Hamamcıoğlu Müesseseleri: A Century-Old Trade Tradition

Hamamcıoğlu Müesseseleri Ticaret Türk A.Ş., tracing its roots back to the 1880s, is one of Turkey’s most renowned trading firms. Originating from the descendants of Hacı Tahir Bey, the company has shown extraordinary growth. Initially catering to the Ottoman Empire, it has evolved into a modern joint-stock company, offering an array of products including olives, fish, and typewriters.

The Family's Early Ventures

Hamamcıoğlu Müesseseleri began in 1885 when Ali Nuri Bey started trading grain in Unkapanı. Soon after, his son, Nuri Ali Bey, joined the enterprise, playing a pivotal role in expanding and diversifying the family's business operations.

A Legacy Built with Effort and Dedication

1. Commercial Activities: During the 1910s and 1920s, the company greatly diversified by dealing in various food products like olives, olive oil, sesame, fish, and mustard seeds. They also branched into selling typewriters and similar products.

2. Bigger Goals: In 1942, Nuri Ali Hamamcıoğlu overhauled the company into a joint-stock entity, handing over leadership to his son, Zeki Hamamcıoğlu. Despite the challenges posed by World War II, the firm emerged as a significant grain exporter under the name Deniz Toprak Ürünleri T.A.Ş.

Modernization and New Business Areas

After World War II, Hamamcıoğlu Müesseseleri experienced significant changes, venturing into new sectors and establishing their mark with technical products.

Growth and Diversification

1. Car and Equipment Sales: By 1946, the company became the distributor for Chrysler and Plymouth cars and Federal trucks in Turkey, operating under the name Konti-Oto Ltd.

2. Expanding Product Range: The growth continued as they opened branches in major cities like Ankara, Izmir, and Adana, incorporating products like compressed air equipment, construction, and mining machinery.

Achievements in Various Sectors

1. Imported Beer Market: In 2000, under Selim Hamamcıoğlu’s leadership, the company transferred the Miller beer business to Efes Pilsen, thereby enhancing local production.

2. Leadership and Management: Presently, Selim Hamamcıoğlu serves as the vice president at Klimasan A.Ş. and plays a vital role in commercial refrigeration production, while also heading Marsel Soğutma.

The rich history of Hamamcıoğlu Müesseseleri in trade and industry solidifies its status as one of Turkey’s leading family businesses.

Most Frequently Asked

When and how was Hamamcıoğlu Müesseseleri founded?

Hamamcıoğlu Müesseseleri was established in the 1880s by Ali Nuri Bey, initially focusing on grain trading in Eminönü, Istanbul. The firm's substantial growth began in 1885 when Ali Nuri Bey's son, Nuri Ali Bey, joined the business. Starting around Unkapanı, the company evolved into a prominent joint-stock entity spanning multiple business avenues during the Ottoman era. The transformation over the years is a testament to the dedication and strategic vision of the Hamamcıoğlu family, helping the company navigate from its modest beginnings to becoming a leading player in various sectors.

In which areas has Hamamcıoğlu Müesseseleri operated?

Over the years, Hamamcıoğlu Müesseseleri has diversified into numerous business areas. Initially, in the 1910s and 1920s, the company was engaged in trading olives, fish, and typewriters. After World War II, they shifted focus towards car and technical equipment sales, becoming the distributor for prominent brands such as Chrysler and Plymouth under Konti-Oto Ltd. Additionally, they expanded into construction and mining machinery, as well as compressed air equipment sales, establishing branches in key Turkish cities like Ankara, Izmir, and Adana, reflecting their versatile approach to business.

Who is Selim Hamamcıoğlu?

Turkey's oldest family businesses, Hamamcıoğlu Müesseseleri Ticaret Türk A.Ş. is one of the very few companies in the country that has been granted the title of "Turkish" by a Council of Ministers decision. The sixth-generation representative, Selim Hamamcıoğlu, has taken over the helm. Selim Hamamcıoğlu, who studied business and economics at the University of Wisconsin, began his career in 1994 at Coca-Cola İçecek Dağıtım A.Ş., and subsequently introduced the Miller beer brand to Turkey, starting the imported beer market in the country. He transferred the beer business to Anadolu Group in 2000 through an agreement with Efes Pilsen for local production. With companies in various sectors ranging from construction to raw material trade, Selim Hamamcıoğlu is also the vice president of Klimasan A.Ş., a leader in commercial refrigeration production. He also heads Marsel Soğutma, Turkey's leader in refrigeration industry spare parts distribution.