Turkey

Hamburg's connection to Turkey

Thanks to its harbour, Hamburg is a central gateway for trade between Turkey and Europe. Numerous Hamburg companies are very successfully represented in Turkey. In addition, there are over 2,000 companies run by Turkish nationals based in Hamburg.

The relationship between Hamburg and Turkey is characterised by strong cultural and economic ties. The Turkish community in Hamburg is by far the largest foreign community with 44,000 members. In addition, there are many other Hamburg residents who feel a close connection to Turkey. Turkish culture and Turkish business life are a visible and formative part of Hamburg society. Turkey has had a consular presence in Hamburg since 1844 and a Consulate General since 1925.

Germany is Turkey's most important trading partner and Turkey was ranked 10th in Hamburg's foreign trade statistics in 2024. Clothing, food, car parts and machine components are imported from Turkey and aircraft, machinery, chemical products, pharmaceuticals and high-tech equipment are exported to Turkey. The Turkish-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce supports economic co-operation and promotes business start-ups on both sides. In addition to the traditional area of trade, new fields of cooperation are emerging such as renewable energies (wind power, green hydrogen) and digital transformation. These developments open up opportunities for a sustainable deepening of relations between Hamburg and Turkey.

HamburgAmbassador Selim Ataş

Portrait HamburgAmbassador Selim Atas — © Selim Ataş

Selim Ataş came to Hamburg in 1979 and successfully completed his degree in business administration at the University of Hamburg. After completing his academic education, he began working for the tourism company Öger Türk Tur. Selim Ataş was able to gain extensive experience in various departments of the company and was eventually appointed to the management board. His work and passion for tourism and passenger transport spanned around 28 years.

Thanks to his professional activities, Selim Ataş was able to establish direct contacts between the city of Hamburg and Turkey in various economic sectors.

Expertise for Hamburg

Two men in suits conversing at a formal indoor gathering with other attendees in the background. — HamburgAmbassador Selim Ataş at the 2023 Senate Reception

Selim Ataş is actively working to publicise Hamburg's trade fairs and congresses in Turkey. He also sees it as his task to provide comprehensive information about study opportunities and prospects in the Hanseatic city to Turkish students who are aiming for a Master's degree in Hamburg.

As part of his voluntary work, he also identifies start-ups in Turkey and supports their establishment and networking with Hamburg and shows qualified specialists from Turkey the way to Hamburg in order to help combat the shortage of skilled labour.