Full-page ad to reassure financial world about Turkey

By Tuba Sahin and Bahattin Gonultas

ANKARA (AA) - One of Turkey’s biggest companies is to place an advert celebrating the country’s commitment to democracy in several international newspapers, it said Thursday.

Sabanci Holding’s ad in the Financial Times, New York Times, International New York Times and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung will appear in Friday’s editions.

A white-on-red banner reads “Our trust in the future of Turkey has been reaffirmed by our people’s commitment to democracy” above a photograph of ships navigating the Bosphorus.

CEO Zafer Kurtul said the full-page advert is aimed at boosting trust in the Turkish economy following the July 15 coup attempt, which saw Turks stand up for democracy against elements within the military attempting to takeover the country.

“We believe that the best thing to do as Turkey Sabanci is to contribute to our country and fulfill our responsibilities as we have always done,” he said.

The conglomerate, which began in 1967, currently operates in 16 countries and markets its products around the globe. It is a leading figure in banking, energy, cement, retail, insurance, distribution, tourism and industrial products and had revenues of $17.6 billion in 2015.