Nazilli Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary with a Spectacular Ceremony
Nazilli Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary with a Spectacular Ceremony
The Nazilli Chamber of Commerce (NTO) celebrated the 100th anniversary of its establishment with a prestigious ceremony attended by prominent representatives of Türkiye’s public and business communities.
Among the distinguished guests were TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Credit Guarantee Fund (KGF) Chairman Erdoğan Özegen, Nazilli District Governor Huriye Küpeli Kan, members of the local protocol, presidents and board members of chambers of commerce and commodity exchanges from across the Aegean Region, and representatives of companies and businesses registered with the Nazilli Chamber of Commerce.
Regional Products Welcomed Guests Before the Ceremony
Prior to the official ceremony, visitors were welcomed in the Chamber’s outdoor service area, where a variety of the region’s geographically indicated products were prepared and served while accompanied by performances from a traditional Mehter (Ottoman Military) Band.
Among the featured specialties were:
- Nazilli Kar Helvası
- Nazilli Pide
- Karacasu Keşkek
- Bozdoğan Walnut Sausage
- Sultanhisar Strawberries
- Other traditional regional products
Gold Meeting Hall Officially Named After TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu
The ceremony commenced with the official inauguration of the Chamber’s newly constructed extension building, where the Gold Meeting Hall was formally named in honor of TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the celebration continued in the Chamber’s 500-seat conference hall, the only facility of its kind in the region.
Awards Presented to Leading Employers and Long-Standing Members
Following the opening speeches, commemorative awards were presented to:
- Companies providing the highest levels of employment within the region; and
- Members who have maintained uninterrupted membership with the Chamber for more than 50 years.
Awards recognizing outstanding contributions to regional employment were presented to several of the region’s leading companies, representing sectors including manufacturing, textiles, food processing, machinery, glass production, agricultural products, and industrial equipment.
In addition, long-standing member organizations—including major national banks, cooperatives, industrial organizations, and family-owned businesses that have maintained Chamber membership for over half a century—were honored for their continued contribution to the regional economy.
The awards were presented by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Nazilli District Governor Huriye Küpeli Kan, and NTO Chairman Nuri Arslan.
Recognition for Promoting Geographical Indication Products
Special appreciation awards were also presented to organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting the region’s geographically indicated products, including representatives from the Nazilli Bakers and Pastry Makers Association, Duruoğlu Kısmet Ltd., and the Karacasu Aphrodisias Potters’ Cooperative.
The Chamber additionally honored members of the local media for their valuable support in promoting the Chamber’s activities and regional development projects, presenting a special appreciation plaque on behalf of the press community.
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu: “Nazilli Chamber of Commerce Has Become a Five-Star Chamber”
Addressing the audience, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu praised the remarkable transformation achieved by the Nazilli Chamber of Commerce over the past decade and a half.
“I sincerely congratulate the Nazilli Chamber of Commerce on its 100th anniversary. This meaningful celebration has been organized to an exceptional standard.
I congratulate Chairman Nuri Arslan, the Board of Directors, and the Chamber staff for their outstanding efforts.
Every time Chairman Arslan visits Ankara, he arrives with new project proposals and investment initiatives. Through its Geographical Indication activities, the Chamber continues to add value to the region’s products while increasing their national recognition.
The Nazilli Chamber of Commerce has become an institution that creates real value for its region.”
Mr. Hisarcıklıoğlu also emphasized that the establishment of the Nazilli Second Organized Industrial Zone (Nazilli 2nd OIZ) is no longer simply a regional request but an economic necessity.
He reaffirmed TOBB’s willingness to support the Chamber’s efforts to restore the historic Nazilli Sümerbank Textile Factory and return it to productive economic use.
Highlighting the importance of vocational education for Türkiye’s future competitiveness, he announced another major development:
“As the TOBB community, we recognize how essential vocational education is for our country’s future. For this reason, we have begun working to establish a new vocational school in Nazilli.
I am pleased to share this good news with you today. This achievement is also a reflection of Chairman Nuri Arslan’s dedicated efforts.
I congratulate all the companies receiving awards today and wish them continued success.”
