BTSO Celebrates Its 137th Anniversary

The Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO), founded on June 6, 1889 with the aim of guiding Bursa’s commercial and industrial life and contributing to the economic development goals of both the city and the country, celebrated its 137th anniversary. BTSO Chairman İbrahim Burkay stated that, with the support of more than 60,000 members, they have implemented over 60 projects that enhance Bursa’s production capacity, export volume, technological infrastructure, and competitiveness. He said, “With this approach, our 2030 vision reflects our determination to position Bursa much stronger in global competition. Through the projects we implement, we both provide strong solutions to our members’ evolving needs and prepare our city for the economy of the future.”

BTSO, whose foundations were laid in Kozahan under the leadership of Osman Fevzi Efendi and his colleagues, has today become one of Türkiye’s largest chambers of commerce and industry with more than 60,000 members. A special gathering was held in Kozahan with the participation of BTSO members to mark the anniversary of the organization’s founding. The program was attended by BTSO Chairman İbrahim Burkay, BTSO Assembly President Ali Uğur, former assembly presidents Burhan Vatan and İlhan Parseker, BTSO High Advisory Council members Celal Gökçen and Faik Çelik, Bursa Historical Bazaar and Inns Association President İsa Altıkardeş, BTSO Board and Assembly members, as well as committee members. Following the meeting in Kozahan, a wreath was laid at the Atatürk Monument, and prayers were offered at the tomb of BTSO founder Osman Fevzi Efendi in Emir Sultan Cemetery.

“137 Years of Contribution to Bursa’s Economic Development”

BTSO Chairman İbrahim Burkay stated that they commemorate Osman Fevzi Efendi, who initiated this historic journey of BTSO, a institution that has left a strong mark on Bursa’s production, trade, and industrial life, with mercy and gratitude. He emphasized that this vision represents a very valuable beginning that brought together the collective wisdom of Bursa’s business community under an institutional umbrella. Burkay noted that throughout its 137-year history, BTSO has played a significant role in Bursa’s economic development, strengthening its industrial identity, expanding its export horizons, and embedding an entrepreneurial culture.

“Towards Stronger Goals with Our 2030 Vision”

Burkay emphasized that Bursa’s transformation into one of the driving forces of the Turkish economy has been made possible through the efforts of past presidents, assembly and committee members, and the business community. He said, “We are working to carry this legacy even further. With the strength we derive from our 137-year institutional memory and our more than 60,000 members, we aim to further enhance Bursa’s production power, export capacity, technological infrastructure, and competitiveness. Our 2030 vision reflects our determination to elevate Bursa to a much stronger position in high-tech production, value-added exports, green and digital transformation, qualified employment, and global competition. While we provide strong solutions to our members’ evolving expectations through our projects, we are preparing our city for the economy of the future.”

He added that his greatest wish is for the steps taken today to be remembered in the future as valuable contributions to Bursa. He expressed gratitude to all former presidents, assembly presidents, board members, committee representatives, and employees who contributed to the Chamber’s 137-year journey.