Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The award ceremony in Iznik was hosted by Mahmut Dede, Chairman of the Chamber of Iznik Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) at the DSI Facilities with the participation of TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu.

In his speech, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “I would like to thank our friends who add value to the economy of Iznik. We're going to present them the awards they deserve. I congratulate them.”

Congratulating Sema Sargın Hatipoğlu for her election to Iznik CCI Vice President of the Assembly, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the chambers community is a relay race. Reminding that these offices were entrusted to them, TOBB President said, “We know that what will persist are not our appointments but our services. President Mahmut Dede is working with this vision and giving labor for the development and enrichment of İznik. We work with him in Ankara. He served in the Tax Commission, one of the most important commissions of TOBB, and became the spokesman of the Commission. In other words, İznik is represented in Ankara and makes its voice heard.

- We must ensure Iznik’s economy diversifies away from agriculture

Stating that İznik is an extraordinary place with its history and culture, Hisarcıklıoğlu also pointed to the district's spirituality. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated the following in his assessment: “İznik Ayasofya Mosque, was converted into a mosque from the church by the conquest of Orhan Gazi, is a unique place. 3 separate imperial periods have left their mark here. Orhan Mosque, due to its historical importance and spiritual atmosphere, is flooded by local and foreign tourists from all over the world. We should emphasize this as a center of faith tourism that will contribute to international peace. We should make Iznik's economy based not only on agriculture, but also on tourism. The ceramics tile produced here can’t be found anywhere else. This is actually a terrific thing. We have undertaken the restoration of Green Tomb as TOBB. But we couldn't have done it without Iznik's ceramic tiles. I regret to say, we still could not attain the quality of the tile in the Ottoman period. We have a debt and responsibility to Iznik and history. We need to present our Iznik tile standards and quality to the world again.”

- What has TOBB accomplished?

Emphasizing that the main issues are economy and trade, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that there has been a turbulence in the economy for a while. Stating that foreign exchange, interest and inflation are rising at the same time, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “There is a slowdown in the market. We also met our Chamber-Exchange Presidents in 81 provinces and 160 districts in Ankara. First hand, we kept your pulse and we gathered a report of problems one by one. Then we forwarded all of this to our government, demanding measures. They will take the decisions they see fit and implement. Afterwards, on August 14^th, TOBB and TÜSİAD made a joint announcement. We shared our 5-point proposal with both the government and the public. Then, as TOBB, we took a new step last week. Upon request from you, we initiated the SME support loan. With all the chambers and exchanges in 81 provinces, we have brought together all the resources we have. With an annual 22% interest, we offered a maximum of 200,000 liras and 6 months grace period with a maturity of 18 months. We have also provided KGF guarantee for 85% of the loan. Two days ago, we implemented a new project with the European Commission and Europe's largest business organization, Eurochambers, where I am also Vice President. We received 5 million Euros of funding and brought it to our country. We will use this through our chambers. They will partner with European Chambers and develop projects for local development.”

- Let's fight those who want to muddy the waters

Hisarcıklıoğlu underlined the need to continue the struggle and expressed they would never lose hope. Stating that when we lose hope and the future will be lost, TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “This isn’t a day for pessimism, hopelessness; this is a day for struggle. Together, hand in hand, we will bring our country to its rightful place.”

After the award ceremony, Hisarcıklıoğlu and his delegation visited Iznik Ancient Roman Theater, İznik Hagia Sophia (Orhan) Mosque, İznik Museum and Abdulvahap Hill.