The recent Istanbul Blockchain Week (IBW 2025) saw TRON taking center stage as a gold sponsor, reinforcing its growing influence in Turkey and the broader Middle Eastern digital asset market. This event, now in its fourth year, has become a cornerstone for Web3 innovation and dialogue in the region, drawing thousands of participants and top-tier global speakers since its inception.
TRON’s consistent support for high-profile industry events—such as Consensus Hong Kong 2025, CUBE Summit, TEAMZ Summit, Hong Kong Crypto Finance Forum, and TOKEN2049 Dubai—highlights its commitment to fostering blockchain adoption and collaboration worldwide. Its involvement goes beyond sponsorship; it is about building ecosystems and empowering communities.
Turkey Ranks as World’s Fourth-Largest Crypto Market
Turkey has rapidly emerged as a global cryptocurrency hub, ranking as the fourth-largest crypto trading market after the United States, India, and the United Kingdom. This is particularly noteworthy given the country’s population and economic scale compared to the other top three. Recent reports indicate that around 40% of Turks have invested in crypto assets, with 64% expecting prices to rise and 73% predicting wider adoption within five years.
The progressive regulatory stance taken by Turkish authorities has also contributed to this growth. Since late last year, the Capital Markets Board (CMB) has moved to incorporate crypto assets into its legislative framework, accelerating the industry’s合规化 (compliant development). Against this backdrop, events like Istanbul Blockchain Week play a crucial role in shaping the future of Turkey’s digital economy.
TRON’s Long-Term Strategy in Turkey
TRON’s presence in Turkey isn’t new. As early as 2023, TRON served as the diamond sponsor of Binance Blockchain Week in Istanbul. The following year, it entered a strategic partnership with Bitci, a leading Turkish exchange, which led to the listing of TRX, BTT, JUST, SUN, and other TRON-based tokens.
One of the most significant developments came in November 2023, when TRON partnered with PundiX, a crypto payment infrastructure provider, to integrate TRX and USDT into PundiX’s XPOS devices. This allowed users to make everyday purchases using TRON-based assets seamlessly.
Hakan Akyüz, PundiX’s Regional Manager for Turkey, demonstrated a TRC-20 transaction during a live stream, highlighting its speed and ease. He noted that nearly all crypto users in Turkey were already familiar with TRC-20 USDT. After integrating TRON, PundiX saw a 47% surge in network activity. Merchants also reported a clear preference for TRON due to its low cost and fast settlement.
Akyüz also pointed out that Turkey is home to over 30 million foreign residents, many of whom rely on TRC-20 USDT for cross-border remittances and payments. This practical utility has made TRON’s stablecoin a digital hard currency in the region.
Global Adoption Beyond Turkey
The trend isn’t limited to Turkey. In Argentina, an online merchant reported that 95% of customers preferred paying with TRC-20 USDT. In late April, Kripton Market, a major e-commerce platform in Argentina, integrated TRC-20 support, enabling more than 2,000 merchants to accept USDT via the TRON network.
Brazil, another economic powerhouse in the region, has also welcomed TRON. In January, Mercado Bitcoin, the country’s largest crypto exchange, listed TRX and later added BTT, USDD, JST, and SUN. These moves are expected to significantly boost the adoption of TRC-20 standards across Latin America.
Other emerging markets, including India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Vietnam, are also witnessing growing interest in TRON’s ecosystem.
Community Engagement and Positive Reception
At IBW 2025, TRON’s booth became one of the most visited attractions, with over 5,000 attendees participating in live demonstrations and interactive sessions. The exhibit featured a large LED screen displaying the latest updates from the TRON ecosystem, and visitors were particularly impressed by the speed and affordability of TRC-20 transactions.
The event also drew attention from key opinion leaders (KOLs) who shared their experiences on social media. Over a hundred posts and tweets helped amplify TRON’s presence, generating millions of impressions and boosting brand visibility across the region.
A Compassionate Approach
TRON’s relationship with Turkey extends beyond business. In 2023, following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, Justin Sun, founder of TRON, donated 1 million lira through HTX to support relief efforts. This gesture prompted other industry leaders, including Binance, Tether, and Avalanche, to contribute, showcasing the humanitarian potential of blockchain technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TRC-20 USDT?
TRC-20 USDT is a version of Tether (USDT) that operates on the TRON blockchain. It offers faster transactions and lower fees compared to other networks, making it ideal for everyday payments and remittances.
Why is TRON popular in Turkey?
Turkey has a large and growing crypto user base, with many people using digital assets for payments and savings. TRON’s low-cost, high-speed network, combined with strategic local partnerships, has made TRC-20 USDT a preferred choice.
How can I use TRC-20 USDT?
You can buy, store, and send TRC-20 USDT through supported wallets and exchanges. It is also accepted by a growing number of merchants in Turkey and other countries for goods and services.
Is TRC-20 USDT safe?
Yes, TRC-20 USDT is backed by reserves and operates on the secure and decentralized TRON blockchain. However, users should always follow best practices for storing and transacting crypto.
Can I use TRON for international transfers?
Absolutely. TRON’s network is designed for fast cross-border transactions. Many people in Turkey and other countries use TRC-20 USDT to send and receive money internationally with minimal fees.
Where can I learn more about TRON’s ecosystem?
👉 Explore the TRON network and its features
TRON’s expanding footprint in Turkey and other emerging markets underscores the practical utility of blockchain technology. By offering a reliable, low-cost, and efficient payment solution, TRC-20 USDT has become an integral part of the digital economy in regions facing currency volatility and high remittance costs. As regulatory frameworks mature and adoption grows, TRON is well-positioned to play an even greater role in the global financial landscape.