In this study Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) experiences of Turkey between 1980 and 1995 are examined in comparison to the FDI experiences of the Latin American countries. Various FDI theories are presented, with a special emphasis on the Dependencia Approach. In addition, a historical background of FDI policies in the world, Latin America and Turkey is provided. The arranged FDI incentive systems and enacted legislations in Turkey are also reviewed. In the last part, some conclusions about the effects of post-1980 FDI policies on the Turkish economy are drawn.