Hacı Ömer Sabancı facts for kids

Hacı Ömer Sabancı (born January 1, 1906 – died February 2, 1966) was a very successful Turkish businessman. He started many companies that grew into one of Turkey's biggest business groups, called Sabancı Holding. He helped create a family of wealthy business leaders in Turkey.

Early Life and Beginnings

Hacı Ömer Sabancı was born in a small village called Akçakaya. This village is located in the Kayseri Province in central Anatolia, Turkey. When he was fifteen years old, his father passed away. In 1921, he decided to leave his hometown. He walked all the way to Adana, a city in southern Turkey, to find new opportunities.

Building a Business Empire

Hacı Ömer started his new life in Adana by working as a cotton picker. He worked hard and saved his money. Soon, he became a broker, helping to connect cotton harvesters with buyers.

First Steps in Cotton

With the money he saved, Hacı Ömer entered the cotton trade. In 1932, he became a co-owner of a cotton spinning factory. The people who worked for him called him "Aga," which means "Boss."

Expanding into New Industries

Hacı Ömer continued to expand his business.

• In 1943, he became a partner in YağSA, a company that produced vegetable oil.
• In 1946, he partnered with MarSA, which made margarine.
• In 1948, Hacı Ömer started his own bank, called Akbank.
• In 1951, he founded Bossa in Adana. This became Turkey's largest textile factory.
• He also started Oralitsa in 1954, a factory that made roofing materials.
• In 1960, he founded Aksigorta, an insurance company.

Family Life and Legacy

In 1928, Hacı Ömer married Sadıka. They had six sons: İhsan, Sakıp, Hacı, Şevket, Erol, and Özdemir.

In 1951, Hacı Ömer Sabancı and his family moved to Istanbul. They bought a large house known as "Atlı Köşk" (meaning "Equestrian Villa"). This beautiful mansion is located on the European side of the Bosphorus strait in Emirgan. Today, this house is a famous place called the Sakıp Sabancı Museum.

Hacı Ömer Sabancı passed away in Istanbul on February 2, 1966. He was a self-made man who built a huge business empire from scratch.

Continuing His Vision

After his death, the holding company for his group of businesses was named Hacı Ömer Sabancı Holding in his honor. It was founded in 1967 in Adana.

A charity organization, the Hacı Ömer Sabancı Foundation "Vaksa," was also created in 1974 in Adana. This foundation has built many important places, including:

• A high school sports hall in Istanbul.
• A cultural center in Adana.
• Dormitories for students in Ankara and Adana.
• Primary schools in Kayseri and Van.

These buildings are dedicated to his memory and continue his legacy of helping others.