The foundations of our Group were laid five generations ago, in 1904, when our great-great grandfather acquired a hand-loom. Mr. Sani Konukoğlu, who inherited this modest family establishment in 1943 from his father Mr. Zekeriye, had the vision and perseverance necessary to turn this business into a major corporation. He established new factories for the production of hydrophilic cotton in 1961 and cotton yarn in 1963.

Having decided to expand in production of cotton yarn, Sani Konukoğlu relentlessly invested in related fields, and through his vision, talent, resolution and diligence, transformed a family business into the giant Holding Company that it is today. SANKO became not only Turkey’s, but also one of the world’s, best textile companies.

Founded in 1988, Sani Konukoğlu assumed the chairmanship of the board of directors of Sankospor and founded the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry on August 15, 1989 together with other industrialists.

Sani Konukoğlu, who was appointed as the first chairman of the board of directors of the Chamber of Industry, ensured the establishment of the Sani Konukoğlu Foundation on October 11, 1989 in order to organize SANKO’s social services.

Following the footsteps of Sani Konukoğlu, the younger members of the family worked diligently on growth and investments thus creating a successful group of companies that employs 14.000 people. Our founder Mr. Sani Konukoğlu was awarded the State Medal of Distinguished Service by the President of the Turkish Republic for his contributions to supporting the exaltation and worldwide promotion of the Republic. We are deeply grateful to him for his efforts in founding and developing our Group and we strive to honor his legacy with reverence.