Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu talked about his enthusiasm for coming to Bilecik and he was impressed by the spiritual atmosphere of the place. Hisarcıklıoğlu, who emphasized the way of wisdom of His Excellency Edebali, the spiritual founder of the Ottoman State, said: “May Allah keep us on Sheikh Edebali's wise path. May we be among those who heed his wisdom.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu said that when asked why he you attaches such importance education, he replies, “The way to establish unity and solidarity is also through education. Look, I'm a business man. Every investment you make in business has a risk. You make investments and either profit or you lose. But there is only one investment that will never be a loss when you do it. That investment is the one made in education. This will always bring profit. The city wins, the country wins, you win. Why? According to my belief, the deed book of 3 people does not close: Legacy of good works; legacy of a good son; legacy of good knowledge. After his death he will continue to earn blessings. I hope that we will accomplish all three with this endeavor.”

- Elevator for the tomb of Sheikh Edebali from TOBB

Hisarcıklıoğlu reported that TOBB will provide an elevator for the Sheikh Edebali Sepulcher so those visiting will be able to reach it easily, “Because Bilecik, city of history and culture, deserves this and more.” TOBB President thanked Provincial Governor, MPs, Mayor, Bilecik CCI and Bozüyük CCI presidents for uniting to do these good works.” Hisarcıklıoğlu also expressed his gratitude to Minister Tüfenkci for his support.

Hisarcıklıoğlu said that today's biggest capital is not oil or gold but educated people. “I hope that our youth who will graduate from the university by using these laboratories will grow up with both knowledge as well as national and spiritual values. They will provide good service to their families, cities and country. I have a special request of my Bilecik brothers. In education, do not neglect your daughters; they must absolutely be schooled. You train a person when you train a man. But when you train a girl, you train a mother, a family. When you educate your family, you will educate society. That is what the future of our country depends on. If we educate our children well, we will keep our unity and solidarity, Allah willing, none will stand before us.”

- Customs and Trade Minister Tüfenkci

Customs and Trade Minister Bülent Tüfenkci said in his speech, “Our industrial strategy is to increase the share of advanced technology and high value added products in production and exports.”

Tüfenkci said that universities are excellent institutions where universal knowledge is produced in a free environment and transferred to new generations.

Tüfenkci emphasized that universities will have a meaning and value far beyond their physical existence and that, “Our industrial strategy is to increase the share of advanced technology and high value added products in production and export; this is our goal.

For this reason, I think that this laboratory, the foundations of which we are laying today, is very important for our university and our city. We think that such laboratories and R&D centers should be spread rapidly, especially considering that the city is the industrial center of the region. Just laboratories are not enough, and R&D centers must support them.”