Building Your Professional Network in Turkey: Expat Strategies

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Embarking on expatriation in Turkey opens the door to a multitude of professional opportunities, but it also presents the challenge of integrating into a new cultural and professional environment. To succeed in your immersion, developing a robust professional network proves crucial. This article aims to unveil valuable strategies for expatriates to successfully navigate the dynamic Turkish market, where interpersonal relationships hold a central place. From mastering local cultural specifics to using digital platforms and professional events, discover how to broaden your horizons and strengthen your professional presence in this country at the crossroads of continents.

Identifying Relevant Professional Events in Turkey

Sector	Event / Trade Show	Location	Timing	Access / Registration	Description / Specifics
Automotive	Automechanika Istanbul	Istanbul	Annual, May or June	Professional only, registration via official website	Largest automotive aftermarket trade show, strategic meeting point between Europe and Asia. Workshops, conferences, product launches, international networking.
	JOJO Expo Antalya	Antalya / Adana	Annual	B2B trade show platforms, advance registration	Trade show dedicated to caravans, equipment, and automotive tourism.
Textile	ITM (International Textile Machinery)	Istanbul	Biennial, June	Registration on official website	Leading trade show for the textile industry, machinery, technologies, and innovations.
Food & Agriculture	WorldFood Istanbul	Istanbul	Annual, September	Open to professionals, online registration	International food and agriculture fair, bringing together producers, importers, distributors.
Information Technology	ICT Summit Now Eurasia	Istanbul	Annual, October	Registration via event website	Major IT conferences on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity.
	CeBIT Bilişim Eurasia	Istanbul	(Historical, awaiting resumption)	Specialized IT platforms	Former flagship new technologies trade show, IT networking.

Professional Networking Events, Meet-ups, and Workshops:

International Chambers of Commerce (French, German, American, British, etc.)

Regularly organize:

• Sector-specific workshops
• Thematic seminars
• Networking evenings and after-work events for entrepreneurs, expatriates, and decision-makers

Frequency: Monthly or quarterly depending on the chamber

Registration:

• Official chamber websites (CCI France Turkey, AHK Türkei, AmCham Turkey…)
• Event platforms like Eventbrite, Meetup, LinkedIn Events

Entrepreneur and Expatriate Networks in Istanbul and Ankara

Event examples:

• Startup Grind Istanbul (meetups for startups and investors)
• Istanbul Expat Community (social and professional events)
• Sector-specific workshops in incubators (KWORKS, ITU ARI Teknokent)

Where to find information and register:

• Meetup.com (groups like “expats Istanbul,” “entrepreneurs Turkey”)
• LinkedIn pages of local ecosystems
• Incubator or accelerator newsletters

Participation Procedures and Tips:

• Online registration: Almost all trade shows and conferences require advance registration via their official website or a B2B platform.
• Restricted access: Most major sector-specific trade shows are exclusively accessible to professionals or by invitation.
• Language: English is generally the working language at international events, but proficiency in Turkish is an asset for local networking.
• Preparation: It’s recommended to prepare business cards and review the list of exhibitors/speakers to optimize networking.
• Follow-up: Subscribe to newsletters from major trade shows, chambers of commerce, and incubators to be informed in advance of dates and access procedures.

Recommended Registration and Information Platforms:

• Official trade show websites (e.g., automechanika-istanbul.tr.messefrankfurt.com)
• Eventbrite and Meetup for networking events
• LinkedIn (events, chamber of commerce pages, incubators)
• Sector-specific newsletters and professional WhatsApp/Telegram groups

---

Participating in these events is essential for building a strong network in Turkey and accessing the latest sector trends.

---

Joining International and Local Associations

Engaging with international and local professional associations in Turkey is a key lever for expanding your network, accelerating your integration, and succeeding in the Turkish professional environment.

Opportunities Offered by Professional Associations:

• Access to a broad network of local and international professionals.
• Participation in networking events (conferences, seminars, workshops).
• Development of specific skills through training and specialized workshops.
• Understanding the specifics of the Turkish market, its practices, and business culture.
• Access to updated sector information and exclusive business opportunities.

Examples of Active Associations in Turkey by Sector:

Sector	Main Association	Description
Insurance	Insurance Association of Türkiye	Support, development, and regulation of the insurance sector
Food & Agriculture	Turkish Milk, Meat, Food Industrialists and Producers Association (SETBİR)	Represents major players in the food industry
Intellectual Property	Licensing Executives Society Turkey (LES Turkey)	Technology management and transfer, intellectual property
International Trade	TÜGİDER (All Foods Foreign Trade Association)	Promotion of food foreign trade
Francophonie and Expatriates	Union of French Abroad, Franco-Turkish Association	Support for expatriates and intercultural links
NGOs and Non-Profit Sector	Varied list of local and international NGOs	Social, environmental, educational actions, etc.

Membership Procedure and Benefits:

• Online registration via the association’s official website.
• Participation in an initial meeting or welcome event.
• Possible payment of an annual membership fee.
• Immediate access to the member platform, discussion groups, and event calendar.
• Benefit from support for new members (mentoring, support groups).

Facilitation of Professional Integration:

• Direct connection with key sector players.
• Recommendations and references for career or partnership opportunities.
• Rapid adaptation to local codes and professional practices.
• Increased visibility with Turkish companies and institutions.

Non-Professional Benefits:

• Invitation to cultural, sports, and social events organized by the association.
• Access to clubs, discussion circles, and specific interest groups.
• Support with settling in (housing, administrative procedures, daily life).
• Volunteering opportunities and contribution to civic actions.

Getting involved in a professional association in Turkey not only accelerates your career development but also enriches your social, cultural, and human experience within a dynamic and international environment.

Understanding Turkish Business Etiquette

Overview of cultural norms and professional practices in Turkey

Formal Greetings

A professional greeting begins with a firm handshake, accompanied by direct eye contact. It is imperative to use appropriate honorifics: “Bey” (Mr.) for men and “Hanım” (Mrs./Ms.) for women, preceded by the first or last name. Professional titles (Doktor, Avukat, Müdür…) are also highly respected.

Professional Networking Practices

Networking relies on the gradual building of interpersonal relationships. Trust develops over time and through regular exchanges. Social events (lunches, coffees) are essential for establishing these connections.

Role of Personal Relationships in Business

Human relationships are at the heart of the Turkish professional world; it is common for friendship to precede or accompany business relationships.

• Showing personal interest in your interlocutors strengthens trust.
• Long-term loyalty often prevails over commercial opportunism.
• Turkish hospitality encourages informal exchange before any formal negotiation.

Appropriate Dress Code

Situation	Recommended Attire
Formal meeting	Dark suit, tie
Daily office	Classic and neat attire
Women	Modest dress or suit

Simplicity and professionalism are paramount; avoid casual or flashy attire.

Punctuality

• Arriving on time for appointments is expected, but flexibility remains possible during internal meetings.
• When hosting a foreign guest, some tolerance exists for potential delays—but it’s preferable to be punctual out of respect.

Protocol During Business Meetings

• Respect hierarchy: Wait your turn to speak; address the senior person present first.
• Exchange business cards at the beginning; present your card carefully.
• Participate in the offered convivial moments: tea/coffee offered before each meeting as a welcome gesture.

Differences Between Turkey and Western Cultures

Aspect	Turkey	West
Business Relations	Priority given to personal connections	Focus on quick transactions
Hierarchy	Very pronounced	Often more horizontal
Communication	Indirect; importance of non-verbal	Direct
Gifts	Appreciated if moderate	Less common

These differences influence how lasting partnerships are formed: in Turkey, patience and personal involvement are often necessary before any contractual conclusion.

Practical Tips for Expatriates

• Always adopt a respectful tone; systematically use titles until explicitly invited to do otherwise.
• Carefully prepare your attire for initial contacts.
• Accept all proposals related to local hospitality (coffee/tea).
• Take time to get to know your interlocutors outside strictly professional contexts.
• Avoid any sensitive political comments during informal discussions.

Respecting these codes greatly favors successful professional integration in Turkey.

Establishing Lasting Multicultural Relationships

Understanding Turkish cultural norms and mastering intercultural communication are essential levers for successful professional networking in Turkey. Turkish society values hospitality, human warmth, and a relational approach where every interaction, even minor, contributes to building lasting bonds.

Key Points of Intercultural Communication in Turkey:

• Prioritize active listening and a respectful tone.
• Value silence when appropriate.
• Adopt open but measured body language (sustained eye contact without excessive insistence, moderate gestures).
• Use specific polite phrases like “Hoş geldiniz” or “afiyet olsun” during informal or professional exchanges.
• Prefer criticisms formulated gently and diplomatically.

The impact of authentic relationships on networking manifests in the preference given to partners with whom mutual trust has been established. Business often materializes after several informal meetings (shared meals, coffee invitations), these moments being perceived as foundational to a solid collaboration.

Key to Success	Impact on Professional Relationships
Hospitality	Strengthens mutual trust
Flexible Punctuality	Shows cultural flexibility
Small Gifts	Demonstrates consideration without material excess
Respect for Elders	Values experience within the network

Concrete Examples of Success:

• An international company that facilitated its local establishment by regularly organizing culinary events bringing together clients, partners, and collaborators around Turkish specialties.
• A foreign law firm that managed to retain its clientele thanks to a multilingual team actively participating in local national and religious holidays.

To Maintain These Relationships Long-Term:

List of Practical Tips:

• Stay proactive in exchanges (occasional messages during national/religious holidays).
• Regularly propose physical or virtual meetings depending on availability.
• Continuously inform yourself about local cultural evolution to adjust behaviors if needed.

Suggestions to Strengthen Your Presence:

Participation in Local/International Events in Turkey:

• Regional economic forums
• Sector-specific trade shows (textile industry, technologies…)
• Multicultural association meetings

Importance of Learning Turkish:

• Mastering a few common phrases greatly facilitates initial contacts.
• Showing linguistic effort is always appreciated.

Social Media & Professional Platforms:

• LinkedIn to maintain your international professional contacts.
• Instagram & Twitter/X to follow your local partners.
• WhatsApp/Telegram groups dedicated to expatriates or foreign entrepreneurs.

Frame every interaction with sincere listening, cultural respect, and a manifest willingness to integrate: it is this approach that transforms every contact into a genuine, lasting opportunity.