Turkish pro-gov't businessman takes over Azerbaijan's national lottery firm

A Turkish pro-government businessman has taken over Azerbaijan's national lottery company, adding to the long list of benefits obtained by the businessperson close to Erdoğan and his AKP. Demirören Holding led by Yıldırım Demirören took over Azerlotereya in a ceremony on Feb. 27.

Monday March 01 2021 04:30 pm

Duvar English

A pro-government businessman has taken over Azerbaijan's national lottery company Azerlotereya, once again showing the benefits provided to the figures close to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Demirören Holding led by Yıldırım Demirören, which also operates Turkey's lottery, took over the company in a ceremony on Feb. 27 and will operate it for at least 10 years.

Speaking at the ceremony, Demirören said that he is happy and "honored" to convey their "expertise" on operating lotteries.

"I would like to stress that we would like to make investments in Azerbaijan also in the future," he said.

Demirören's purchase came shortly after Azerbaijan gained a victory against Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh with the staunch support of Turkey. Erdoğan attended Azerbaijan's victory parade alongside his President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on Dec. 10.

The pro-government businessman's taking over of the lottery is no surprise since figures close to Erdoğan are being provided projects and advantages that significantly add to their wealth.

Topics Turkish Lira Turkish economy Yıldırım Demirören Azerbaijan-Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan