Türkiye Leads Balkans in Billionaire Wealth, Forbes 2026 Shows

By Bosphorus News Economy Desk

Türkiye has the highest concentration of billionaire wealth in Southeast Europe, according to a report published Tuesday by Bosphorus News partner; the Independent Balkan News Agency (IBNAEU), drawing on the Forbes 2026 billionaires list, which tallied 3,428 billionaires globally with a combined net worth of $20.1 trillion.

Forbes puts 43 Turkish names on the list, with combined wealth of around $106 billion. Chobani founder Hamdi Ulukaya tops the Turkish ranking at $13.5 billion, placing 219th globally. He is followed by Murat Ülker, Cemil Kazancı, Erman Ilıcak and Ferit Şahenk.

IBNA notes that the composition of the list reveals as much as the headline numbers. Several of the wealthiest names, including Ulukaya, BioNTech co-founder Uğur Şahin, and Eren and Fatih Özen, built their fortunes largely outside Türkiye. The report describes the Turkish picture as reflecting both the scale of the domestic economy and the international reach of Turkish business capital.

Greece ranks second in the region with 21 billionaires, led by Vicky Safra. Shipping, logistics and international investment dominate the Greek list, with names including Maria Angelicoussis, Vangelis Marinakis, George Economou, George Prokopiou and Andreas Martinos. Greek billionaire wealth is generated overwhelmingly through outward-facing economic activity rather than domestic consumption.

Forbes 2026 assessments point to around 10 Cypriot billionaires, including John Fredriksen, Vinod Adani, and Stelios, Polys and Clelia Haji-Ioannou. The wealth is tied largely to shipping, infrastructure, real estate and international investment, placing Cyprus closer to an international financial hub than a domestic wealth generator.

The full IBNAEU report is available here.