Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

The ATO Iftar Program was hosted by ATO President Gürsel Baran at ATO Congresium with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his wife Emine Erdoğan, relatives of martyrs and veterans, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Minister of Finance Naci Ağbal and ASO President Nurettin Özdebir. Also attending the program were the chairpersons and managers of non-governmental organizations.

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu, emphasized that the Islamic world has experienced a very difficult Ramadan this year. Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the conflicts and the terrorist events have struck at the the hearts of everyone, “With that in mind I express my gratitude to our patriotic security forces and our soldiers who are fighting heroically. We pray for the grace of Allah upon our martyrs and speedy recoveries for our veterans.”

TOBB President Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that Muslims are possessed of prudence and insight, "Then we must foil the ploys of the merchants of chaos and those who would engender pandemonium. As the business community, we appreciate more and more the value of stability today. I see the steps that Mr. President takes to emphasize the unity in our country and protect stability. On behalf of myself and our community, I also thank him for all his effort and enthusiasm. Of course there are strains, but we believe in ourselves and our country. Despite every obstacle, we have proven once more how dynamic and productive we are with our growth figures. With the cooperation of the private sector and the state, we’ve overcome a lot of problems.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu said that some circles want to exacerbate Turkey’s economic situation, “We must tighten ranks against them. We must maintain confidence and stability. Hopefully after 24^th June, we will work with our government intensively and again, we will overcome all problems. No matter how hard the time is, Ramadan means grace, fruitfulness and compassion. And certainly, Allah possesses power and might to turn all the shadows are into beneficence. May Allah keep our country and nation from all kinds of shame, persecution and darkness. May Allah make it so that the whole Islamic world attain peace, prosperity and solidarity.”

- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

In his speech, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, “If we are determined to live in this region and pursue our goals, we will continue to tell stories of martyrdom and vigilance in the future.

Speaking during the iftar program organized by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) in honor of martyrs and veterans at ATO Congresium, Erdoğan celebrated the participants’ Ramadan.

Erdoğan said, “We are at a beautiful iftar table. Iftars have a different meaning for us, I pray that the fasts you have fasted, the worship that you have done during this month and your charity are accepted in Heaven. May Allah grant that we reach the feast of Ramadan which we will celebrate with our families, friends and loved ones as well.”

Praying for all martyrs who gave their lives in fight against terrorism and in the coup attempt of July 15, grace from Allah, Erdoğan extended his condolences to their relatives and prayed for quick recovery for the wounded veterans.

- ATO Chairman Gürsel Baran

ATO Chairman Gursel Baran, said that, as the business community, their biggest goal is working for a strong Turkey in every field future as well as protecting independence.

After the speeches, with the participation of the students sent to Çanakkale by ATO, students who placed in the “From photos to Çanakkale” photography competition organized by the Ankara Provincial Education Directorate were presented their awards by President Erdoğan.

Mukaddes Sema Küçük received the first prize in the contest, while Fatma Reyhan Yücel won the second prize and Yavuzcan Karayulak received the third prize.

Didem Bahtiyar won the first prize in the story competition, Rabia Asil won the second prize and Sude Ay was awarded the third prize.