Spotify has confirmed it will open a new office in Istanbul by the end of June, marking a renewed and more permanent commitment to Turkey after a period of public tension with the country’s authorities. The Swedish streaming company described the move as “structural rather than symbolic”, signalling that Turkey now sits firmly among Spotify’s priority markets.
A renewed presence in a key market
According to Spotify, the decision to establish an Istanbul office reflects the long-term importance of Turkey’s music ecosystem, creators, and cultural influence. While Spotify has operated in Turkey since 2013, its previous physical presence in the country ended in 2018. The reopening represents a significant shift in how the company approaches the market.
Spotify has confirmed that the Istanbul office will begin operations this summer and will scale throughout the year, with new hires planned across multiple functions. The company also appointed long-time Spotify executive Akshat Harbola to oversee Turkish operations, underscoring its intention to strengthen local leadership and engagement.
Turkish music goes global
The move comes amid strong international momentum for Turkish music on the platform. Spotify reported that in 2025 alone, more than 52 million users outside Turkey listened to Turkish-language tracks. Since 2020, global streaming exports of Turkish music have increased by more than 160 per cent, highlighting the growing international appeal of artists from the country.
Spotify has positioned itself as a key distribution channel for this growth, connecting Turkish artists with global audiences and creating new commercial opportunities beyond domestic borders. The company said deepening its local presence will allow it to better support creators, labels, and industry partners while accelerating the international reach of Turkish music.
Supporting diversity and emerging talent
Alongside the office opening, Spotify reiterated its commitment to amplifying female and emerging artists in Turkey. The company said local teams will work more closely with creators to develop tailored programmes, editorial initiatives, and partnerships that reflect the diversity of the Turkish music scene.
By expanding its footprint on the ground, Spotify aims to play a more active role in nurturing talent and ensuring that local voices are represented more prominently both within Turkey and globally.
From confrontation to cooperation
Spotify’s announcement follows a high-profile dispute with the Turkish government last year. At the time, tensions escalated over user-generated playlists that mocked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s wife, particularly regarding claims of extravagant spending. Turkish authorities accused Spotify of hosting content that insulted religious and national values and of failing to adequately support local music.
During the dispute, Spotify publicly warned that it could withdraw from Turkey. The government, in turn, demanded that the company establish a physical office in the country and launched a competition authority investigation into whether Spotify had engaged in anti-competitive practices.
The situation appeared to ease after meetings between Spotify executives and Turkish officials. While neither side has disclosed detailed outcomes, the decision to open an Istanbul office suggests that a working resolution was reached.
A strategic reset
Spotify has emphasised that the new office is not simply a regulatory concession but part of a broader strategic reset. By embedding teams locally, the company expects to improve relationships with regulators, rights holders, and creators while responding more effectively to cultural and market-specific dynamics.
For Turkey, the move signals recognition of the country’s growing influence in the global music economy. For Spotify, it represents a calculated investment in a fast-growing market where local culture and international demand increasingly intersect.