Sani Konukoğlu was born in Gaziantep in 1929. In 1943, despite the insistence of his family to continue his education, he decided to enter business life when he completed primary school. He borrowed money to purchase a weaver counter (work-bench) that he worked himself and used only 18 kilograms of fibre. In January 1947, he ordered a twenty four eyed local bobbin machine from Istanbul and became the first person to use a bobbin machine of this capacity in Gaziantep.

In 1951 he bought an old finishing machine from Halep to raise the quality of his available machines, placed them in a cave and began working there. Two years later, he collaborated with turners in Bursa and was impressed with the quality of the European weaver counters which could weave four shuttle plaid shirts and brought these machines to Gaziantep. He became a pioneer in transforming the practice of weaving from manual counters to motorized counters.

In 1962 he used the old and now redundant machines to begin absorbent cotton production in a cave in Şehreküstü. This was followed by a cotton fibre establishment with 1500 spindle capacity in 1963. In 1965 he had towel counters made in Bursa and the jacquard machines which would be put over these machines made by local turners in Gaziantep and began towel production in Gaziantep.

He established the "Hilal Collective Company" in 1966 and in 1968 a 25,000 spindled fibre production project was prepared. On 23rd February 1972 the construction was started and the 20,000 spindled part of the factory was completed in 1974. In 1974 with this part, the factory started to work.

In 1977 the name of the company was changed to "Sanko Textile Industry and Trade Company" inspired by his own name. In the following years investments continued steadily reaching a capacity and quality unmatched in the region. "The SANKO Holding Company" today employs over 14000 people and encompasses production of goods and services in textiles, automotives, packaging, energy, food, climatization, finance, information technology, white-goods, cement and construction, health care and education.

These achievements are the result of Haci Sani Konukoğlu's conscious, planned and patient efforts. As a result of these efforts the economy of Turkey gained the companies like SANKO TEXTILE, ISKO, ASKO, TEKSKO, ÖZEL SANİ KONUKOĞLU MEDICAL CENTER which are the pioneer in their respective business areas.

Haci Sani Konukoğlu was also at the forefront of the establishment of the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry which began its life on 15 August 1989 and he was elected as the first chairman of the board of directors. In 1988 he became the first chairman of "SANKOSPOR" which was established with his own company name. On 11 October 1989, he founded "Sani Konukoğlu Foundation" to organize social services of SANKO.

Sani Konukoğlu is a role model for many of us with his modesty and vision. He was always seeking to improve the quality of life for himself and for those around him and would not shy from asking for help when he needed it. He was a nature lover and shied from publicity.Sani Konukoğlu was the active Chairman of Sanko Holding until the day that he passed away on 16 th January, 1994.

On 27 th October, 1997 Sani Konukoğlu received the "Government Higher Service Award" for his contributions to social welfare and services. The award was presented by President of Turkey Suleyman Demirel to Sani Konukoğlu's eldest son Mr.Abdülkadir Konukoğlu at the ceremony held at Cankaya Palace.

May He Rest in Peace.