The Ahi Tradition in Cyprus Discussed at the Nicosia Bedesten

The historical, cultural, and economic reflections of the Ahi tradition, one of the cornerstones of Turkish-Islamic culture, in Cyprus were discussed at the "Ahi Tradition in Cyprus Workshop" held at the Nicosia Bedesten.

Organized in collaboration with the Cyprus Evkaf Administration (Evkaf), Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), the International Development and Cooperation Association (UKID), the Culture, Education and Aid Association (KEYDER), and the National Archives and Research Department, the workshop evaluated the traces of the Ahi tradition in Cyprus within an academic and historical framework.

The workshop began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by opening speeches. Gifts were presented to the academics who would be giving presentations. The workshop, held in two sessions, concluded with a discussion section.

The workshop was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Evkaf  Administration, Selahaddin Bayırkan, and the General Manager, Prof. Dr. The event was attended by Mustafa Tümer, Rector of EMU Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, UBP Members of Parliament Zorlu Töre and Sunat Atun, Director of the National Archives and Research Department Ejdan Sadrazam, Head of Religious Affairs Hakan Moral, academics, officials, and guests.

Prof. Dr. Tümer: “An Ethical Institution Comes Before a Strong State”

In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer, Director General of the Cyprus Evkaf Administration, expressed his satisfaction that a workshop of this scope on the Ahi Brotherhood was being organized for the first time in Cyprus. Emphasizing that the Ahi Brotherhood and the foundation civilization cannot be considered separately, Tümer stated that these two structures center on ethical production, fair distribution, and social responsibility.

Noting that in the modern world, institutions are mostly evaluated based on performance and profitability, Tümer added that in the foundation and Ahi Brotherhood understanding, trust, a sense of responsibility, and service ethics are fundamental. Tümer stated, "If institutions are not governed by ethics, even the strongest structures will collapse from within."

Ahilik: Beyond a Historical Heritage

UBP Member of Parliament Zorlu Töre, in his speech, stated that Ahilik is an understanding based on mutual assistance and solidarity, and that the Turkish Cypriot people are a society that possesses this cultural heritage.

UBP Member of Parliament Sunat Atun, drawing attention to the roots of Turkish Cypriot history, emphasized that Ahilik and the culture of foundations are an important part of this historical process.

DAU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç also stated that Ahilik is not only a guild of craftsmen, but also an economic model based on ethical production and social solidarity, adding that the workshop will both shed light on history and offer important insights to today's business world.

The "Ahilik Workshop in Cyprus" aimed to contribute to the reassessment of the historical role of the Ahilik tradition in Cyprus and to the transmission of this cultural heritage to future generations.