Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Akhis are the cement of society; Akhism, the symbol of unity and the spirit of solidarity of Turkey.

Stating that TOBB is one of the institutions giving the biggest contribution to the Akhi Evran Sepulcher, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This is not our only investment in Kırşehir. As TOBB, we also contributed to the science faculty of our university in 2003. Now we are building a dormitory where 500 students can live in Kırşehir. These services are our debt of gratitude. The homeland is first and foremost for us! This is Akhism! Akhism is love for the homeland! An Akhi is one who makes sure his neighbor does not go without.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the members of this great tradition never thought of themselves as entrepreneurs, “We were in Edirne, in Samsun, in Antakya with the victims of the various disasters. We have been home to earthquake victims in Sakarya, Bingöl, Elazığ. We were at the forefront of campaigns for the July 15^th martyrs. This land is our honor! This great nation is the most precious thing for us.”

- “Akhism, today and tomorrow will continue to be the spiritual guard of Turkey”

For some nations, Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out, the place they live on is just a piece of land. He said, “Our land is Anatolia, not the name of this soil, but the name of the spirit of this land. The Akhis founded by Akhi Evran is the mortar of the Seljuks. Akhism is almost the essence of the Ottoman Empire, its core. Akhism is the unshakable guard of the Republican era and our social structure. Akhism, which dates back a thousand years, will continue to be the spiritual guard of Turkey today.

This soul once again showed itself on July 15^th. In the treacherous coup attempt, the ones out on the streets first, those who resisted the coup d'etat are today's Akhis. Our stance is clear! When it comes to our homeland, nothing is more important!

The referendum issue in Northern Iraq is very disturbing to us. The territorial integrity of Iraq is a sensitive matter for our nation and government! We stand firmly behind our government as the Akhis of these lands! It is not possible to solve the centuries-old problems of the region with small political maneuvers! We support the decisions our National Assembly will make today. I urge Northern Iraqi politicians to cease this pursuit. There is nothing to be gained through conflict! There is no benefit to secessionism! Opportunism will yield no results!”

Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that Turkey is experiencing one of the periods wherein unity and solidarity are most sorely needed, “We will stand united, together and continue to work hard. The late Neşet Ertaş said: 'Whoever works with love won’t tire.’ As today’s Akhis, we will continue to work with love. I hope that the Akhism Week will be instrumental in for more good in the world.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu, along with Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım, then attended the Neşet Ertaş Culture and Art Festival, organized at the Neşet Ertaş Culture Center.