“Your culture is your brand,” says Tony Hsieh, the recipient of the “2007 World Entrepreneur of the Year Award.”
Countless definitions of the concept of culture have failed to go beyond proving the depth of this elusive element. Each definition and every idea proposed has only propelled this phenomenon into a more complex, more unknown orbit. While the values and accumulations that societies have preserved throughout history are perceived as the colors of our current lives, the concept of culture has become a marketed and transformed tool in today’s world.
Today, in an Italian-origin product, we can see reflections of Italy’s scientific, artistic, and historical heritage that has filtered down from the past to the present. Whether it’s of American or Scandinavian origin, every object has, in one way or another, intertwined and interacted with the cultural elements of that country. When we purchase any product or service, we are essentially buying the output of a culture, changing and transforming unintentionally. The focus here should be on bringing forth the right cultural quality at the right time on the right product/service. Can we ignore the impact of our cultural value of hospitality on the remarkable success and attention our hotels and Turkish Airlines receive? Can we deny the cultural influence of Turkish TV series in the growth figures in tourism? Can our incredible growth in Middle Eastern markets be explained without considering our cultural and historical ties with those countries? Certainly not. Many cultural elements, similar to those all around the world, have become one of the most crucial cornerstones of our economy, especially in our region. Essentially, we, starting from our region, offer our customers not only the products on our stands and shelves but also our service quality blended with our cultural understanding, our commercial experience, our sincerity, friendship perception, and historical accumulation. Most of our customers not only enjoy doing business with us but also take pleasure in discovering the beauties of our country and Istanbul. Here, the integration of cultural and commercial integrity comes into play. When these two factors come together and are used correctly, we grow and develop. Looking from this perspective, we once again see how sensitive, balanced, and diligent our country needs to be in all areas. The generations that will build the future are undoubtedly today’s youth. The power in their hands will be these abstract but influential values rather than material possessions. I hope and wish that the new generations, who respect their values, are determined, and preserve their culture in a substantial way, will carry the burden we shoulder today and the torch we carry even higher to illuminate our future.
As LASIAD, we had another dynamic and activity-filled month for our region. We participated in many events and visits, such as economic summits, consulates, and fairs. We organized meetings and exchanged ideas about our festivals and other projects. Hosting the valuable president of Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Mr. İbrahim Çağlar, in our region, we discussed current issues and what we can do for the future. The EMITT Tourism Fair, which we attended for the first time as LASIAD and supported as Laleli Hoteliers, revived our hopes for the expectations of our region. Also, the cooperation protocol we signed with Aydın University during the month will help us address the educational deficiency we value greatly and build the future with scientific methods.
As I conclude my words, I extend my regards with the hope that March brings peace and happiness for Laleli and our country.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca. English translation
