MÜSİAD Holds 28th Ordinary General Assembly at Haliç Congress Center on its 35th Anniversary — Burhan Özdemir Elected as New President with Attendance of President Erdoğan

The Independent Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (MÜSİAD) held its 28th Ordinary General Assembly at the Haliç Congress Center, coinciding with the organization’s 35th anniversary. The event witnessed the participation of more than 3,000 MÜSİAD members and was honored by the presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

During the General Assembly, Mahmut Asmalı officially handed over the presidency to Burhan Özdemir, who had previously served as Vice President. The new term’s Board of Directors was also introduced.

In his speech, President Erdoğan noted that a significant leadership transition had taken place within MÜSİAD. He expressed his gratitude to Mahmut Asmalı, who had served as President since September 2021, for his dedicated efforts and extended his best wishes for success to the newly elected President Burhan Özdemir.

President Erdoğan emphasized the important role MÜSİAD has played throughout its history: "I have always remembered with gratitude the significance and message behind MÜSİAD accepting me as its first honorary member in 1999, just before I was sent to Pınarhisar. During the oppressive atmosphere of the February 28 process, the solidarity shown by MÜSİAD held a very special place in my heart."

He added, “Despite all hardships, pressure, discrimination, and injustice, MÜSİAD never gave up on production, exports, and working for the betterment of Turkey.”

Erdoğan further highlighted MÜSİAD’s contribution to Turkey’s economic progress since its founding in 1990 and praised the organization’s commitment to democracy, justice, and freedom. "By bringing together industrialists and entrepreneurs, MÜSİAD has played a historic role in uniting power and vision in the civil society arena. If the Republic of Turkey is stronger and more reputable today than in 2002, MÜSİAD’s 35-year journey has been instrumental in that success."

“Dreams Walk Toward the Future”

In his farewell speech, outgoing President Mahmut Asmalı reflected on MÜSİAD’s growth and unity over the years: "To those who once asked, ‘Can global trade emerge from Anatolia?’ we now confidently respond by exploring global partnership opportunities across continents."

Highlighting the projects launched during his 3 years and 8 months in office, Asmalı listed key initiatives such as the Anatolian Economic Diplomacy, Anatolian Production and Investment Movement, MÜSİAD Vizyoner, International MÜSİAD EXPO, MUST, sectoral summits, reports, awards, and international outreach programs.

He underscored MÜSİAD’s role in supporting the “Century of Türkiye” vision and noted the organization's involvement in many of the country’s key technological advancements, from UAVs and electric vehicles to defense and satellite technology. “Türkiye is no longer just a regional power; it is now a key actor influencing the direction of the global system. This vision combines economic growth with a civilization mission rooted in ethics, justice, production, technology, and diplomacy.”

Asmalı also reiterated the association’s goal for a “Terror-Free Türkiye,” stating that this aim is not only a matter of national security but also of sustainable economic growth.

In conclusion, he declared: “This is not a farewell, but a baton pass. Today, I take off the ‘president’s hat’ and proudly put on the ‘soldier’s hat.’ I believe that with Burhan Özdemir’s youthful energy and our collective experience, we will write even greater stories together.”

Burhan Özdemir: “This Responsibility Carries a Legacy of Sacrifice and Determination”

In his first address as President, Burhan Özdemir expressed his deep sense of responsibility: “This task carries the legacy of those who, despite hardship, held onto hope; those who paid the price and stood firm against all odds.”

Recalling the association's founding on May 9, 1990, Özdemir stressed MÜSİAD’s contribution to breaking the chains of economic oppression in Turkey and reconnecting with its ethical commercial roots, citing the values of the 13th-century Ahi tradition.

Touching on global economic challenges such as inflation, debt crises, and disrupted supply chains, Özdemir remarked: “The globalization once touted as the triumph of free trade has either ended or taken a new shape.”

He praised Turkey’s early preparedness, achieved through national policies that have boosted domestic production and strengthened national identity.

“MÜSİAD Will Be a Key Actor in Shaping Turkey’s National and Global Economic Future”

Özdemir emphasized MÜSİAD’s evolving role: “We will not only support our government’s national policy initiatives but will also help position Turkey as a key player in the new global order. MÜSİAD will amplify the Turkish business world's global presence while also launching projects to aid underdeveloped regions and support Turkey's regional leadership.”

He concluded by asserting that MÜSİAD’s achievements would serve not only economic interests but also moral and humanitarian goals.

New Board of Directors Announced

The new Board of Directors, under President Burhan Özdemir, was also elected during the General Assembly.

Vice Presidents:
Ahmet Doğan Alperen, Abdulkadir Çınar, Eyüp Uğur, Fahrettin Oylum, Selim Başdemir

Executive Board Members:
Ahmet Doğan Alperen, Eyüp Uğur, Muhammed Selim Başdemir, Abdulkadir Çınar, Fahrettin Oylum, Yunus Kartal, Selim Sar, Cemal Özen, Hasan Engin Tuncer, Ayşe Akgül Can, Mahmut Sefa Çelik, Ahmet Karakaya, Fatih Altunbaş, Mehmet Hilmi Kağnıcı, Abdullah Bozatlı, Selçuk Kar, Osman Nuri Önügören, Mağsum Usta

Alternate Members:
Dr. Abdullah Eriş, İsmail Filizfidanoğlu, Muhammed Huzeyfe Güllüoğlu, Cihan Kazan, Taha Çifci, Semih Fermanlı, Zeliha Kurt, Ahmet Tarık Gör, Seyf Şahin, Erdem Kesmen, Ahmet Gürel

Disciplinary Committee – Primary:
Mehmet Develioğlu, Mehmet Şahin, Bekir Sami Nalbantoğlu

Disciplinary Committee – Alternate:
Kerim Altıntaş, Halim Aydın, Vahit Kaya

Audit Committee – Primary:
Yusuf Cevahir, Mehmet Zeki Kaldırım, Ergun Kont

Audit Committee – Alternate:
Mustafa Yalnız, Cevat Kır, Yaşar Sekizkardeş