Four Turkish-Born Figures in Forbes Immigrants Ranking

Four Turkish-born individuals included in Forbes’ list of most successful immigrants in the USA

Four Turkish-born individuals have been included in Forbes’ list of the 250 most successful living immigrants in the United States, released in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.

The ranking highlights individuals whose achievements have had a significant impact on American society, business, science, and culture.

The Turkish representatives on the list are entrepreneurs Eren Özmen and Fatih Özmen, Nobel Prize-winning scientist Aziz Sancar, and economist Daron Acemoglu.

Top-ranked Turkish representatives

Eren Özmen achieved the highest position among them, ranking 52nd. Her husband and business partner Fatih Özmen placed 53rd. The couple acquired Sierra Nevada Corporation in 1994 and transformed it into a major player in the U.S. aerospace and defense industry.

Aziz Sancar ranked 131st. In 2015, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on DNA repair mechanisms. He later founded a center supporting Turkish students in the United States.

Daron Acemoglu ranked 232nd. He is widely known for his work in institutional economics and was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2024 for his research on the role of institutions in economic development and prosperity.

Top positions in the ranking

The first place in the list was taken by Arnold Schwarzenegger, followed by entrepreneur Elon Musk in second place.

Forbes compiled the ranking as a tribute to the contribution of immigrants to the development of the United States ahead of the 250th anniversary of its founding.