Spotify Reopens Istanbul Office After Turkish Tensions

Spotify has announced plans to open a new office in Istanbul, affirming its long-term commitment to Turkey following a period of friction with the Turkish government. The Swedish streaming leader, which first launched in Turkey in 2013, described the move as a 'structural' step rather than a symbolic gesture, underlining Turkey’s significance as a growing music market.

The Istanbul office is expected to launch by the end of June and will be led by Akshat Harbola, a seasoned Spotify executive. The company also plans to expand its local team throughout the year, further investing in its Turkish operations.

Spotify highlighted significant global interest in Turkish music, revealing that some 52 million users outside Turkey streamed Turkish-language tracks in 2025—a sharp 160 percent increase in streaming since 2020. This surge underscores Turkey’s rising influence in the global digital music landscape and aligns with Spotify’s goal of amplifying the voices of female and emerging Turkish artists.

The decision comes on the heels of a dispute between Spotify and Turkish authorities last year. Tensions escalated after controversial playlists allegedly mocked the wife of President Erdogan, prompting accusations from the government that Spotify was disrespecting national and religious values, while neglecting local music support. Turkish officials insisted that the streaming platform establish a physical office within the country, leading to regulatory scrutiny by the competition authority.

Relations have since thawed, following high-level discussions between Spotify and Turkish officials. The opening of the Istanbul office appears to be a key element in resolving these issues, reassuring both sides of Spotify’s intentions to invest locally.

“Opening an office in Istanbul is not a symbolic move for Spotify, it’s a structural one,” a spokesperson said. “Turkey is a priority market for us, and deepening our presence reflects our long-term commitment to the country’s music ecosystem, its creators, and its culture.”

This new chapter also marks Spotify’s return to a permanent physical presence in Turkey after closing its earlier office in 2018. As part of its renewed commitment, Spotify has vowed to support local artists and scale its Turkish operations, reflecting a broader strategy to embrace cultural diversity and foster musical exports from emerging markets.

For Turkey, the streaming giant’s investment is a signal to the country’s artists, policymakers, and listeners that their musical heritage is resonating globally, and that the digital music sector remains a site of economic and cultural exchange.

Read more at tech.eu.