Antalya Free Zone (ASBAŞ) was founded and its borders were determined upon the Council of Ministers’ Decision which is based on the Free Zones Act No.3218 dated June 6, 1985. It began operating in November 14, 1987, thus it is one of two first established Free Zones in Turkey. Located adjacent to Antalya Port, its total area is 625.000 square meters.
Initially its main function was giving Logistic support to foreign contracting companies. Besides the Free Zone was used as storage area. Later on it has developed alongside the comprised it comprises. The first step taken by business people was maintaining financial stability and solvency.
Antalya Free Zone is based on ‘Build–operate–transfer’ (BOT) model. It means that private companies receive a concession from the public sector to finance, construct, own, and operate a facility stated in the concession contract.
The land that was used by the companies belonged to the government, that was the main thing that prevented them from getting real estate bonds from banks. During the investigation it was found out that ASBAŞ borders were defined by the Minister Council and that the Free Zone was based on the land that was a forest before. However these facts were not mentioned in the title deed. Mr. Mehmet AKKOÇ, former Executive Director of the Ziraat Bank, Wagner Kablo’s owner Mr. Ahmet ÜNSAL and Seryem’s owner Mr. Veli TOPÇU organised a meeting for a just and lasting resolution of the issue. The title deed needed to be amended and the only way to do it was to compare two city maps, an old one and a new one with ASBAŞ borders on it and mark new constructions on the map. Only a unity could have solved this issue, not a separate company. First session was held in August 9, 1995.
After the dismissal Mr. Mehmet AKKOÇ officially became President of the Union. Then Mr. Ahmet ÜNSAL took power and stayed for three terms. Then former Secretary General and Vice President Mr. Fikri BAYHAN was appointed President of the Union and successfully stayed for 4 terms.
We are grateful to them and other ASBIAD members for valuable contributions in the ASBAŞ development and Antalya in particular.
In 2002 the Unity’s name changed to Antalya Free Zone Investors Union.
Today the Union known as Antalya Free Zone Business Association* is among the most successful business associations in Turkey due to longstanding experience, solid work carried out over the years and rationalist approach to the difficulties.
*the name of the Union and regulations were modified in April 7, 2011
