Turkish politics can still manage to surprise me. Ali Koç as a MHP voter?

While driving through California, I listened to a commentary by İsmail Saymaz. He claims that Ali Koç is a MHP voter.

That surprised me as Mr. Koç does not look like a stereotypical MHP fan. Koç family is mainly portrayed as part of the Westernist secular establishment. Ali Koç is a Rice University graduate, by the way. But he always acted like a hooligan, and now I see why (!) This also reminded me of the fact that, in the Turkish landscape, notable families allocate their family members to optimize political gains.

Who is Ali Koç?

Ali Yıldırım Koç is a prominent Turkish businessman and a key figure in both the corporate and sports sectors in Turkey. He was born on April 2, 1967, in Istanbul and is a third-generation member of the Koç family, one of Turkey’s wealthiest families[2][5].

### Professional Background

Ali Koç has held significant roles within Koç Holding, a major conglomerate in Turkey. He has been a member of the Board of Directors for over a decade and has served as the Deputy Chair of the Board since 2016[1]. He has also been involved in various leadership positions within the Koç Group, including roles in strategic planning and corporate communications[7]. Additionally, Ali Koç is the Chairman of the Board for several Koç Group companies, such as Ford Otosan and Otokar[1].

### Education

Ali Koç received his education at prestigious institutions. He graduated from Harrow School in London and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Rice University in Houston, Texas. He later completed an MBA at Harvard Business School[2][7].

### Involvement in Sports

Ali Koç is well-known for his role in sports, particularly as the President of Fenerbahçe Sports Club, one of Turkey’s most successful sports organizations. He was elected to this position in June 2018, succeeding Aziz Yıldırım[2][4]. His leadership in sports is complemented by his involvement in various international sports and business organizations[1].

### Personal Life

Ali Koç is married to Nevbahar Demirağ, and they have two children[2]. He is known for his contributions to both the economic and social development of Turkey and has been recognized internationally for his efforts, including being awarded the Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to trade and investment between the UK and Turkey[2][5].

Citations:
1. Arçelik Global – Ali Y. Koç: Board of Directors
2. Wikipedia – Ali Koç
3. Forbes – Yildirim Ali Koç Profile
4. Transfermarkt – Ali Koç Profile
5. Superyacht Fan – Yacht Keyla: Owner Ali Koç
6. Transfermarkt – Ali Koç Profile (Detailed)
7. Koç Holding – Ali Koç: Board of Directors
8. Chatham House – Ali Y. Koç: Our People