The prospect of a “Chinatown” in Türkiye's Manisa’s Yunusemre district has sparked excitement among locals in the Akgedik neighborhood as Chinese automotive giant BYD gears up to build a factory in the area.
The facility, slated to begin operations in 2026, will employ 5,000 workers, including 2,500 Chinese employees, and produce 150,000 electric vehicles annually. The investment, valued at $1 billion, is expected to create 20,000 jobs through auxiliary industries.
Manisa Mayor Ferdi Zeyrek addressed speculation about a separate Chinatown for the incoming workforce, emphasizing integration over isolation. “I do not support the idea of a segregated settlement,” Zeyrek said. “Instead, I envision a Chinatown embedded within the city, where our new residents can experience Manisa’s culture while contributing to the local economy. This would not be a detached village but a cultural hub within our community.”
The Akgedik and Gürle neighborhoods are set to welcome the workers, with initial accommodations in container units transitioning to permanent housing. Zeyrek expressed his hopes for economic symbiosis, urging that earnings generated in Manisa remain in the city. “Manisa hosts 601 high-quality factories, yet many white-collar workers live and spend in surrounding provinces. This pattern must change,” he stated.
The mayor highlighted plans to build robust infrastructure for the incoming population, including high-quality housing, social and cultural facilities, and education institutions. A potential “Chinatown” would serve as a cultural and commercial zone, featuring restaurants, shops and spaces for shared cultural events.
Akgedik’s mukhtar, Semih Kurşunlu, shared a mixed perspective. “While we would have preferred employing local workers, the decision to bring in skilled labor from China has its advantages. Their presence will boost local trade and expose us to a new culture,” he said, drawing comparisons to Turkish expatriates establishing communities abroad.
Zeyrek also underscored the potential for cultural enrichment. “The arrival of 2,500 to 3,000 Chinese workers and their families will add diversity to our city. This isn’t just about economic benefits but fostering cultural exchange,” he said. The mayor proposed organizing joint festivals and cultural activities to bring Manisa residents and the Chinese community closer together.
To accommodate this vision, plans are underway for a multipurpose complex in Yunusemre, including residential areas, offices, cultural spaces and shopping centers. A section of the development will be designated “Chinatown,” offering a gateway for cultural interaction.
Zeyrek emphasized the long-term potential of such initiatives, stating, “Today, it’s China. Tomorrow, it might be another nation’s investors. We must adapt our city to welcome and integrate diverse communities while maintaining our shared values.”
The BYD factory marks a transformative phase for Manisa, promising economic growth and a dynamic cultural landscape. For locals and newcomers alike, the project represents an opportunity to build bridges across borders while strengthening the city’s fabric.
