The Şirehan Shopping Complex, constructed by the Rönesans Shopping Centers Investment Group, one of the world's leading construction companies, with an investment of $18 million, opened last Friday.

Şirehan, the region's largest caravanserai, which was constructed on the orders of Aleppo Mayor Cemal Pasha in 1885 in the southeastern city of Gaziantep, the most significant industry and trade center in the region, now serves as a shopping complex. A boutique hotel with a capacity of 80 beds was also opened in the complex. Covering an area of 25,000 square meters, the complex houses Carrefour Express, Garanti, TEB, Oyak and HSBC bank branches, restaurants, cafés, a 700-square-meter entertainment center, a closed car park for 650 cars, and other stores. It is expected to revive the city's economy and decrease unemployment.

“The Şirehan Shopping Complex will be one of the most important steps in the project aiming to make the city of Gaziantep the trade, culture and tourism center of the Middle East,” said Önder Sürenkök, Rönesans Shopping Centers Investment Group executive board member. He said the group was Turkey's second and the world's 61st largest construction company, and added that the largest shopping center of the eastern and southeastern Anatolian region, Sankopark, constructed in partnership with Sanko Holding, will be complete in October.

He said the company will construct more shopping complexes in Gaziantep. “We will open shopping centers in Malatya and Adana in a year. We also have many real estate investments,” he concluded.