The origin of Arikanli Holding dates back to 1972, the year in which MEF Courses Inc. has been established. Arikanli Holding specialized by means of its investments in the fields of Education, Transportation,  Media – Publishing, Tourism – Health, Industry & Construction and Telecommunication - Energy over the thirty years is now firmly positioned in the centre of a chain of investments comprising 22 companies.

Arikanli Holding of which the initial foundation has been realized on 1996 for the purpose of performing 'Strategy Designation, Control, Co-ordination, Development and Orientation' studies has commenced its activities after being officially registered on 11 February 1998 upon converge of all companies under a single roof.

All the companies affiliated to Arikanli Holding are known for their firsts in their fields. Each such affiliates is recognized for its both nationwide and abroad achievements and contemporary innovations, including such pioneers as MEF Educational Institutions and Yurtiçi Cargo, both of which have considerably broadened Turkey's horizon in their respective fields namely education and transportation.

The principles that have elevated Arikanli Holding to its present position have never been compromised since its inception. The strategic management understanding of the Holding arises from the premise that the precondition to secure economic and social advancement is achievable solely through solid commitment to the principles of international free competition within the scope of a democratic order stipulated by the law. The notions that guide this framework are, first and foremost, adhering to laws and conducting business ethically, instituting a work organization based on productivity and profitability, building a structure up to the requirements of modern management, continuing growth with new companies and expanding internationally.

MEF Courses Inc., the pioneer institution in education and MEF Schools established as a model very open to innovations constitute the important rings of quality education in Turkey by means of their nursery school, primary schools, high schools and international schools providing service for the children of the foreign national families. MEF International School – Izmir and MEF Kindergarten in Bahçeşehir/Istanbul commencing educational activities have joined such educational chain lastly.

Arikanli Holding progresses towards the objective to compete in global markets by acting as the leader of the strong organization, in the center of which it stands. The pain taken over the coordination between the companies on administrative, fiscal, social and technical matters, the improvement of the existing working arrangement thereof, increasing their productivity as well as collaboration among the companies plays an important role as to fact that Holding is valued and felt as one large family by its 11,000 employees approximately.

All companies under the roof of Arikanli Holding are known for the firsts of which they have realized in their fields.