Digital Realty is entering Turkey (aka Türkiye), outlining plans for a data center in Ankara.

The colo giant this week announced it was forming a joint venture with Rönesans Infrastructure, one of the largest investment companies in Türkiye, to develop and operate next-generation data centers across the country.

The joint venture’s first investment will be a 22MW data center campus in Ankara.

Full details haven't been shared, but land, power, and permitting have already been secured, and early construction work has commenced. The facility is scheduled for completion in 2028.

The two companies are also planning to develop a site in Istanbul, though further details weren’t shared.

“We are delighted to partner with Rönesans Infrastructure to establish Digital Realty's presence in Türkiye, one of the most compelling emerging digital infrastructure market opportunities in the region,” said Greg Wright, chief investment officer, Digital Realty. “By combining Rönesans' deep expertise and development capabilities with Digital Realty's global platform, customer relationships and operational experience, this joint venture is well positioned to support growing demand for cloud, AI and enterprise infrastructure while creating a strong foundation for long-term growth across Türkiye.”

Rönesans Holding is a Turkish contracting and investment company founded in 1993, with operations across construction, real estate development, energy, industrial facilities, and health.

Erman ılıcak, President Emeritus of Rönesans Holding, said, “Having delivered more than $10 billion of private sector investment in Türkiye, Rönesans has consistently focused on sectors that strengthen our country’s long-term competitiveness and create lasting value. Today, digital infrastructure is one of the most critical enablers of economic growth, innovation and technological progress. We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Digital Realty... together, we aim to enhance Türkiye’s digital infrastructure, support its ambitions as a regional technology hub, and create sustainable value for businesses, communities and future generations.”

Data Center Map currently lists 81 data centers across 17 markets in Turkey. Most are located in Istanbul, with secondary markets in Ankara and Izmir. Most facilities are owned and operated by local players, with Equinix the most notable international player, with several facilities around Istanbul. Damac recently launched a facility in Izmir alongside Vodafone.