While Laleli offers its products and services to countless geographies of the world, it also makes significant contributions to our country’s civilization journey. We have countless people all over Turkey who produce for Laleli and work for Laleli. Our region delivers their handcrafted products to all over the world, from their most modern stores, with the strongest logistics networks. This magnificent ecosystem has survived to this day with Laleli’s decades-old commercial history and knowledge. We, together with our companions on our board of directors, are striving to carry forward this trust we have received, by respecting even the smallest rights.
On this long and arduous path, sometimes we may encounter stones and unexpected thorns. When we look at the last decade, countless crises, treacherous coup attempt, plane crisis, global pandemic and finally the Russia-Ukraine War are just a few of such road accidents. Our region continues its life against all these extraordinary tides by opening new roads and discovering new routes under the leadership of LASİAD and on the axis of Laleli’s spirit of togetherness. With an efficient and effective LASİAD, it manages to react immediately to unexpected crises and minimize the possible pains. In this, LASİAD’s prestige, reputation and ability to act jointly, which is undoubtedly the most important power of Laleli, in the eyes of all institutions and organizations are of great importance. The unique solidarity we show with the institutions we cooperate with in every project and activity we carry out is the most important indicator of this assurance. In this sense, I can easily say that we are an example to the world with the work we do.
The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce elections held in November witnessed important developments for us, too. First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our friends who trusted us and showed us their favor in the elections, who gave their valuable time to support us and voted for us. This term, we had the opportunity to serve on the board of directors of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, where we work, which is the largest chamber in the world, thanks to the proportionality of my esteemed President and my brother Şekib Avdagiç. I would like to thank him for his belief and trust in me. I believe that we will be destined to provide befitting services to both Laleli and Istanbul and to fulfill this important duty properly. Imam Shafi says: “Always be in service and effort. Because the real pleasure of life is in a tiredness that has no weariness.” We continue on our way with this motto and strive with all our strength to fulfill the duties we have undertaken. Because we know that this country and its people have a lot of work to do for the oppressed peoples of the world. Our responsibility towards the nations that put their hope in us, our country towards our youth and children. We have a dream and a responsibility to reach the level of contemporary civilizations. No matter how much we work and how much sweat we put into this, it is not enough. That is why the fatigue experienced on this path and for this cause continues, and the effort and sweat shed are the greatest honor for us.
I believe that the 100th anniversary of our Republic will be a unique year in which our country turns these dreams into reality and realizes its ideals one by one. If we maintain our unity and solidarity and move towards our goals as one, strong and whole, the barriers and dams that will stand before us will collapse one by one and be destroyed. Throughout history, we have neither pursued exploitation like the imperialist powers of the West, nor the false civilizations they built on contempt for nations. We have always stood for right, law and justice. That’s why the future belongs to us, the future belongs to Turkey. I greet you with these wishes and wishes and hope that 2023 will be a year of peace, prosperity, peace and development for our country and the whole world.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca
