AHILIK INFORMATION FESTIVAL HOSTED BY ETO

The Ahi Evran and Ahi Information Festival has commenced, organized by the Turkish Hearths Eskişehir Branch with the support of the Eskişehir Governorship, the business community, and universities.

The festival, which is being held at ETO, kicked off on December 13, Monday. The opening ceremony was attended by Eskişehir Governor Erol Ayyıldız, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Ercan Atasoy, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Eskişehir Osmangazi University Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yıldırım, Deputy Rector of Anadolu University Prof. Dr. Betül Demirci, Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce President Metin Güler, and President of the Union of Tradesmen and Craftsmen Ekrem Birsen. In his opening speech, Governor Ayyıldız emphasized the significant roles the Ahi organization played in the Turkification and Islamization of Anatolia and in laying the foundations of the Ottoman Empire. He stated that the Ahi tradition, which organizes working life based on good human qualities, has made important contributions to the development of trade.

Ahi Evran's Contributions to Turkification and Islamization

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Turkish Hearths Eskişehir Branch Prof. Dr. Nedim Ünal highlighted the miraculous nature of the Turkification and Islamization of Anatolia, noting that figures like Mevlana and Yunus Emre, along with Ahi Evran, contributed to this miracle. He expressed his hope that the two-day event would seek answers regarding what can be said about Ahi Evran in relation to today's humanity, economy, arbitration, and conflict resolution.

The Business World Emphasizes Ahi Values

ETO President Metin Güler mentioned that during the event, academics would evaluate the functions of Ahi culture in the new world order over two days and compile their findings into a written report. He noted that Ahi culture, which has been passed down from the Seljuks to the present, has rules that many countries defining trade rules today only managed to adopt later on. Ekrem Birsen, President of the Union of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, added that Ahi Evran played a crucial role in organizing tradesmen and craftsmen across many regions of Anatolia, significantly contributing to the economy of the time.

Ahi Evran as a Guide for Traders and Industrialists

Prof. Dr. Betül Demirci, Deputy Rector of Anadolu University, pointed out that Ahi culture is one of the most important elements for unity, solidarity, economic development, and political stability in the Turkish-Islamic geography, with Ahi Evran serving as a guide for traders and craftsmen. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yıldırım, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Eskişehir Osmangazi University, described the region as a "geographical landscape of the heart," shaped by a mystic essence, adding that the Ahi understanding contributes to the values of honesty and brotherhood inherent in this land.

Following the opening speeches, the sessions began. Over the next two days, academics from all over Turkey will share their scientific studies on Ahi Evran and Ahi culture.