Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu said in his statement:

“The recent rise of terror incidents, the loss of our soldiers, law enforcement officers and innocent citizens all sadden us greatly.

An increase in terror, polarization of the populace and atrocities beyond intelligence and conscience worry us deeply.

Turkey is being targeted in an insidious game; we must recognize that the trap is set against us all. Our country, unity and peace are being targeted.

It is within our power to avoid this trap and preserve our unity and solidarity.

We must preserve our common sense, listen to our conscience and extinguish to fire of sedition.

My Allah damn those who have set this trap for our country.

We must stand firm against those who would set us against each other, neighbor against neighbor.

We urge every single citizen of our country.

Embrace your neighbor.

This is a day for Turks to extend their hands to Kurds, for Kurds to extend their hands to Turks, for Alawites to extend their hands to Sunnis and Sunnis to extend their hands to Alawites.

This is a day to unite, to be one; to be strong and lively.

Remember, without you, we are lessened.

Embrace your Kurdish relatives, your Turkish friends,

Your Alawite neighbors, your Sunni friends,

Your non-Muslim countryman.

Don’t present any opportunities to sedition, agitation and provocation.

We also call on those commenting and writing online, especially on social media:

Please refrain from making hate-filled, agitating, baseless accusations and insults.

Don’t fray tempers more than they already are, don’t try to drive a wedge in the cracks of society.

Citizens should pay no heed to baseless allegations and incitements.

We must show our willingness to live together throughout our country.

We must show our reaction and protest without violence, harm and agitation to others.

We fully support protesting terror; we do not condone violence.

Our politicians must act with tranquility and facility, avoid tension and instead be inclusive.

Tension and taking sides in politics forms fertile ground for terror.

Provocative discourse should be brought to a halt, lessening public tensions.

Democracy is rights and freedoms; it is also responsibility.

Without responsibility there can be no rights or freedom. Rights and freedoms require that responsibility for the unity of the country be taken.

This day is, in effect, one in which our patience is tested.

We must embrace each other in patience and understanding; we must be conscientious.

 As Necip Fazıl says, ‘you are a giant and a giant’s burden is heavy.’

We are a great nation and country; of course our problems will be great.

But we are a great nation and country because we are able to overcome these problems.

Allah willing, we will remain a great nation and country for generations to come.”