | Retail | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 2,446 |  |
| 27 | [Softtech](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/softtech) (softtech.com.tr)<br>A technology innovator with a focus on creating products that enhance quality of life, fostering in-house entrepreneurship, and supporting startups | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 2,375 | 2006 |
| 28 | [Evyap](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/evyap) (evyap.com.tr)<br>A leading manufacturer of personal care and hygiene products, exporting to over 100 countries, known for quality soap, shower gels, skincare, and more | Manufacturing | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 2,298 | 1927 |
| 29 | [Zorlu Holding](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zorlu-holding) (zorlu.com.tr)<br>A diversified group with a strong corporate structure, operating in textile, electronics, energy, real estate, mining, and other sectors, focusing on sustainability and innovation | Investment Management | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 2,283 | 1953 |
| 30 | [Innova](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/innova-istanbul) (innova.com.tr)<br>Leading Turkish IT solutions provider with 1400 professionals offering platform-independent solutions in various sectors, exporting solutions to 33 countries across 3 continents | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 2,115 | 1999 |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

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## The same list elsewhere in Turkey

- [Companies with in-house R&D in Turkey](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-turkey) (512)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Ankara](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-ankara) (48)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Companies with in-house R&D in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-in-the-world) (34,346)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in the Middle East](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-in-the-middle-east) (785)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-istanbul