Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Hisarcıklıoğlu, stating that in recent days abhorrent terrorist acts which have drowned everyone in sorrow have taken, said that they keenly feel the pain of the loved ones of the policemen, soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in these terrorist attacks.

Stating that he has not lost hope and that he believes that the country can solve these problems, TOBB President went on to say, “I came to believe in this more yesterday. Because yesterday, occupational organizations, syndicates, chambers, confederations, civil society organizations which represent almost all parts of society visited the President of the Republic, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Parliament and the Presidents of 7 political parties in Turkey. These visits gave me much hope.

We always saw everything through television screens and newspapers. We saw the spirit of unity. I want to share this joy with you. All of our political parties are determined on a solution, willing and resolute. We will put forth this determined, willing and resolute feeling into action as the civil society and occupational establishments soon. This is the time to act in unison for a peaceful and strong Turkey. I am of the belief that we, all 74 million of us, will do this together.”

- “We must increase the number of women entrepreneurs”

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that even though Turkish people come from a culture which views waste as forbidden, disregarding half the population is the greatest waste of all and went on to say that women must take their place in business life and entrepreneurship.

Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Half of our population is women. The ratio of enterprising women is only 6.5%, a mere 1.4 million women. In this day and age where we provide the highest quality of education to our daughters we unfortunately, think ‘educate girls well and wed them after they graduate’. This is tradition, and we will do it. But I will ask you one question. Who do we set as an example to us as Muslims? Our Revered Prophet. Is our Revered Prophet an example for us? That is what we call tradition. I ask you, the fathers of Maraş; Which profession did the wife of our Revered Prophet hold? She was a merchant.

She was the greatest merchant of Mecca. And what do you do with your daughters? Weren’t you the ones saying that your role model was the Prophet? If you follow someone’s example then you must go through with it with decisive action. If that is the case then you must give our daughters a chance. The most beneficent of people are they who are beneficent to other people. How can you be beneficent to others today? By providing them employment. Please raise your daughters as entrepreneurs. We need them. If we want this country to prosper we must increase the number of entrepreneurs. Do not discriminate when it comes to writing your wills. Act just. Any order not based on justice and fairness is bound to collapse.”

- “If Ayvalık prospers, I prosper”

Stating that the most important activity which would underline the importance of Ayvalık and the awareness of Ayvalık is institutionalized activities, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “It is very important to ensure this unity. Prosperity comes from our unity and solidarity, there is pain in dissent.”

Hisarcıkloğlu stated that olive is both a symbol of prosperity and of peace, said, “Such a tree, that it lives a thousand years. No other tree has such a life span. The Ayvalık toast which you’ve made so famous. Ayvalık has olive oil and green cheese dessert. It has resin ice cream. You have tourist attractions. The only thing to do is make these earn more money. My view is that if Ayvalık prospers, I prosper – as is Turkey. We get richer as you get richer. I’ve told you this before in 2008, the way to make money is to market the trademarks of your region, if you can’t establish your country as a brand, you will not earn money.”
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