07.08.2021 Muğla / Antalya
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “The destruction of forests triggers climate change. Therefore, protecting our nature and water resources should be our most important national issue. Let there be no doubt, wounds will be healed. As TOBB, we started a fundraiser. More than 15 million aid was collected in one day.”
The Union of Chambers
and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu
visited Bodrum, Milas, Muğla, Marmaris and Manavgat, where the forest fires
broke out.
“We came to Bodrum,
Milas and Menteşe to see the fire disasters on site. From here to Marmaris,
from there to Manavgat. There were 214 wildfires in 46 provinces. It's a first
in our history. Fires are continuing in 6 provinces. It has upset our entire
country and affected us deeply. I would like to thank everyone who has fought
in firefighting efforts, especially our state.”
- “Let there be no doubt, wounds will be healed”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated
that all of Turkey was united in the fire disaster. “May Allah never test us
with such days again. But let this union continue. The destruction of forests
triggers climate change. Therefore, protecting our nature and water resources
should be our most important national issue. Let there be no doubt, wounds will
be healed.”
Hisarcıklıoğlu stated
that 15.5 million TL was raised in one day in the cash campaign they started by
calling for support for 365 chambers and the stock exchange. “I am proud of our
community. Thank you all so much. May Allah never cause such catastrophe again.
We have launched a formal fundraising campaign with the necessary permissions
from the ministries. See, it's only been a day. Currently, the cash assistance
from our chambers and exchanges in Turkey is 15.5 million TL. Whoever wants to
plant saplings, who wants to donate cash. I have a whole list of things that
are needed. The Glassware Council is proposing to provide all the plates, bowls
and cutlery of the burning houses. Our Furniture Industry Council says 'let us
give you your furniture'. Great solidarity. May Allah not show you these difficult
times again. We saw such solidarity in the earthquake. There is this solidarity
in 81 provinces of Turkey. They all have their hearts beating with you.”
“I have come to gather
your opinions and suggestions. I will personally convey the opinions and
suggestions I will receive from you to the ministers, especially our President.
Those who want to contribute to this nationwide campaign started from day one.
Through the coordination center, we are noting everyone’s needs and directing
our friends throughout Turkey."
- “As the business world, we will make all manner of
contributions”
Noting that everyone is
ready to help, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “After these fires are
over, we will make all manner of contributions as the business world. Through
the unity of nation and state everything will be overcome. I thank my chambers
and exchanges. They tell us everything needed. We're coordinating. The funds
raised in the campaign will be used in areas where they are most needed. After
the fires are over, we'll all work on reforestation. May Allah never cause such
a disaster for our nation again.”
- Hisarcıklıoğlu listened to chamber/commodity exchange
councilors
Hisarcıklıoğlu first
received information from Mahmut Serdar Kocadon, chairman of the Board of
Directors of Bodrum Chamber of Commerce in Bodrum. Hisarcıklıoğlu also met with
Bodrum CE councillors.
Hisarcıklıoğlu then
moved to Milas, where he visited the Milas Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
where he listened to the problems of the council members. During the visit,
Milas CCI Chairman Reşit Özer briefed Hisarcıklıoğlu on the effects of the
fire.
Hisarcıklıoğlu also
visited Yeniköy thermal power plant affected by the forest fire and sent his
best wishes to Turkish Business President Ergun Atalay on behalf of Nihat
Özdemir and the workers.
Hisarcıklıoğlu met with
Mustafa Ercan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Muğla Chamber of Commerce
and Industry, Hurşit Öztürk, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Muğla
Commodity Exchange, and chamber/commodity exchange council members at Muğla
Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
TOBB President
Hisarcıklıoğlu, also visiting Marmaris Chamber of Commerce, received
information about the latest status of the fires from Mutlu Ayhan, Chairman of
Marmaris CE Board of Directors, and spoke with the council members.
Hisarcıklıoğlu, who
continued his studies in Antalya, visited Manavgat Chamber of Commerce and
Industry and listened to the council members. Hisarcıklıoğlu received
information from Manavgat CCI Chairman Sedi Tahsin Güngör.