Turkcell and Google Cloud to build hyperscale data centers in Türkiye

Turkcell and Google Cloud have entered a landmark partnership to develop hyperscale data centers in Türkiye, a move set to significantly boost the country’s digital infrastructure and economic output. Announced by Turkcell CEO Ali Taha Koc, the initiative will position Türkiye as Google Cloud’s 43rd global region, providing local access to advanced cloud services and artificial intelligence capabilities while ensuring data sovereignty.

A Sovereign Cloud for National Data Security

The data centers will be built in Ankara under a “Sovereign Cloud” framework designed to comply with Turkish regulations and security requirements. Koc emphasized that this model guarantees that “Türkiye’s data will stay in Türkiye,” with encryption keys controlled exclusively by customers. The infrastructure will consist of three synchronized sites, ensuring operational resilience and low-latency access to cloud services across the country.

Economic Impact and Sector-Wide Benefits

The project is projected to generate approximately $5 billion in annual economic value for Türkiye. It aims to enhance efficiency across public institutions, finance, industry, and startups by providing access to over 200 cloud services. Koc highlighted the pay-as-you-go model as a game-changer for startups, eliminating large upfront IT costs and accelerating scalability. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with full operational capacity targeted for 2028.

Supporting Future Technologies and Sustainability

The data centers will form a critical foundation for emerging technologies such as 5G, 6G, smart cities, and AI-driven applications. Turkcell is also prioritizing renewable energy to power the facilities, aligning with its net-zero emissions target by 2050. The company is expanding its wind and solar portfolios, including recent investments in Van and Izmir, to meet the energy demands of the new infrastructure sustainably.