Four Reasons Why Turkey Could Be the Next Big Digital Player

March 1st, 2010 View Comments

I have the belief after speaking with people within Turkey, being asked to present at a conference there, and also from some detailed reading, that Turkey has the potential to be a huge player within the digital arena. The reasons are as follows:

1) Youth:

50% of Turkey’s Population are under 28 compared to the median ages of the UK (40), Gemany (44), China (45) and the US (37), meaning it could sprint to the forefront of digital technology. Think how Israel has developed a digital culture and realise that Turkey could still be ably placed to do the same.

In 2006 there were 49.7m users, driven mainly by the youth culture. (Reports of internet mobile usage vary between 10 and 20% ) Reduction of tax on mobile phones from a high 44% would help drive the mobile internet economy even further and could provide a future platform for digital creativity.

2) Under-investment:

There are 26million users of the internet within Turkey, yet only 17% (4.5m) of these are connected to broadband. This to me suggests that a strong broadband infrastructure and a new government investment in technology could see a boom in the digital economy of Turkey. The growth in the last 9 years has topped 1225% so the next two are going to become hugely important. (Plus there should be an election in 2012)

3) Politics and Media:

Media has played a massively important role in Turkish culture, with a vast majority of the 77m population seeking handheld old style newspapers. These are rich and vibrant. Yet, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has waged war on the papers that he sees to undermine his seat of power. (It has already seen the removal of one of the long-standing Chief Editors and Founders of Turkish media powers: Aydin Dogan. Link Here to Monocle Article)

The newspaper will always hold a place in Turkish hearts and hands, but a shift of democratic power could find its place online. The Turkish are a passionate, conversation driven people so I believe social media will become a dominant form of communication.

4) A passionate socially connected culture:

Turks are truly passionate people connected through both mobile and social media. Recent mobile campaigns have exploded and passion points such as football and politics can only connect people further. Fan networks have boomed around football with sites like Besiktas’s since1903 being at the forefront. The advent of broadband within Turkey should make these experiences more interesting and compelling, opening up better connections between fans.

Iyi bir gün

Turkish Property

I have read your post Matt and I have to say that I don't agree with you. Sorry.

Yes there is a big youth culture but a majority of these still do not have access to the internet unless they go to an internet cafe. Youth in countries like China and India are fully confidetn at the age of 14 on how to make a website, invent plug ins and come up with the next concept.

It is also fair to say as well that a mjaoity in the east of Turkey do not even have access to the internet. Until Turkey ensures that access to the internet is gained by everyone then I don't think they can dream of being the next digital player.
mattbambow

Hi. Valid points but this is what I was trying to say. One of my
points covers the fact that a new government should invest in the
technology or come up with a golden plan which brings internet, to me
a pre-requisite for helping educational development, to the masses.

My first point states that penetration of mobile is high amongst a
young audience, in the cultures where we have seen this to be the case
digital has boomed. I genuinely believe that this still holds true for
Turkey, but its just my opinion.
Turkish Property

I totally agree with you on these points and that the government should make internet access available to the masses. I just don't think it will happen for at least another ten years.

In the west of Turkey, things are progressing slowly however in the east the government is more concerned with protecting their oil pipelines and fighting the PKK.

It would be interesting to see if they do an about turn because as far as I know Internet access is a requirement under those living in the EU ( not 100% certain that this is correct) and Turkey is so desperate to get into it.

I might be wrong as I am just speaking from the point of view of an average man on the street. Maybe the government does have plans and we just don't know about it yet.

Turkey is seeing massive changes but in the times when they are banning Youtube and have banned other sites as well, I don't think internet access to the masses will be a top priority for them.

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