1991
Foundation of DESBAŞ
Foundation of DESBAŞ

DESBAŞ – Istanbul Leather Free Zone Founder and Operator Joint Stock Company is established in 1991 with the partnership of 127 different entities from the leather sector.

1992
Determination of the Land of the Istanbul Leather Free Zone
Determination of the Land of the Istanbul Leather Free Zone

With the Cabinet Decision of 92/2778 in 1992, 88.000 m2 land left to DESBAŞ by Istanbul Kazlıçeşme Organized Leather Industrialists Association has been designated as free zone land.

1993
Authorization of DESBAŞ with the Foundation and Operation of Istanbul Leather Free Zone
Authorization of DESBAŞ with the Foundation and Operation of Istanbul Leather Free Zone

With the Cabinet Decision of 93/4181 in 1993, DESBAŞ has been authorized to establish and operate the Istanbul Leather Free Zone.

1995
First Trading Acitivity in Istanbul Leather Free Zone
First Trading Acitivity in Istanbul Leather Free Zone

The first commercial transaction in the Free Zone was held on 29.03.1995 by Can Tekstil San. ve Tic. AŞ and Free Zone started its operations.

1996
Istanbul Leather Free Zone is Opened For All Sectors
Istanbul Leather Free Zone is Opened For All Sectors

In the first establishment, the free zone activity subjects, which were determined mainly in leather, were opened to all sectors in line with the Free Zone requirement that Istanbul and its surroundings can use for general purposes By the decision of the High Planning Council in 06.02.1996.
In 1996, the free zone was opened to companies from all sectors without any limitation.

1997
Official Opening of Istanbul Leather Free Zone
Official Opening of Istanbul Leather Free Zone

The official opening ceremony of the free zone was held in 31.07.1997 and the opening was honored by the participation of President Mr. Süleyman Demirel, Prime Minister Mr. Mesut Yılmaz and Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Bülent Ecevit.

Trade Volume Reached 1 Billion USD
Trade Volume Reached 1 Billion USD

The trade volume soon exceeded 1 billion USD in 1997.

2000
Trading Volume Reached 3 Billion USD
Trading Volume Reached 3 Billion USD

Trade volume was realized as 3.303.801.622,00 USD in 2000.

2004
Trade Volume Exceeded 5 Billion USD
Trade Volume Exceeded 5 Billion USD

Our free zone region reached a trade volume of 5,770,481,232.00 USD in 2004.

Enlargement to 540,000 M2
Enlargement to 540,000 M2

The Istanbul Leather Free Zone (Istanbul Industrial and Trade Free Zone) expanded its existing 88,000 m2 land by 26,000 m2 in 1995, 72,000 m2 in 1998, 263,000 m2 in 2003, 85,000 m2 in 2004 and 6,000 m2 in 2011, reaching a gross area of 540,000 m2.

2006
Highest Trade Volume with Approx. 7 Billion Usd
Highest Trade Volume with Approx. 7 Billion Usd

The highest trade volume seen in Istanbul Industrial and Trade Free Zone was realized in 2006 with 6,796,504,765.00 USD.

2011
Title Change (Istanbul Industry And Trade Free Zone)
Title Change (Istanbul Industry And Trade Free Zone)

Our company title has been changed to DESBAŞ – Istanbul Industry and Trade Free Zone Founder and Operator Inc.- in 2011.

Milestones of DESBAŞ