TU:KUE

Origin

A name born of a helmet.

In the 6th century, Chinese chroniclers wrote of a people who worked iron on the southern slopes of the Altai Mountains. The name they recorded was 突厥, Tu-kue. It is the earliest securely attested written record of the name Türk.

That is why a helmet stands at the heart of our emblem. Fifteen centuries later, the same name brings together those who make in Türkiye and sell to the world, and the Turkish entrepreneurs who have built major businesses abroad.

The story of our name

“The Golden Mountain was shaped like a helmet. In their tongue a helmet was called Tu-kue, and so they took it as their name.”

周書Book of Zhou, vol. 50 · AD 636

545
First contact

A Western Wei envoy reaches the Türks. The Book of Zhou records them as Tu-kue.
552
The Khaganate

Bumin Qaghan founds the Göktürk Khaganate.
732·735
Carved in stone

In the Orkhon inscriptions, the name is carved in its own script: 𐱅𐰇𐰼𐰜
2026
TU:KUE

The ancient name becomes the inner circle of global Turkish enterprise.

Manifesto

We are the ones who carry Türkiye's value to the world. We export brands, not raw materials, and ideas, not only products. From London to Dubai, from New York to Istanbul, we sit at the same table and keep the same word. TU:KUE is the name of that table.

Unite

Bring the intellect, reputation and networks of Turkish capital under one roof.

Elevate

Raise Türkiye's commercial and intellectual standing in the world.

Pass on

Open knowledge, experience and doors to the next generation of Turkish founders.

Read the full manifesto

Membership

Two roads lead to the table.

Our members come from two roots. What brings them to the same table is intellectual depth and an unblemished reputation.

Based in Türkiye

Architects of export

Founders and senior executives who make in Türkiye and sell their brand, technology and design to the world. Exporters of added value, not raw materials.

Based abroad

Turkish capital abroad

Turkish entrepreneurs who have built and scaled companies in the world's great economic centres and earned a voice in their host country's business community.

Our criteria

Proven scale: Sustained business success on an international scale.
Added value: Creating value for Türkiye through products, brands, technology or services.
Unblemished reputation: A commercial and personal reputation beyond question.
Intellectual contribution: Someone who reads, thinks and brings ideas to the table.
Commitment to the töre: Accepting the seven principles of the TU:KUE töre.
Invitation or nomination: Membership is considered only on the Founding Council's invitation or a member's nomination. Applications are not accepted.

Membership requirements and the invitation process

Programmes

Ancient institutions, today's table.

Our programmes take their names from the enduring institutions of the Turkic state tradition.

KurultayThe great assembly

A closed summit held once a year. Members and distinguished guests discuss trade, technology, geopolitics and culture.
SofraThe shared table

Intimate private dinners in the world's great cities. Long conversations, lasting relationships.
KervanSetting out together

Trade delegations, buyer meetings and site visits to open new markets together.
OtağThe khan's tent

A members-only digital salon. Trusted introductions, co-investment opportunities and the member directory.
AtabeyThe prince's mentor

Mentorship for the next generation of Turkish founders. Experience is passed on, doors are opened.

A closer look at our programmes

TU:KUE Bilge · AI

Know who sits across the table before you sit down.

TU:KUE Bilge is an open-source intelligence (OSINT) AI built for our senior members. It researches, in depth, the counterparty you are about to trade with in the country where you do business, and delivers the results in a confidential report.

Meet Bilge

Töre

Seven principles, one word.

Among the early Turks, töre was the law that even the ruler had to obey. The TU:KUE töre is the word our members give to one another and to Türkiye.

Read the seven principles in full

TÖRE

WordA given word comes before a signed contract.
ValueWe create value in Türkiye and present it to the world as such.
DiscretionWhat is said at the table stays at the table.
SolidarityA door opened for one member opens for all.
KnowledgeWe read, ask and teach. Knowledge grows when shared.
RepresentationWherever we are, we carry Türkiye's good name.
MeasureWe value a lasting mark over display.

𐱅𐰇𐰼𐰜 Türük · Tu-kue · 2026

Invitation

The door opens by invitation only.

TU:KUE does not accept applications. We identify our members through the Founding Council and the recommendations of existing members, and invite each of them personally.

ObservationThe Founding Council and our members identify people who stand out in business.
NominationA candidate is taken into consideration on a member's nomination or by decision of the Council.
ReviewBusiness record and reputation are reviewed in confidence, using public sources.
InvitationA founding member delivers the invitation personally.
WelcomeThe new member accepts the töre and joins their first Sofra.

See the Invitation Process