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Ahilik Week celebrations and economic discussions in Turkey

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2026-09-18 08:07 UTC → 2026-09-18 10:41 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The 39th Ahilik Culture and Vocational Training Week continues across Turkey, blending traditional ceremonies with discussions regarding economic recovery. While the week honors historical values of honesty, justice, and the master-apprentice relationship, it has also served as a platform for tradespeople to address post-earthquake hardships. In Malatya, representatives from the Malatya Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (MESOB) met with AK Party MP Bülent Tüfenkci to detail the struggles of businesses operating out of containers. Şevket Keskin, President of MESOB, emphasized the need for permanent commercial spaces to revitalize the city center. Local tradesmen reported that skyrocketing commercial rents, heavy tax burdens, and rising fuel costs threaten their stability. As celebrations expand to provinces such as Balıkesir, Manisa, Kocaeli, ~~and~~ Niğde, Osmaniye, Kırşehir, and Kütahya, the focus remains on preserving professional ethics through ceremonial marches and award ceremonies for ‘Yearly Ahi’ masters. In Kayseri, Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan noted that inspections are being conducted across 81 provinces to prevent unfair profits and price gouging. He also highlighted government support measures, including subsidized loans and credit extensions provided to tradespeople following the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic. Political leaders, including MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, have praised the Ahilik system as a ‘civilizational project’ that integrates professional expertise with moral values. Cultural festivities, including the ‘Şed Kuşanma’ ritual, continue to serve as a means to promote social cohesion and vocational training values across the country.

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