ISTANBUL, March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Turkcell , the leading communications and technology company, today announced receivingthe 'Company of the Decade'award in Turkeyby World Finance, itself recognized for its exhaustive research team and 175 year pedigree in business journalism. Among the winners were global giants such as the Apple of USA, Nokia of Finland and Deutsche Bank of Germany.

World Finance selected around 350 nominee companies from 52 countries. The World Finance Award Selection Panel based its decision on various criteria that included:

- Innovation

- Sustainability and track record

- Ability to move with the ever changing pace of global business

- Care in the community

- Growth and longevity

Turkcell Chief Executive Officer Sureyya Ciliv said, "Today, we deliver service to 9 countries and 242 million people, and our regional power is increasing day by day. We have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange for 10 years, and rank among the most valuable 15 listed companies. Despite the major economic crises of the past decade, we have significantly invested in our network; in line with our vision, and built one of the world's best quality broadband infrastructuresin our country. Over the past decade, Turkcell has achieved important success, both locally and globally. Turkcell's selection as the "Company of the Decade" by as respected an institution as World Finance Magazineconfirmsthat our efforts and success as Turkey's Turkcell are acknowledged globally. It is an honourand a cause for happiness for us to be considered deserving of this award.

The World Finance awards panel is headed by Editor Alexander Redcliffe, who said: "The award has been granted to those Companies to have performed exceptionally and proven themselves as dynamic forces in their industry, with the highest quality of service to customers as well as for their reputation of excellence. Turkcell's award is a clear indication of the company's adherence to sustainability, corporate social responsibility and good governance, as well as excellence in innovation and client representation."

In 2010, Turkcell received the Best Corporate Governance in Turkey award from World Finance Magazine.