Perceptible changes are apparent in the fabric of foreign companies operating in Turkey. While the number of European companies remains static, companies from the Near East and Middle East are flourishing. Because of the civil war and persistent instability, Arab foreign capital to Turkey has increased significantly.

According to the Foreign Direct Investment report of the Turkish Economy Ministry, as of June 2015, the number of foreign companies active in Turkey has reached 44,225. At present, EU countries lead the list with 19,975 companies. Near East and Middle East companies have taken second place with 12,607 companies. Third on the list is non-EU European countries with 4,515, and then the United States with 1,560 companies.

Syrians are on top of the list of Middle Eastern companies set up in Turkey. Of 2,395 foreign capital companies registered in the first half of 2015, 750 belong to Syrians. That is, one of every three companies established belongs to Syrians.

Why is there an increase in Syrian companies? Masum Turker, a former Minister of State for Economy, explained to Al-Monitor, “Syrian companies meet the consumption needs of their own nationals who have taken refuge in Turkey, just like the Turks who had emigrated to Germany were at first meeting their food and clothing needs from Turkey. Syrian companies are producing and selling according to their taste buds and clothing culture of their own people. These companies in the future will meet the demands of Syrians taking refuge in Europe.”