Three Turkish Cities Ranked Among the World’s Top 30 Smartest Cities in 2026
In a major achievement, three Turkish cities have made it into the list of the world’s 30 smartest cities for 2026, according to the latest global Smart City Index.
The three cities are Ankara, Turkey’s political capital; Istanbul, the country’s economic and historical hub; and Eskişehir, a city well known for its modern university environment.
The cities outperformed many European and Asian counterparts thanks to their advanced digital infrastructure, smart transportation systems, and extensive use of artificial intelligence in managing municipal services.
Eskişehir emerged as Turkey’s highest-ranked city, securing 15th place globally. It ranked ahead of major cities such as Berlin, Tokyo, and Paris. Urban development experts attribute this success to the city’s recent investments in environmental sustainability and comprehensive digital transformation projects.
Ankara ranked second among Turkish cities and 19th worldwide, while Istanbul came in 24th place globally, supported by large-scale smart transportation projects and advanced digital traffic management systems serving millions of residents.
Meanwhile, Zurich retained its position as the world’s smartest city, followed by Singapore in second place, Seoul in third, and Oslo in fourth.
In the Arab world, the United Arab Emirates achieved a notable milestone with two cities on the list. Abu Dhabi ranked ninth globally, making it the highest-ranked smart city in the Middle East and North Africa, while Dubai placed 30th.
