InFocus: Türkiye NOV23

NOVEMBER 2023

IN FOCUS

KEEPING ATATÜRK’S LEGACY

TÜRKİYE

RECEP TAYYİP ERDOĞAN

President of the Republic of Türkiye

HAMİ AKSOY

Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye

AZİZ ARSLAN

President of the Executive Board of Halkbank a.d. Belgrade

FATİH KARACA

President of the Turkish Serbian Business Association

THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE

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IN FOCUS

TÜRKİYE

CON TENT

12 CORPORATE INTERVIEW

INFOCUS TÜRKİYE NOVEMBER 2023

SPECIAL EDITION OF DIPLOMACY&COMMERCE MAGAZINE

HALKBANK - THE BANK OF HIGH GOALS AND TRUE VALUES Aziz Arslan

FREE COPY Not for sale FOLLOW US TO STAY UPDATED

PUBLISHER Color Media Communication Petrovaradin CO-PUBLISHER Geographica doo Metlić Partners The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye to Serbia GoTurkiye / TGA Halkbank A.D. Beograd ROBERT ČOBAN Director robert.coban@color.rs DRAGAN NIKOLIĆ Editor in Chief dragan.nikolic@color.rs Journalists Nikola Gudelj, Mijat Kontić Advertising DRAGAN VUČEVIĆ dragan.vucevic@color.rs JELENA JAHURA jelena.jahura@color.rs Photos Goran Zlatković Dragan Nikolić Shutterstock Translation Snežana Bjelotomić, Brana Vladisavljević Prepress Studio Lončar Print Zlatna knjiga, Jagodina Published by: Color Media Communications Ltd. 21123 Petrovaradin, Serbia Štrosmajerova 3 VAT: 107871532 Reg. No: 20887303 Office: Braće Jugovića 23/2 11000 Belgrade Phone: + 381 11 4044 966 CIP – Katalogizacija u publikaciji Biblioteka Matice Srpske, Novi Sad 33 Diplomacy & Commerce / glavni i odgovorni urednik: Dragan Nikolić, 2016, (mart)-.Novi Sad: Color Media Communications, 2016 - , -33cm Mesečno ISSN 2466-3808 = Diplomacy & Commerce COBISS.SR-ID 303269895 Copyright 2016-2023 © Color Media Communications

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MESSAGE

BY THE PRESIDENT

President of the executive board of Halkbank a.d. Beograd

ON THE OCCASION OF 29 OCTOBER NATIONAL DAY H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

14 BUSINESS INTERVIEW 6

DIPLOMATIC INTERVIEW

A CENTURY OF MODERN TURKISH REPUBLIC H.E. Hami Aksoy

RUNNING A BUSINESS IN SERBIA IS VERY EASY Fatih Karaca

President of the Turkish–Serbian Business Association

Ambassador of Türkiye to Serbia

20 CORPORATE INTERVIEW 10 COMMERCIAL INTERVIEW

THE INTEREST OF TURKISH COMPANIES IN SERBIA IS GROWING Ms. Yasemin Yüce

HEALTHCARE REVOLUTION THE ACIBADEM BEL MEDIC MERGER STORY

Pharm.D. Feyza Öztürk Acıbadem Bel Medic CEO

Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Türkiye to Serbia 3

Message by the President H.E. Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN, President of the Republic of Türkiye on the occasion of the 29 October Republic Day

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IN FOCUS

TÜRKİYE

Dear Citizens, Distinguished Guests, I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings, affection and respect.

On October 29, Republic Day, I extend my sincere congratulations to all of our citizens, both in our country and around the world.

I would like to thank all our friends and guests, on behalf of my country and nation, for sharing the joy of the Republic Day with us through their participation.

Today, we are elated and proud to have reached the Centenary of the Republic.

At this milestone in our glorious history, I commemorate all our heroes who pioneered the foundation of our new state, first and foremost the founder of the Republic, Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and wish Allah’s mercy upon them.

I wish Allah’s mercy upon all our august martyrs and veterans, who shed their blood for the homeland for a thousand years.

I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has served our homeland, our nation and our state for centuries, with the belief of an “Eternal State”.

The Republic of Türkiye, whose centenary we celebrate with great enthusiasm, is the last state we founded on these lands.

The journey of our nation from the past to the future continued on to this day, from the Seljuks to the Ottomans, and from the Ottomans to the Republic of Türkiye.

The Republic of Türkiye has a 2,200-year-old state tradition, which is symbolically represented by the 16 stars in the Presidential Seal.

With the inspiration we draw from our deep-rooted history and ancestral values, we strive to prepare our Republic for its new century, by strengthening it even further.

It is our highest duty to ensure that the Republic, which was founded as “the protector of the helpless” in the words of Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, live on forever.

With this understanding, we have led our country from success to success, from victory to victory in the last 22 years.

We have taken steps to elevate our Republic above the level of contemporary civilisations through investments, and by overcoming century-old neglect and shortcomings.

We have implemented a range of historical reforms in every field, encompassing democracy, economy, security, justice, education, health, agriculture, and foreign policy.

With the Presidential Government System, we have achieved almost after a century the vision of Ghazi Mustafa Kemal who said: „THE PURPOSE AND GOAL OF THE NATIONAL STRUGGLE IS TO ENSURE AND SUSTAIN THE FULL INDEPENDENCE AND UNCONDITIONAL SOVEREIGNTY OF THE NATION”.

We have united the People and the Republic by demolishing the walls between the state and the nation.

By battling and ultimately defeating pro-tutelage centres, we ensured the unification of democracy and the Republic.

And now, in accordance with the „Century of Türkiye” goal, we are working with all our might to turn the second century of the Republic into the century of our nation on the global stage.

With our growing economy, strengthening democracy, increasing reputation, expanding sphere of influence, and our principled and visionary foreign policy, we continue to be „the protector of the helpless”, all over the world.

We are pleased to see that every achievement of Türkiye is being followed with hope by all the oppressed people in our region and in the world.

We are determined to glorify the ideal of a great and powerful Türkiye, regardless of the malevolent circles, at home and abroad.

Despite the terrorist organisations that serve as the weapons of the imperialists...

Despite the invaders who pursue the intrigues of the last century...

And despite those who are greedy and incompetent, and who are disturbed by the successes of our country...

In short, despite all the enemies of our nation and country, with Allah’s will, we shall bring to life the Century of Türkiye, as we have fulfilled all our other objectives.

May Allah be on our side and help us.

With these feelings and thoughts in mind, I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate the Republic Day of all our citizens living in Türkiye and abroad.

May the soul of all our martyrs rest in peace!

Happy 100th anniversary to our Republic!

May you remain safe and healthy.

H.E. Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN, President of the Republic of Türkiye

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A MBASSADOR’S I N TERVI EW

A CENTURY OF MODERN TURKISH REPUBLIC

Türkiye has grown into a modern state with a strong democracy

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H.E. HAMİ AKSOY Ambassador of Türkiye to Serbia he Turkish nation gratefully commemorates Great Leader Atatürk and all those who heroically sacrificed their lives to lay the foundations of modern Türkiye. On that occasion, we published this special edition of InFocus, where we spoke with H.E. Hami Aksoy, Ambassador of Türkiye to Serbia.

Türkiye celebrated its centenary on the 29th of October.

What have been the major moments of transformation for the Turkish Republic?

We proudly celebrate the centenary of our Republic. One hundred years ago, our founding leader, Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, proclaimed the Republic of Türkiye on 29th October after a long and devastating War of Independence.

The Turkish nation gratefully commemorates Great Leader Atatürk and all those who heroically sacrificed their lives to lay the foundations of modern Türkiye.

TÜRKİYE BECAME ONE OF EUROPE’S FIRST COUNTRIES TO ENSURE WOMEN’S CIVIL RIGHTS IN FOCUS

TÜRKİYE

by Mijat Kontić Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who knew very well that the growth and development of a country cannot be limited to reforms in a few areas, has pioneered great steps to be taken to develop our country in every field. Under Atatürk’s leadership, Türkiye successfully implemented political, economic, cultural, and legal reforms to construct a modern and developed country. In this respect, Türkiye became one of Europe’s first countries to ensure women’s civil rights. The education system was modernized. Agricultural and industrial reforms were introduced to ensure economic growth and overcome the destruction caused by the wars and the Great Depression of 1929.

After a hundred years, based on this strong foundation laid one hundred years ago despite the difficult conditions of the time, Türkiye has now grown into a modern state with a strong democracy and robust economy harbouring a young, dynamic and educated population. Our TÜRKİYE HAS principled, active, and humanitarian foreign BECOME A RESPECTED policy has also made COUNTRY IN ITS REGION us an important actor in our region and the AND BEYOND world.

After the EU, Türkiye is one of Serbia’s main trade partners. How did this beneficial partnership come about?

Our bilateral relations and cooperation with Serbia are at a historical peak. We are especially happy that the centenary of our Republic coincided with the golden age of our relations with Serbia, as defined by President H.E. Aleksandar Vucic. We opened our Consulate General in Novi Pazar in 2021, and our Consular Office in Nis started operating in 2022. We had the honor of working on many high-level visits from Türkiye to Serbia.

In bilateral trade, we broke the record of yearly 2,35 million USD in 2022, and we are moving decisively towards the 5-billion-dollar target set by our Presidents. In the past decade, our investments in Serbia increased from 1 million to over 400 million dollars. Türkiye and Serbia both have the political will to strengthen bilateral relations. We truly appreciate the positive approach of our Serbian counterparts in all fields.

How do you see the future of Serbian-Turkish cooperation on the political, economic, and cultural levels?

H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, is expected to visit Serbia soon to hold the fourth meeting of the Türkiye-Serbia High-Level Cooperation Coun-

What are your predictions for the future of Türkiye’s legacy and its overall position on the global scene in years to come?

Our deep-rooted history and Atatürk’s legacy oblige us to become a stronger and more prosperous country. Thanks to the rapid progress in every field, Türkiye is attracting more interest than ever. With the inspiration and strength that we take from the giant steps taken during the establishment of our country, we will continue making great efforts for the second century of our Republic. A strong Türkiye with a fully developed infrastructure will have greater influence in its region and beyond. In this respect, we have a Century of Türkiye Project embraced by our people. We have an effort to make Türkiye an even more developed and influential global actor.

During the second century of our Republic, despite the challenging global and regional circumstances, we will continue pursuing a principled and determined foreign policy. With the influence of humanitarian policies that shape our foreign policy approach, the Republic of Türkiye will continue to be actively involved in helping the relief efforts during humanitarian crises and resolution of conflicts not only in its vicinity but all around the world. With the breakthroughs made in recent years, Türkiye has become a respected country in its region and beyond. We will continue to stand out as a constructive actor and shape sustainable peace and development conditions in our neighbourhood and beyond.

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cil, established in 2017. Our Presidents have meetings and to support Turkish citizens at the borders to facilitate their phone calls almost monthly. This strong friendship and the crossing of Serbian borders since 2019. We would like to close ties between our peoples contribute to the constant de- continue this mutually beneficial cooperation in the following velopment of political, economic, and cultural relations. years.

Prominent Turkish companies are involved in mega infrastructure and transportation projects that contribute to the Türkiye is a popular tourist destination for people from development of Serbia. We hope to be part of more such proj- Serbia, but the number of Turkish travellers to Serbia is ects with our renowned construction firms. We are glad that rising. What are some unique aspects of Serbian culture more and more Turkish companies in the ICT and renewable which pique the interest of Turkish tourists? energy sectors are showing interest in investing in Serbia Increasing momentum in our relations contributes to the every single day. There are more than 20 Turkish factories current boost in tourism. We attach importance to developing people-to-people in vital sectors, and relations between our Turkish firms employ countries, and touraround 8.000 people ism is a key area of in different regions of cooperation. We conSerbia. tinue to break records Our cultural ties are in tourism numbers: also getting stronger. We frequently In 2022, almost interact with people 360.000 Serbians who started learning visited Türkiye. This the Turkish language is an all-time high from our television number. And 125.000 series. To this day, Turkish tourists almost 4.000 Serbian came to Serbia. This citizens are learning represents a 110% increase compared to Turkish at the Belgrade Yunus Emre the Turkish tourists Institute. Turkish Coin 2021. In the first operation and Coordieight months of this OUR BILATERAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION nation Agency, TİKA, year, 126.000 Turkish is an important de- WITH SERBIA ARE AT A HISTORICAL PEAK tourists came to Servelopment partner of bia, a 65% yearly inSerbia with projects in education, health, agriculture, and the crease. Türkiye now ranks first among the countries regardpublic sector. We establish sister-city relations between the ing the number of tourists visiting Serbia. Turkish tourists cities and municipalities of Türkiye and Serbia to increase cul- are attracted to Serbia due to its proximity, visa-free travel tural interactions and organize joint events in both countries. regime, historical ties, and cultural similarities. Serbian cuisine is also very much enjoyed by our people as it coincides What would you consider the most important field in with the Turkish taste.

Moreover, the number of direct flights between our counwhich Türkiye and Serbia collaborate?

Apart from economic cooperation, trade, and invest- tries is increasing. To Istanbul, we have flights from Belgrade, ments, which are my priorities as Ambassador, especially Kraljevo, and Nis. We now have direct flights to Ankara and instructed by President H.E. Erdoğan, we believe that se- İzmir throughout the year and to Antalya, Bodrum, and Alanya curity cooperation and our joint efforts to prevent irregular during summer. We invite our Serbian friends to visit the hismigration, our fight against terrorism and organized crime torical landmarks in İstanbul and the beautiful coasts of the constitute some of the most important aspects of our bilat- Aegean and the Mediterranean seas, as well as tourist attraceral relations. We appreciate Serbia’s firm stance against the tions in Anatolia such as Cappadocia in Nevşehir, Zeugma FETÖ terrorist organization by being the only country in the in Gaziantep, Mount Nemrut in Adıyaman and Göbeklitepe Balkans to eliminate its activities. archaeological site in Şanlıurfa, which is discovered to be the We have millions of Turkish citizens in Western Euro- oldest religious sanctuary in the world. Our winter tourism pean countries, and many Turkish families travel to Türkiye spots, Mount Uludağ in Bursa, Mount Erciyes in Kayseri, and through Serbia during summer. In cooperation with the Ser- Mount Palandöken in Erzurum, can also be visited by Serbian bian authorities, Turkish police officers have been assigned tourists.

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IN FOCUS

TÜRKİYE

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C O MM E RCI AL I N TE RVI EW

THE INTEREST OF TURKISH COMPANIES IN SERBIA IS GROWING Economic ties between our countries have flourished thanks to the Free Trade Agreement MS. YASEMİN YÜCE Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Türkiye to Serbia

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urkish companies are engaged in several industries in Serbia, comprising textile, automotive, machinery, wholesale and retail trade, contracting services, banking, tourism, healthcare, and energy. We spoke with Ms. Yasemin Yüce, Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Türkiye to Serbia, about the secret of success in the Serbian market.

There are plenty of Turkish companies doing business in Serbia. What is so special about our market for Turkish companies?

With its strategic location in the center of Southeast Europe, skilled labor force, competitive running costs, free trade agreements pro-

NEARLY 900 TURKISH COMPANIES ARE ACTIVELY DOING BUSINESS IN SERBIA AND EMPLOYING MORE THAN 8,000 WORKERS 10

IN FOCUS

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by Dragan Nikolić moting access to multiple markets, and investment incentives, the interest of our companies in Serbia is growing and quickly transforming into tangible benefits.

While the number of Turkish companies in Serbia was around 100 in 2015, today, nearly 900 Turkish companies are actively doing business in Serbia and employing more than 8,000 workers. Furthermore, our investment stock in Serbia has experienced significant growth, rising from a mere USD 1 million in 2011 to USD 307 million in 2022, based on the data from the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye.

In what industries and fields are most Turkish companies working here?

Turkish companies are engaged in several industries in Serbia, comprising textile, automotive, machinery, wholesale and retail trade, contracting services, banking, tourism, healthcare, and energy.

Notably, two significant motorway projects in Serbia, the Morava Corridor and the Belgrade-Sarajevo highway, are being built with the participation of Turkish contractors. Moreover, numerous investors in the automotive and textile industries have manufacturing plants in Serbia that produce goods for corporations worldwide. In the service sector, our country’s most important banking, healthcare, energy, and transportation companies continue to operate in Serbia.

Additionally, several Turkish companies involved in the automotive, construction, healthcare, ICT, energy, transportation, and food processing industries persist in their endeavors to esSERBIA TO BECOME tablish new or additional investments or TÜRKİYE’S ONE OF THE commence new proj- MOST IMPORTANT ects in Serbia.

TRADING PARTNERS

What do you think about your overall experience working in the Serbian market?

Is it easy for a Turkish company to do business here?

Economic ties between our countries have flourished thanks to the Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force in 2010 and expanded in 2019, the Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments, Joint Economic Commission meetings, and numerous other agreements and mechanisms.

Furthermore, Turkish enterprises’ proficiency in providing prompt and secure delivery of high-quality and reasonably priced products in Serbia furnishes our businesses with a competitive edge in this market. Additionally, despite the lack of a common border, the long-standing and significant history shared between Türkiye and Serbia strengthens the proximity between our countries and facilitates a conducive foundation for our commercial affiliations. This situation provides a significant boost to our bilateral trade and economic ties.

All these factors have led Serbia to become Türkiye’s one of the most important trading partners. In 2022, Türkiye became the 7th most vital trade partner for Serbia.

Our Embassy has witnessed a rise in requests from Turkish and Serbian firms keen on investing, establishing businesses, or participating in trade. This highlights the eagerness of Turkish firms to investigate potential in Serbia and the request of Serbian businesses for Turkish goods and services.

What kind of trends have you noticed in the foreign trade volume?

Under the Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and Serbia, both Parties eliminated customs duties on imports of all industrial products. Regarding agricultural products, Türkiye and Serbia exchanged mutual concessions for certain products in the form of tariff quotas subject to MFN duty reduction or exemption.

In this context, our foreign trade volume reached USD 1.31 billion in 2018 and has continued to display an upward trend with the Free Trade Agreement. Based on data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, our bilateral trade surpassed the target set by the two Presidents at the Second High-Level Cooperation Council in 2019, reaching a record of USD 2.35 billion in 2022.

Serbia’s exports to Türkiye amount to USD 573.6 million, whilst Türkiye exported USD 1.77 billion to Serbia in 2022.

The long-term trade volume target is set at USD 5 billion, and we will strive to collaborate with the public and private institutions in both countries to attain this objective.

Both of our countries are doing well in green energy and digitalisation. Are there any plans for joint action?

Over the last ten years, Türkiye has diversified its energy mix significantly, with particularly impressive growth in renewable energy thanks to supportive government policies. Besides, in 2022, Türkiye’s ICT sector has become an integral part of its economy, with a market size of USD 24.7 billion and USD 2.9 billion in exports to Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Asia, and North America.

Conversely, Serbia has prioritized green energy and digitalization concerns, resulting in significant and tangible advancements. It is evident that these matters will further boost Serbia’s economy in the future.

Therefore, renewable energy and ICT are important in our future bilateral relations. Our objective is to actively collaborate in Serbia’s digital and green transformation by exchanging our companies’ experiences and know-how.

What kind of economic cooperation between Türkiye and Serbia do you expect to see this and next year?

I firmly believe that strengthening economic and cultural ties between Türkiye and Serbia through various dialogue mechanisms will augment development and prosperity. Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine causing a worldwide disruption of supply chains, our economic partnership has been further intensified, especially by adopting near-shoring and friend-shoring strategies.

We believe that our present commercial relationship has the potential to elevate to higher levels by investing in new sectors and collaborating on mutual project.

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C O RP ORAT E I N TE RV I EW

HALKBANK - THE BANK OF HIGH GOALS AND TRUE VALUES In the next years, we will ensure the position as one of the main banks in Serbia

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AZİZ ARSLAN President of the Executive Board of Halkbank a.d. Beograd

n period of high market competition and bank mergers, HALKBANK Belgrade has managed to maintain stable growth and its market position in all key balance sheet positions. This allowed the Bank to further develop and climb its way to be one of the main banks in Serbia.

Because HALKBANK a.d. Belgrade has been in business on the territory of Serbia since 2015, how In the last 2 years, in addition to the uncertain times that can you describe its development so far? affected, among other things, the banking sector as well, a With the aim of building a bridge between the Serbian and significant growth of HALKBANK Belgrade was recorded.

Turkish economies, HALKBANK started operating on the ter- How do you explain that? ritory of Serbia in 2015 and since then has been trying to The truth is that uncertain times have affected the banking provide clients with an adequate response to all their finan- sector around the world, as well as here. Still, I believe that cial needs, with various support systems such as develop- our Bank has succeeded in keeping the existing level and imment and implementation of the in-house processing sys- proving the entire business system further. In a period of high tem and personalization of the cards, establishment of the market competition and bank mergers, HALKBANK managed contact center with 24/7 support, even to maintain stable growth and on Turkish language and introduction of its market position in all key balTHE LARGEST RELATIVE debit and credit cards. From the moment ance sheet positions. Besides the Bank entered the banking market of GROWTH OF LOANS COMPARED helping us reach our targets, Serbia, various types of loans and saving our mother Bank, Türkiye HALK TO THE BEGINNING OF products are available to clients, as well BANKASI A.Ş. has made a signifas numerous innovative services such as THE YEAR IS IN THE AGRO icant capital increase of 50 mildigital wallets and improved applications lion euros during 2022, where SEGMENT - 22%, AND THE SME for mBanking and eBanking for individuthe Bank’s total capital reached als and legal entities. a value of 180 million euros. In SEGMENT - 8%.

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IN FOCUS

TÜRKİYE

the last year and a half, 7 branches of our Bank were opened, of which 4 were opened this year, representing an increase of 20%, which we are particularly proud of. With that, the total number of our branches has increased to 43 in Serbia, and we are available to clients through more than 100 ATMs throughout the country.

In which segment has the greatest development of the Bank been noticeable in the previous period?

We can easily say that the Bank’s growth and development in the past period took place in all fields, and therefore, it is difficult to single out just one segment. Bank placed EUR 243.8 million through loans mainly from the Bank’s potential to the segments that we can point out-business for large clients, small and medium-sized enterprises and agricultural clients.

This implies a growth of 7% since the beginning of the year.

The largest relative growth of loans compared to the beginning of the year is in the Agro segment - 22%, and the SME segment - 8%. In 2023, the Bank was also selected at the Public InOUR BIGGEST vitation of the Ministry of Economy of the Re- TARGET HAS ALWAYS public of Serbia for the BEEN GIVING OUR participation of banks and leasing compa- CLIENTS THE BEST nies in realizing the POSSIBLE SOLUTION FOR Program of Support for Small Businesses THEIR FINANCIAL NEEDS for the Procurement of Equipment. Until now, HALKBANK has received over 130 requests in the total amount of around EUR 8 million, which will further improve the SME client base and enable further portfolio growth. Also, the Bank has continued cooperation with the SEF foundation and, in 2023, placed over 3.1 million euros in loans. We have also signed an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture regarding subsidized loans for working capital and agricultural equipment, and it is the 6th year of the Bank’s participation in the program, through which significant results were achieved. There was also a noticeable increase in the number of new employees, where in the previous year, our Bank recorded a significantly lower turnover of people compared to competing banks. HALKBANK employees have numerous benefits, such as private health insurance, organization of various educational workshops, etc.

Since the end of the year is approaching and it is possible to review and summarize the results so far partially, what has marked the business of HALKBANK in 2023?

Because of the motto of the Bank is People first and foremost, our biggest target has always been giving to our clients the best possible quality of service, solutions for all of their financial needs and providing to them improved products and services. Year 2023 will be marked as a year in which the bank expanded its network of branches as well as continued the de-

velopment of digital wallets, such as Xiaomi Pay and Swatch Pay besides the Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay, Amazfit, Fitbit and Fidesmo.

Since the special edition of this magazine is dedicated to the 100th year of the Republic of Türkiye, how can you describe the relationships of the Bank with the Turkish official representatives in Serbia?

Since the beginning of our business, we have received strong support from Turkish officials in Serbia. We have excellent cooperation with the Embassy of Türkiye, which provides incredible support for the development of our Bank in this climate. In 2023, the Ambassador of Türkiye in Serbia, Mr. Hami Aksoy, has been present at the ceremonial opening of two new branches of our Bank, the Vojvode Stepe branch and the Sjenica branch. At the official opening of the branch in Sjenica, the Ambassador pointed out that he considers HALKBANK a national pride, representing them in the best light because it increases the number of branches throughout Serbia and contributes to employment. Also, HALKBANK contributed to the Embassy for organizing the celebration on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye. The celebration was held on October 27, where we, on behalf of HALKBANK, had the opportunity to meet and greet all the guests.

What are the plans for the Bank’s business in 2024? What will be in focus?

According to the strategy of HALKBANK a.d. Belgrade, the main focus will be set on the development of innovative products and services as well as on improvement and digitalization of the process, with a constant focus on raising business efficiency. Our goal in the upcoming year is to digitalize the entire business system in the Bank which means to offer possibilities of opening current accounts online, online loaning and depositing and even bigger mobile and electronic banking improvement. Per our motto, the Bank’s primary goal will always be the high quality of service for the satisfaction of the clients. Following this pace, in the next years, we will ensure the position of one of the main banks in Serbia.

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BUSI N E SS I N T E RVI EW

RUNNING A BUSINESS IN SERBIA IS VERY EASY

The cooperation is increasing daily – thanks to high-level political support, increasing investments, and visitors on both sides

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here are hundreds of Turkish companies doing their business in Serbia. What are their main benefits, and how do they work and live in our country - learn from this inspiring interview with Mr. Fatih Karaca, president of the Turkish-Serbian Business Association.

How can you describe recent Turkish–Serbian business cooperation? There is a good history of it, but what’s new recently?

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FATİH KARACA President of the Turkish–Serbian Business Association

BEING ON THE BORDER OF THE EU GIVES A MASSIVE LOGISTIC ADVANTAGE TO TURKISH COMPANIES IN FOCUS

TÜRKİYE

by Dragan Nikolić The cooperation is increasing daily – thanks to high-level political support, increasing investments, and visitors on both sides. Our Ambassador, H.E. Hami Aksoy, and our Commercial Counsellor, Yasemin Yüce, are very active and supporting the investors on the highest level. Also, there is Halkbank in Serbia, one of the biggest banks in Türkiye, and the majority of Halkbank is owned by the Turkish Wealth Fund, which gives a secure feeling to Turkish business people.

On the other side, I am receiving Serbian companies willing to invest in Türkiye as well, which is new information.

It looks like there are plenty of Turkish businesses in Serbia. What are the main industries that are covered?

Let me give some numbers; according to PKS records, there are more than 900 companies related to Türkiye – either owners or representatives of Turkish origin. This number excludes dissolved companies. When you check the number of companies, more than 30% of them are “construction of residential and non-residential buildings” and “other specialized construction activities”; 10% of them are registered as “non-specialized wholesale trade” and other sectors are less than 5%. But when you check the business turnover, according to the end of 2021 figures, these construction-related businesses have just above 2% share, and when you add road construction, this share spikes above 30%. Then we have electrical household appliances, 12%; textile retailers, around 9%; automotive companies, %6; pharmaceutical companies, %6 and textile companies, %4 shares. As these figures show, by the activity code, so many construction companies – except for road construction – have little effect on total business. The real business effect is road construction, electrical household appliances, textile retailers, and the automotive industry; small number of companies with big effect.“

How easy is a Turkish company to run its business here in Serbia? Are there any obstacles, and what should be done to boost procedures further?

When you check different ease-of-business reports published by different organizations, you can see that Serbia’s ranking is improving yearly. Turkish companies also benefit from this positive trend. The obstacles are also not specific to a country, but in general, digitalization will help solve these problems, I hope. If you asked me this question 11 years ago when I first moved to Serbia, to establish the Representative office of Halkbank here, I could argue that Serbian legislation is more procedural than Turkish legislation. It has sometimes been a setback for investors. But when we come to today, where the first step of doing business becomes managing WE SHOULD Compliance issues, I PROMOTE SERBIA IN can say that running your business in SerTÜRKIYE MORE bia is very easy – you just need to communicate well with your legal advisor and accountant. The obstacles can be summarized as common compliance requests (cannot be influenced), working environment differences (can be solved by good advisors), and language barrier (unfortunately, there is not enough Englishspeaking capacity on the Turkish side, so the number of Serbian-Turkish court translators can be increased).

What is the major benefit for Turkish companies in the Serbian market?

European Union is Türkiye’s main trade partner, and being on the border of the EU gives a massive logistic advantage to Turkish companies. I always recommend production companies check the possibility of producing “Made in Serbia” branded products in Serbia, which will allow duty-free export to more than a billion people in the world. Also, a stable for-

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What is the life experience of a Turkish businessman who works and lives in Serbia, from your perspective and from what you learned from your colleagues and managers from member companies? Is Serbia a good place to work and live?

traffic problem. During my career, I lived in cities where it took me almost 2 hours to reach work and even longer to come back home. Belgrade is heaven, even during the heavy traffic hours. This increases the quality of life enormously.

Another reason is the cuisine; very similar or the same type of food saves time and hassle in deciding what to eat daily.

I can say that I learned how tasty well-cooked meat can be in Serbia; during one dinner with a Turkish businessman, he was amazed when our waiter was cutting a beefsteak with a spoon instead of a knife! And the most important reason for my experience is the attitude of Serbian BELGRADE people towards Turkish people. We have IS HEAVEN, EVEN very similar traditions, DURING THE HEAVY family ties, habits… My wife Danica is Serbian, TRAFFIC HOURS and when I communi-

When I meet people for the first time and they ask me if I like living in Serbia, I answer them “No…” then pause a bit and then say, “Because I love her!” This refers to a song from the seventies, Dreadlock Holiday, where the lyrics go as “I don’t like reggae, I love it / I don’t like Jamaica, I love her.”

This feeling hasn’t changed since I’ve moved here. I have many reasons, and we share the same opinions with other Turkish friends who live in Serbia. To share a few, one reason is traffic. Many capital and main cities in the world have

cate with my in-laws, I see many common traditions – with respect to children, respect for the elderly, respect for social community, etc. I think that we should remember our past to learn from our rights and wrongs, think of tomorrow, how to be better in every way and live today trying to accomplish that better future. So far, I believe that Serbia has a bright future: a lovely country with huge potential, warm and welcoming people, and a great place to work and live, and I’m glad to be here!

eign exchange rate is crucial for precise cost evaluation, as has been the case in Serbia for over a decade.

Are there any new projects that Turkish companies work on here in Serbia?

Several companies are visiting Serbia and analyzing their potential projects, recently on Information Technologies, energy and digitalization sectors. However, as I can see, the current global situation is holding them back from making a faster decision. But we should promote Serbia in Türkiye more so that more companies in Türkiye will be aware of the attractive investment opportunities in Serbia. This is one of the goals of our Association.

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TS BA N E W S

AUGUST 2023 Mehmet Kemal Bozay, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, visited TSBA At the working breakfast, we met with Mr. İlhan Saygılı, General Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Balkans and Central Europe, and with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehmet Kemal Bozay, the founder of our association. Working breakfast was hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Serbia, H. E. Hami Aksoy, and General Director of Halkbank a.d. Beograd, Mr. Aziz Arslan. We exchanged ideas about the future work and vision of our association. We would like to take this opportunity to express our great gratitude and deep respect to them.

SEPTEMBER 2023 Visit to the Minister of Information and Telecommunications Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Belgrade, H.E. Hami Aksoy, and President of the Turkish-Serbian Business Association, Mr. Fatih Karaca, with Halkbank Belgrade Marketing Director Mr. Hasan Cömert, visited the Minister of Information and Telecommunications Mr. Mihailo Jovanović and expressed their deep gratitude for the support provided during the collection of humanitarian aid for the areas affected by the devastating earthquakes that hit the Republic of Türkiye in February this year.

Through SMS messages to the number 1003, which was active with all mobile operators in the Republic of Serbia, a total of 79.155 SMS messages were sent.

The Turkish-Serbian Business Association has opened accounts in dinars and euros to pay financial aid to the vulnerable population. The total number of legal and natural persons who supported humanitarian financial aid is 521.

305.000 EUR of humanitarian aid has been transferred

to accounts of the Emergency Situations Administration of the Republic of Türkiye AFAD until today.

We would like to express our deep gratitude to all humanitarians and all persons who selflessly contributed to the Turkish people in unprecedented times.

NOVEMBER 2023 The working breakfast for November was held at Mazars Our sixth workshop breakfast was held at the Mazars Serbia premises. During the event, the great team from this international audit firm gave a brief presentation outlining their activities and sectors. As usual, the meeting concluded with B2B meetings. Mazars is a well-known global firm that provides audit, tax, and advisory services. The firm operates as a united partnership, with one integrated team that combines expertise and cultural understanding to deliver exceptional and personalized services in accounting and auditing, tax, financial advisory, consulting, and legal services. We would like to thank the Mazars team and our members for participating. We look forward to meeting our members at upcoming events.

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100 YEARS AND COUNTING The Turkish Embassy in Belgrade Throws a Republic Day Party to Remember!

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n 27 October 2023, the Embassy of Türkiye in Belgrade celebrated the centenary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye.

His Excellency Hami Aksoy, Ambassador of Türkiye to Serbia, organized a memorable reception

Mr. Ambassador expressed his happiness over the fact that the centenary of the Turkish Republic coincided with the golden age of their relations with Serbia.

Turkish musicians Fettah Can and Cansu Kurtçu and their band performed at the reception while guests enjoyed delightful Turkish cuisine.

The ambassador thanked the many Turkish companies for generous support of National Day Reception: Turkish-Serbian Business Association, Acıbadem Bel Medic, Aster Tekstil, Eurotay, Teklas, Halkbank, Taşyapı, Ek-Pet, Doku-San, Söylemez, Kardeşler, Bayburt Tesisleri, Ekol, Makro Teknik, and Hitit Mobilya. Special thanks were given to Pravi Döner for delicious döner, Beko for Turkish coffee, and Kiğılı for giving out gift vouchers.

on Republic Day. “Today, after a hundred years, Türkiye has grown into a modern state with her young and educated population of over 85 million, implementing an “Enterprising and Humanitarian Foreign Policy,” working to achieve ‘Peace at Home, Peace in the World,’ an objective set out by our great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,” said Mr. Aksoy at the welcoming speech.

The Turkish Republic Day, a national TURKISH holiday observed annually on October 29th since 1925, marks the pivotal MUSICIANS FETTAH moment when Ataturk proclaimed CAN AND CANSU the establishment of the new regime of Türkiye following the dissolution of KURTÇU AND THEIR the Ottoman Empire and the trium- BAND PERFORMED phant conclusion of the War of Independence, a campaign significantly AT THE RECEPTION led by Atatürk himself. In the wake of WHILE GUESTS these historic events, Atatürk ascended to the position of Türkiye’s inaugural ENJOYED DELIGHTFUL president.

TURKISH CUISINE

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HEALTHCARE REVOLUTION THE ACIBADEM BEL MEDIC MERGER STORY Shaping Serbia’s Medical Future

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PHARM.D. FEYZA ÖZTÜRK Acıbadem Bel Medic CEO

n an industry marked by continuous transformation and growing demands, the merger of Acıbadem and Bel Medic is a significant milestone in Serbia’s healthcare sector. At the heart of this pivotal moment is Pharm.D. Feyza Öztürk, CEO of Acıbadem Bel Medic, whose unique leadership journey and strategic vision are shaping the future of healthcare services in the region. In this interview, Öztürk discusses the goals and challenges of this integration, the evolving landscape of healthcare, and her personal journey in steering this major transition. As a prominent female leader in an industry where such representation is growing, she also shares her insights on leadership, adaptation in times of crisis, and maintaining a balance between high-stakes professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

WITH RAPID CHANGES IN IT AND GLOBAL MEDICINE, TECHNOLOGY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SUPPORT IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 20

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by Nikola Gudelj The merger between Acıbadem and Bel Medic is a big move in the healthcare industry in Serbia. Can you elaborate on the primary goals of this integration and the main challenges you’ve faced during this transformative process?

These two well-known brands came together with a single goal – to offer new opportunities in providing premium healthcare services to patients in Serbia. By combining the extensive international experience of the Acıbadem Healthcare Group with the well-established Bel Medic brand, we can now offer our patients new treatment options at an institution they have come to trust. Despite bringing together two distinct cultures, we are united by a common set of universal values and shared goals in patient safety, which have further strengthened the synergy of these two brands.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, what forward-looking plans does Acıbadem have to innovate and expand its services, and how do they align with the company’s long-term vision?

With rapid changes in the IT industry and global medical developments, technology represents the most important support in diagnosis and treatment. Acıbadem Healthcare Group remains committed to advancing and enhancing its systems, prioritizing precision and efficiency in the delivery of medical care to benefit its patients. As Acıbadem Bel Medic, we are now an institution that hosts patients from most countries in the Balkan region. Our objective is to increase the scope of services offered in Serbia by expanding our capacities in the future.

Moving from Türkiye to Serbia must have been a significant transition. Can you share how this move has influenced your leadership approach and decision-making at Acıbadem Bel Medic, and how you’ve adapted personally and professionally?

My professional journey started as a pharmacist within the Acıbadem Healthcare Group. Thanks to the support and trust of our senior leadership, I had the privilege to assume managerial roles in various locations across the globe, including Singapore, Malaysia, and many more. I worked in different positions in most of our hospitals in Turkiye. This diversity has allowed me to identify solutions and address various challenges at every organizational level. When I started working in Serbia, I gained a deeper understanding of both cultures and their similarities. I realized that our patient–oriented and solution-based approach was the same, which made it easier for me to lead in change management.

In an industry where female leadership is still growing, what unique challenges have you faced, and what advice would you offer to aspiring women leaders in healthcare?

The healthcare sector has the highest population of female employees globally. I believe sharing the experience

with female leaders and managers from different countries is valuable. For me, it is very important to work side by side with healthcare professionals in the field, understand them, and help them find solutions to problems, all while keeping communication on the most professional level. I advocate for young candidates eager to advance in their careers, who work hard, show patience, and continuously improve their communication skills. Whatever we do, we should always try to be the best versions of ourselves, and I believe that the key to personal and professional development is consistency and perseverance.

Considering the unstable nature of the healthcare sector, especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, how has Acıbadem Bel Medic adapted its strategies to continue providing top-tier healthcare services?

The COVID-19 pandemic demanded a very different approach to crisis management for everyone. Our priority was to immediately and accurately adapt our hospitals and clinics to serve our healthcare teams’ needs best while ensuring the continuous supply of essential resources. It was a team effort aimed at catering to the diverse requirements of our patients, including COVID-19 patients, those with chronic illnesses, and expectant mothTHE PRIORITY ers, all while simultaneously managing IS ALWAYS TO GIVE multiple processes.

IMPORTANCE TO TEAM After successfully making necessary SUCCESS RATHER area separations, we THAN INDIVIDUAL carefully organized our teams, ensuring SUCCESS that each member worked within their designated areas to address specific needs while maintaining the functionality of medical devices and equipment. I would like to wholeheartedly thank our physicians and all other healthcare teams who worked with great dedication in all hospitals during this process. They were always the frontline, alongside us, on the field.

Leading a major healthcare group undoubtedly comes with high demands. How do you maintain a balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being?

Establishing this balance is always easier when you have a good team to back you up. The priority is always to prioritize team success rather than individual success.

In change management, we choose colleagues who can maintain physical and mental resilience and act with dedication during the transition process. Work and life balance is always difficult to achieve in the healthcare sector; however, if you have a good team, you can always find some time for yourself and your personal passions.

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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN TÜRKİYE

Türkiye has made remarkable progress since laying the foundations of its industrial sector over a century ago

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Text and photos: Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Investment Office

ollowing renowned economist Walt Rostow’s model of economic development stages, Türkiye entered the „take-off” industrialization phase in 1937, merely 14 years after the establishment of the modern republic. This phase, as defined by Rostow, marks an industrial revolution characterized by radical changes in production methods, resulting in significant consequences within a relatively short timeframe.

Türkiye’s industrialization gained significant momentum in the new millennium. The combination of substantial economic reforms implemented over the past two decades and impressive GDP growth has attracted substantial foreign direct investments (FDI), positioning the country as a magnet for international investors. According to research conducted by EY, Türkiye was ranked as Europe’s fifth most attractive investment destination in 2021, hosting 264 new projects.

TÜRKİYE’S INDUSTRIALIZATION GAINED SIGNIFICANT MOMENTUM IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM

Türkiye’s economic success can be attributed to multiple factors, with robust economic performance leading the way. The country achieved consistent GDP

growth, averaging 5.4 percent annually from 2002-2022, positioning Türkiye as the 11th largest global economy. Nearly one-third of the GDP stems from investment expenditures, underscoring Türkiye’s commitment to fostering economic development.

Exports are vital, contributing a quarter to Türkiye’s economic output. The government’s dedication to supporting export sectors is evident through strategic reforms, including reducing corporate taxes to 20 percent from 33 percent in 2006. Furthermore, Türkiye has implemented key legal changes such as enacting the Commercial Code in 2011, the Industrial Property Law, and the new Labor Courts Code in 2017.

These legislative advancements, combined with the first Ease of Doing Business Reform Package in 2019 and a second one in 2020, highlight Türkiye’s continuous efforts to enhance the investment climate, ensuring an investor-friendly environment.

Türkiye’s appeal to international investors is significantly bolstered by its strategic location, the second major factor driving foreign investment into the country. Positioned

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significant asset, especially considering the challenges faced by investors in other European nations with aging populations. Türkiye offers unparalleled opportunities, with its demographic advantage fueling a robust labor force and a thriving domestic market. As of 2022, Türkiye’s population was registered at 85.2 million. Projections from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) indicate a continued upward trajectory, reaching 88.4 million by 2030 and 92.3 million by 2040, maintaining its growth momentum until 2050 when it is expected to peak at 93.5 million.

With half of its population under 33.5 in 2022, Türkiye boasts the largest youth population among EU member countries. Consequently, its overall labor force is approximately 34.3 million people, making Türkiye the second-largest labor force in Europe, surpassed only by Germany. Türkiye has recorded the highest labor force growth rate among EU countries, averaging 27 percent between 2002-2022. Moreover, Türkiye’s average labor productivity increase stands at an impressive 3.4 percent, a stark comparison to the modest 1.2 percent observed in OECD member states.

at the crossroads of global trade and travel routes, Türkiye offers seamless access to a vast market of over one billion customers. This access is facilitated through Türkiye’s membership in the EU Customs Union and 28 free trade agreements with more than 30 countries, all achieved at remarkably low logistical costs. Within a mere four-hour flight radius, investors can tap into a colossal combined market worth USD 28 trillion spanning Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. Turkish Airlines, with its extensive network covering 342 destinations in 121 countries, enhances global connectivity, solidifying Türkiye’s position as an attractive headquarters and manufacturing hub for multinational giants such as Nestlé, which uses Türkiye as a production base for the MENA region and Hugo Boss, with its largest production facility globally in Türkiye.

Moreover, Türkiye’s significance transcends manufacturing and serves as a vital management hub for numerous companies. Automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Toyota and Ford export over 85 percent of their production from Türkiye. Additionally, companies such as BSH (overseeing operations in 89 countries), GE (managing activities in 22 countries), Microsoft (operating across 70 countries), and Knauf (overseeing operations in 80 countries) have all chosen Türkiye as their hub for regional operations.

Thirdly, Türkiye’s advantageous demographic conditions have positioned the country as a frontrunner among its competitors. Its youthful and well-educated population stands as a

Diversification is another pillar of Türkiye’s economic strength, with a manufacturing capacity spanning various industries. Türkiye ranks globally as the 14th largest auto vehicle manufacturer and the largest TV and white goods producer in Europe. The country’s defense and aerospace industry is valued at USD 11 billion, while its agrifood industry is worth USD 103 billion. On the other hand, Türkiye demonstrates strong performance in energy, machinery, chemicals, and financial services, making significant contributions to its GDP DIVERSIFICATION and exports.

IS ANOTHER PILLAR OF TÜRKİYE’S ECONOMIC STRENGTH, WITH A MANUFACTURING CAPACITY SPANNING VARIOUS INDUSTRIES

Finally, Türkiye offers an exceptionally liberal investment climate, removing all barriers to FDI inflows and providing strong protection.

Additionally, generous incentive packages offered by the government help minimize upfront costs and expedite the returns on investments (ROIs). ​These incentives are tailored for projects in priority sectors classified as key areas for transferring technology and economic development. In addition, the Turkish government provides generous support programs for Research and Development (R&D) and innovation projects, employee training initiatives, and exporters through various grants, incentives, and loans.

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WE WANT TO MAKE OUR HIGH-PERFORMANCE HOME APPLIANCES ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE

ALP ARBATLI Beko Balkans CEO

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Technology and innovation as tools to create a more livable world

eko, of which Beko Balkans is a subsidiary, is one of the world’s largest home appliances manufacturers. The representative office of this global player in Serbia was opened in 2015, but the products were present on our market even before, through partners. Beko quickly became one of Serbia’s favorite brands when it comes to home appliances.

Modern design, high performance, energy saving, ease of use and long service life have made Beko appliances very popular. Beko Balkans CEO Alp Arbatli talked to InFocus about how much and what is being invested in order to be even more

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successful, and how Beko Balkans’ business is not only about quantity but also about quality and sustainable products (Beko is among the leaders of responsible business in the world), as well as what it’s like to do business in Serbia.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING PRODUCTS THAT ARE NOT ONLY INNOVATIVE AND RELIABLE, BUT ALSO PROMOTE GOOD CONSUMER HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUS

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Why was it decided to make Serbia your „HQ” for the region and how did you manage to gain the trust of consumers and become one of favorite brands in Serbia?

From Serbia, we manage 8 countries, together with our subsidiary Beko Croatia. What brought us to Serbia is the business landscape, logistical and geographical position, legislation that works well, quality people who are our main strength, and much more. Together we take care of the quality of our products, we constantly communicate with our end customers and listen to their needs and impressions, we try to maintain the loyalty of our consumers and to be a part of their everyday life in the right way. We are glad that we are one of the companies in Serbia that raises awareness of the importance of sustainability, and that we have encountered positive reactions from consumers who here, too, are increasingly able to appreciate sustainable business.

Sustainability in every business segment is very important for the entire Group. Can you name some of the many interesting examples of both sustainable business and products?

Sustainability is our driving force. We believe in technology and innovation as tools to create a more livable world. Our commitment to achieving net zero emissions across WE HAVE USED our entire chain by 2050 and our ambi- 192.2 MILLION tious goals for 2030 RECYCLED PET BOTTLES inspire us to do even more. In our circular IN OUR MDAS AND AIR economy initiatives, CONDITIONERS IN THE we have made significant progress: we have LAST FIVE YEARS used 192.2 million recycled PET bottles in our MDAs and air conditioners in the last five years. Our innovative BioFridge features egg containers made from 20% eggshell waste and 79% bioplastics, and our AutoDose dishwasher promotes sustainability by using 28% less detergent. We are, in fact, champions of energy efficiency, but more importantly, energy efficiency is key to reducing the electricity bill for each of our customers individually.

What are the plans for the future, for business as a whole?

In terms of sales and product development, our goal is to make sustainability accessible to everyone. Beko will continue its mission to „democratize” technology by launching an expanded range of affordable, high-performance home appliances. Our focus will constantly revolve around strengthening our collaboration with our retail partners. Finally, we will continue to invest in consumer education, with the goal of raising awareness of sustainable consumption and encouraging our customers to actively participate in our efforts to make the world a better place to live.

How would you generally rate or describe your stay in Belgrade and Serbia? What makes you happy here, as a businessman, and what makes you happy as a resident of our country?

Because of work, I also stayed in the USA for a while, I got used to differences, but in Serbia it was very easy for me to adapt, both for me and my family. As a family of four, we felt welcome from the beginning. The culture is very similar to ours, and we like to gather family and friends and spend time together. On the business front, communication as well as some good partner relations are very important in Serbia, and above all, professionalism is also a very important part of business here. Also, some kind of personal connection in work, and fulfilling promises mean a lot, so I enjoy work, because it’s a winning combination. Whenever there is an opportunity, we organize gatherings and meetings with our consumers at various events, but also with partners both in Serbia and the entire region. And those are the events that always remain in our fond memories. So, at a get-together, we decided to seal a keg of brandy with our partners and associates, which we named „Bekovača” and with which we toasted the start of the successful year 2023. With the desire to make life easier in the performance of everyday tasks, we will strive for constant innovation and new technologies so that Beko is the State of Mind when choosing home appliances and small household appliances.

The slogan of your consumer brand Beko was „Eat Like A Pro” which evolved into „Live Like A Pro” and is now „Beko’s State of Mind”, all with a very interesting background. Can you explain what that refers to? „Beko’s State of Mind” refers to a comprehensive approach to well-being, which goes beyond healthy living itself. It encompasses both the health of the individual and the health of the planet. At Beko, we embrace this holistic perspective and focus not only on physical well-being but on various other aspects as well, all of which contribute to overall health. We are committed to providing products that are not only innovative and reliable, but also promote good consumer health and environmental sustainability. „Beko’s State of Mind” represents our commitment to ensure that.

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THE EVOLVING ENERGY LANDSCAPE IN TÜRKİYE

The transformation of the energy sector has become a widely discussed topic in Türkiye, aligning with global trends he shift from fossil fuels to clean, renewable, and zero-carbon sources such as solar, wind, and water is now Türkiye’s top policy priority.

The country aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption, helping mitigate climate change and global warming impacts.

Over the past decade, Türkiye has significantly diversified its energy mix, particularly in hydro, solar, and wind energy sources. Electricity generation from renewables has tripled over this period. Between 2014 and 2021, the total installed capacity expanded rapidly, reaching 104 GW in 2022. As of 2022, renewables contribute to 54 percent of this total capacity.

Türkiye supports renewable electricity generation through initiatives such as feed-in-tariffs and the Renewable Energy Support Mechanism (YEKDEM), which offer stable returns over ten-year terms. The initiation of the Green Certificate

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mechanism in compliance with EU standards, also known as the YEK-G system, has further incentivized renewable energy usage and reduced carbon emissions since June 2021.

This market-based system allows consumers to certify the proportion of electricity sourced from renewable sources in their supply.

The green certificate further serves as a major milestone towards de-carbonization, given its global recognition as a globally significant tradable asset, proving that a renewable (green) energy source has generated a determined amount of electricity. An International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC) scheme has been in place in Türkiye since 2020.

THE GREEN CERTIFICATE FURTHER SERVES AS A MAJOR MILESTONE TOWARDS DE-CARBONIZATION IN FOCUS

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All photos: © Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Investment Office

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Text and photos: Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Investment Office

Moreover, a new tariff mechanism has been developed for small-scale consumers who opt for a fossil-free electricity supply. Energy efficiency lies at the heart of Türkiye’s national strategic vision, aiming to alleviate energy costs, transition to a low-carbon economy, and enhance environmental protection. The Energy Efficiency Law of 2007 marked the beginning of a transformative process, followed by the formulation of the 2012 Energy Efficiency Strategy, which set targets for 2023. Additionally, the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan was developed to ensure the effective implementation and monitoring of efficiency initiatives across various sectors of the economy.

In January 2023, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR) unveiled the Hydrogen Action Plan for 2053, underscoring the country’s commitment to supporting both new and existing investors seeking solutions for accessing green electricity and future hydrogen opportunities in the Türkiye market. The Investment Office tailors its attraction and policymaking strategies by understanding the transition needs of the manufacturing industry, primarily oriented towards EU export markets.

The energy transition is a multifaceted process shaped by diverse priorities, requiring a blend of skills, technologies, policies, financing, and resources. While the specific route to the goal varies based on individual circumstances, the ultimate destination is universal. Ensuring an equitable, inclusive, and well-coordinated transition is crucial to avoid leaving anyone behind.. Decarbonizing the energy sector demands urgent global action and international and regional collaboration to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and promising solutions. Together, we can forge a sustainable energy future through cooperation and coordination across international and regional borders.

In 2017, MENR entered a Strategic Sector Cooperation with Denmark’s Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Utilities. This initiative, known as the Energy Efficiency and Low Carbon Supply of Heating and Cooling Project, is designed to assist MENR in formulating pertinent policies, strategies, and solutions crucial for a low-carbon transformation in its energy sector. The project is tailored to realize Türkiye’s enduring objectives concerning energy efficiency and district energy, bolstering the country’s capacity to implement upcoming legislation on heat supply and leveraging Denmark’s proven expertise in this field.

Globally, Türkiye has played an active role in the Paris Climate Agreement, officially ratifying it in October 2021. To meet its COP21 obligations, Türkiye renamed the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization as the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.

This international commitment has spurred Türkiye’s energy transition process, gaining momentum. Türkiye aspires to steer its industrial policy toward the next stage of the clean energy transition. Crucial policies promoting innovation in electric vehicles, energy storage, and digital technologies will propel this vision forward in the coming years.

TÜRKIYE ASPIRES TO STEER ITS INDUSTRIAL POLICY TOWARD THE NEXT STAGE OF THE CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION

Among potential avenues for collaboration between Türkiye and Serbia, natural gas supply, and investments in renewable energy generation stand out. Leveraging the TurkStream pipeline, Türkiye and Serbia could partner on exporting natural gas via Türkiye to Serbia, as has been the case with other Balkan countries. Thanks to diverse import sources and discoveries in the Black Sea, Türkiye has become a major regional gas trading hub and potential supplier in recent years.

Türkiye has amassed solid experience developing and investing in wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal power plants. Turkish investors and engineering companies are well-positioned to play a key enabling role in advancing Serbia’s green electricity sector through significant contributions.

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by Dragan Nikolić

FOOTBALL HAS LOST ITS SOUL Prekazi played for a long time for the Turkish FC Galatasaray, which he led to the Champions Cup’s semi-final, which is considered one of the greatest successes in the club’s history

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XHEVAT PREKAZI Yugoslav Football Icon

hile preparing InFocus Türkiye in the editorial office, we planned to write about the strong sports connection between Serbia and Türkiye. Many of our football and basketball players and other athletes play in Türkiye, and we wanted to investigate the secret of this sporting brotherhood between Serbs and Turks.

As the whole project was done in cooperation with the Turkish Embassy, ​​we listened to the wish of His Excellency Ambassador Hami Aksoy, who suggested that we have an interview with Xhevat Prekazi, his great friend also the famous football legend of Partizan and Galatasaray.

Prekazi suffered a mild stroke just a month ago. Still, hearing that the ambassador would like him to be part of the special edition about Türkiye, he immediately confirmed the interview for our magazine. „I can’t do it by email. Let’s talk”, said Prekazi decisively and invited me to a bar in the “7. Jula” street, in the Dorćol neighborhood not far from his apartment. He said he does not accept these new street names and will always call them what he has always called them.

The Serbian football legend is no longer involved in football. Devastated by the recent loss of his wife, he spends time in peace with friends who have not forgotten him, and he is also planning a long trip to New Zealand, where he has a cousin and where he can’t wait to rest from these Balkan problems of ours.

Right from the beginning of the conversation, I realized that I was sitting opposite a real sports legend. While we are talking over coffee, people come and go and greet him and stop to ask him how he is doing through the cafe window. I cannot put him in the same basket as modern football stars who are so untouchable and alienated from the people.

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„Football has lost its soul,” Prekazi tells me as if he knew what I was thinking. „It used to be a sport, and today it’s show business,” he adds, confirming that he doesn’t watch football anymore. „Are we similar in mentality to the Turks, given that today many of our players are in their clubs?” I asked.

He disagreed with me and told me it had always been like that. Back in Yugoslavia, many of our football players and coaches went to Türkiye, which had poorly developed football at that time. „You can’t even imagine what the pitches were like. It is rare to find a decent football pitch anywhere in Türkiye. At that time, the Yugoslav League was one of the strongest in Europe. Of course, they needed us back then. They always had an awareness that they should improve and work to be better - to be the best,” he says. This is probably why today’s Turkish football is one of the best on the old continent because of such an attitude.

In the conversation, we often touched on our former homeland - Yugoslavia, and Prekazi did not hide the fact that he is a big Yugo-nostalgic. Even though he is Albanian, he grew up in a multinational environment at a time when it was seen who was what kind of person, and not who was Serb or Albanian. He lives in Belgrade, which he considers his city and which he accepted as his hometown. „I love this city very much, but it breaks my heart to see how it is being destroyed lately. Here, look at what this beautiful Dorćol is made of”.

Nowhere did he feel like a foreigner, not even in Türkiye, which he considers his second homeland. „The people there are hospitable, and they make friends very easily. If they recognize you as a good person, all doors will be open to you”. He lived for a long time in Istanbul while playing for Galatasaray, whom he led to the Champions Cup semi-finals, considered one of the club’s greatest successes.

Xhevat Prekazi, a native of Kosovska Mitrovica, a Belgradian, an Albanian, a Serb, a Turk, but above all, a Yugoslav, is a man of the kind that we can no longer have today because another time has come that does not give birth to legends.

TÜRKİYE IS MY SECOND HOMELAND

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EARTH Q UAK E RE COVERY

EARTHQUAKE IMPACT AND RECOVERY VISION As emergency response measures continue, the Government of Türkiye has announced ambitious reconstruction plans

THE TERRA IS DESIGNED TO HELP UNDERSTAND THE SCALE OF THE NEED AND THE PRIORITIES FOR RECONSTRUCTION 30

Turkish Embassy: Serbia helped us a lot Following the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye on 6 February 2023, Serbia has shown exemplary support and solidarity toour country. The government and the people of Serbia, our citizens, the business community, and NGOs acted voluntarily and in coordination with our Embassy to collect and deliver a significant amount of in-kind and financial aid to Türkiye in a short period of time.

With efforts of the Ministry of Interior and NGOs in Serbia, a total of 51 personnel and 1 rescue dog traveled to earthquake zones to join search and rescue efforts. The teams worked in Hatay and Kahramanmaraş and rescued three of our citizens.

More than 200 tons of in-kind aid materials collected by the Serbian Government, our citizens, and NGOs from Serbia were sent to Türkiye under the coordination of our Embassy, our Consulate General in Novi Pazar, and the Consular Office in Nis by Turkish Airlines cargo flights, as well as trucks provided by our business people. In close coordination with AFAD, the aid materials were directed to Adana, Gaziantep, and Ankara to be delivered to our citizens affected by the earthquakes.

The first part of the in-kind aid (worth almost 2 million Euros) provided

by Serbia was sent to our country by the cargo planes allocated by Turkish Airlines. The Serbian Government also took a decision regarding financial aid to Türkiye and provided 1 million Euros. Serbia also launched SMS campaigns for collecting financial aid.The total amount of support from Serbia exceeded 3,5 million Euros. We are extremely grateful to the Serbian government and the people of Serbia for their tremendous support. We will never forget this solidarity.

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Photos: © Shutterstock

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series of debilitating earthquakes hit Türkiye in February 2023.

Even for an earthquake-prone region, the disaster was unprecedented in its scope and the magnitude of the destruction it caused.

As emergency response measures continue, the Government of Türkiye has announced ambitious reconstruction plans, including a commitment to rebuild all damaged residential housing. The TERRA makes a preliminary conclusion that the impact amounts to 103.6 billion USD, or equivalent to 9 percent of Türkiye’s forecast GDP for 2023.

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C IT Y BRE AK

EXPLORING THE MARVELS OF İZMİR

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND TRADITION Izmir is a perfect choice for escape from the daily grind and to embark on a spontaneous city break

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A GLIMPSE OF HISTORY

The adventure began in the heart of Izmir at Konak Square.

Standing tall and proud, the iconic Clock Tower welcomed me to a bustling scene of locals and tourists alike. The historic Kemeraltı Bazaar beckoned, its narrow alleys adorned with colorful textiles, aromatic spices, and the lively banter of shopkeepers. As I wandered the market, the blend of traditional Turkish crafts and modern souvenirs captivated my senses.

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In the afternoon, I ventured to the Agora Open Air Museum, where the echoes of ancient life reverberated through the well-preserved ruins. The Agora’s columns and arches spoke volumes about the vibrant marketplace that once thrived here. The National Tourism Board organized a gala dinner for participants of the Euro-velo conference. I was a part of that sporty and happy group of people from all over Europe. Dinner was spectacular within the walls of ancient Agora, where Alexander the Great slept once after he conquered the city from the Amazonas. He settled later at the Kadifekale, The Clock the Velvet Castle, at the hills, Tower whose ancient stones whis-

THE AGORA’S COLUMNS AND ARCHES SPOKE VOLUMES ABOUT THE VIBRANT MARKETPLACE THAT ONCE THRIVED HERE IN FOCUS

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Photos: © Shutterstock, © Dragan Nikolić

agazine Diplomacy & Commerce has an honorable task to visit Izmir as part of our cooperation with the Embassy of Turkiye in Serbia and the National Tourism Board of this beautiful country.

As a reporter and editor who worked on this special edition, I had the great pleasure of visiting Izmir in late October. It was a perfect long weekend holiday. I had a wonderful time exploring an ancient but modern city with an exciting atmosphere and delicious cuisine. This city is a perfect choice for escape from the daily grind and to embark on a spontaneous city break.

The allure of Izmir’s rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque coastline had been fascinating. Right upon arriving in Izmir, we felt the warm embrace of the Mediterranean climate after check-in at Hotel Movenpick at the kilometer zero location of the city center.

Izmir revealed itself like a hidden gem nestled along the Aegean coastline. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, I was Agora Izmir eager to embark on a journey through this Turkish city that promised a tapestry of experiences.

by Dragan Nikolić Going south, I discovered an interesting hipster neighborhood where famous Turkish musician Dario Moreno, of Sefardic Jewish origin, was based. Once upon a time, it was the Jewish quarter, today famous for the historic Asensor (Elevator) carrying tired people from sea level up to the hill. In the footsteps of the Asensor, there are a few cobblestoned streets with interesting cafes and galleries designed in Latino style, remembering Moreno’s origins from the Iberian peninsula.

A JOURNEY TO EPHESUS

A short trip from Izmir led me to the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the marble-paved streets, Cesius Library I was transported Ephesus back in time. The Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater, and the Terrace Houses revealed the splendor of a bygone era. A serene atmosphere enveloped me at the House of the Virgin Mary, providing a moment of reflection.

Nestled in the hills near Ephesus, village Şirince was renowned for its picturesque setting, historic charm, and the warmth of its inhabitants. After a scenic drive through olive orchards and vineyards, Şirince suddenly appears like an old romantic postcard scene with its terracotta-roofed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant bougainvillea draping over the stone walls.

Sirince

CULINARY DELIGHTS

Diego Moreno Street

pered stories of conquerors and civilizations.

Izmir sprawled beneath me from the castle’s heights like a patchwork quilt of red-tiled roofs and minarets.

SEA BREEZE AND SCENIC VIEWS

Asensor Izmir

A morning stroll along the Kordon, the city’s waterfront promenade, offered panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. The scent of saltwater mixed with the aroma of Turkish coffee wafting from the charming cafes lining the promenade.

As I sipped my coffee, I marveled at the seamless blend of historKemeralti ical landmarks and modern enBazaar ergy.

Like much of Turkish cuisine, Izmir cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors influenced by the region’s history, geography, and cultural diversity. Izmir, surrounded by olive groves, is known for extensively using olive oil in cooking.

Dishes like Imam Bayıldı (stuffed eggplant with tomatoes and olive oil), Artichokes with Olive Oil, and Fava (broad bean puree) showcase the region’s emphasis on fresh, high-quality olive oil.

A local specialty, Kumru is a sesame-crusted sandwich İZMİR CUISINE with various ingredients, such as Turkish sausage (sucuk), IS A DELIGHTFUL pastirma (cured beef), cheese, FUSION OF FLAVORS and sometimes pickles. It’s a popular street food and a quick, satisfying snack.

With its coastal location, Izmir boasts a rich variety of seafood dishes. Grilled fish, calamari, shrimp, and octopus are commonly enjoyed, often seasoned with local herbs and served with fresh salads.

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TURQUOISE COAST IS A PEARL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

Antalya Ancient Harbour

A testament to the historical connections between different civilizations in the region

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urquoise Coast typically refers to the region of Antalya, known for its stunning turquoise-colored waters. This region is also known as the Turkish Riviera and is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant culture

The coastline is adorned with numerous pristine beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it an ideal destination for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

The Turquoise Coast is rich in history, with many ancient ruins and archaeological sites to explore. The region has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. Visitors can explore charming coastal towns, traditional markets, and local cuisine.

tegic location atop a mountain, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. According to the legend, it was the only city that was not conquered by Alexander the Great. There are many other anPhaselis cient sites nearby, and all of them are worth mentioning.

The archaeological site of Phaselis is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the city’s ancient architecture and urban plan-

The Lycian Way is a long-distance hiking trail that stretches along the Turquoise Coast. It offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and passes through ancient ruins and picturesque villages.

Termessos, for example, is an ancient city in the Taurus Mountains near Antalya. It is known for its well-preserved ruins and stra-

THE LYCIAN WAY IS A LONG-DISTANCE HIKING TRAIL THAT STRETCHES ALONG THE TURQUOISE COAST

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Aspendos

ning. Interestingly, Phaselis was settled on a small peninsula surrounded by three beautiful bays. One of them was the ancient harbor, and now you can still see some ancient walls and column fractures under the sea while you swim in the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean Sea. Notable structures include an agora (marketplace), a theater, temples, and an aqueduct.

Photos: © Shutterstock

East of Antalya, numerous ancient sites are very famous, too.

Perge dates back to the Bronze Age and was an important center during Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The Hittites originally settled it, and it later became a prosperous city under Greek and Roman rule.

The archaeological site of Perge boasts well-preserved ruins, including city walls, gates, streets, and various structures, offering valuable insights into the urban planning Kaleici - Old town and architecture of in Antalya the time.

Aspendos is particularly famous for its well-preserved ancient theater, considered one of the best-preserved examples of Roman theater architecture. The highlight of Aspendos is its Roman theater, renowned for its excellent preservation and remarkable acoustics. Built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161–180 AD), the theater could accommodate around 15,000 spectators. Today, it is still used for cultural events and performances. The theater at Aspendos is considered one of the finest examples of Roman theater architecture. Its design includes well-preserved tiers of seats, a stage, and a backdrop (scaenae frons), showcasing the engineering and architectural prowess of the time. The theater’s acoustics are exceptional, allowing performers to be heard even from the top seats. This is a testament to the architectural skill of the Romans.

Side has a rich history dating back to the ancient Hittites. It later became a Greek colony, and its historical development includes periods of rule by the Persians, Alexander the Great, and the Seleucids.

Hadrian Gate During the Roman period, Side flourished as an important port city. Many of the well-preserved ruins in Side today are from this era, including the city walls, the agora (marketplace), and the theater. The city boasts an impressive array of ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, the Roman theater, the city walls, the agora, and the Temple of Tyche. These ruins provide insight into the architectural and cultural achievements of the ancient inhabitants. The Temple of Apollo is one of Side’s iconic landmarks. The temple is at the end of Side’s peninsula and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The presence of this temple highlights the city’s historical and religious importance.

Kaleiçi, known as the Old Town of Antalya, is a well-preserved example of an Ottoman-era district showcasing traditional Turkish architecture and urban planning. Many of the buildings in the area date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Ancient city walls surround the district, and well-preserved gates serve as entry points to the city. Hadrian’s Gate, a triumphal arch dating to the Roman period, is one of the notable entrances to Kaleiçi.

KALEIÇI IS A WELLThe narrow streets of Kaleiçi are lined with PRESERVED EXAMPLE Ottoman-era houses featuring distinctive arOF AN OTTOMAN-ERA chitecture with wooden DISTRICT SHOWCASING balconies, courtyards, and intricate details.

TRADITIONAL TURKISH Some houses have been ARCHITECTURE AND converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, and URBAN PLANNING shops. The symbol of Kaleiçi is Hadrian’s Gate, built to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s visit to the city in the 2nd century AD, It stands. as a testament to the historical connections between different civilizations in the region.

Side The Temple of Appolo

Antalya is easy to visit. During the summer, there are several daily flights directly from Belgrade. During the winter, which is also very attractive in Antalya due to its mild climate, it can be reached via Istanbul.

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TIMELESS, SUSTAINABLE: TURKISH CUISINE IS BACK ON THE WORLD STAGE! Shaped by more than a thousand years of cultures and traditions, social heritage, and stories, Turkish cuisine presents its distinctive and diverse flavors to the world during Turkish Cuisine Week

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n its second year, Turkish Cuisine Week introduces Türkiye’s rich gastronomic culture to a broad audience at home and abroad through the representations of the Republic of Türkiye. This important seven-day event, organised in May, features unique recipes from timeless Turkish cuisine while highlighting the sustainability of an age-old culinary tradition where pots have been boiling with the philosophy of zero waste for millennia.

Unique examples from Turkish cuisine are presented within the scope of Turkish Cuisine Week. This year’s special menu consists of local dishes from the cuisine of Hatay.

INCLUDED IN THE UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK IN GASTRONOMY, THE CITY OF ANTAKYA IN HATAY PROVINCE HAS LONG BEEN WORLD-RENOWNED FOR ITS DIVERSE CUISINE 36

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Included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in gastronomy, the city of Antakya in Hatay province has long been world-renowned for its diverse cuisine.

Featuring more than 650 dishes, Hatay’s gastronomy is a Mediterranean cuisine characterized by fresh vegetables, quality olive oil, and legumes and cereals.

The Hatay menu, showcased in this year’s international events, includes flatbread with red pepper paste, olive salad, hummus, kısır (fine bulgur salad), oven-baked kebap, and künefe (Kadayıf dessert with cheese).

During Turkish Cuisine Week, numerous dishes reflecting timeless and sustainable Turkish cuisine will be prepared with local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Events across Türkiye’s 81 provinc-

tables and fruits, has numerous vegetarian and vegan nutrition options. With these characteristics, Turkish cuisine draws attention to its existing and potential synergy with diverse dining and drinking trends.

Turkish cuisine is naturally waste-free, with recipes that use every product component and stand out with a sustainable structure. Meals are prepared without wasting ingredients, and tables are laden with healing specialties such as vinegar and pickles made of food scraps. The transformation of potential food waste into edible delicacies reveals a gastronomic tradition that preserves biodiversity and is ecologically sustainable. Turkish cuisine also stands out due to its cultural sustainability – featuring dining and drinking rituals formed around feelings of unity and solidarity. Tables, where the entire family gathers and guests are accepted as guests of God,

es will showcase all aspects of Turkish cuisine, including Turkish coffee, Turkish tea, and Turkish delight.

RICH CUISINE SHAPED OVER MILLENNIA

TURKISH CUISINE BRINGS DEEP-

Nourished by the interaction of different cultures in a historical ROOTED TRADITIONS TO THE PRESENT DAY process exceeding thousands of years, Turkish cuisine brings deep-rooted traditions to the present day, benefiting from the favourable climate and diverse flora and fauna of the fertile geography of Türkiye. The Turkish taste heritage, shaped by countless civilizations such as the Seljuks and the Ottomans, is among the richest cuisines in the world, featuring traditional recipes, healthy and waste-free tables, and a timeless identity.

Consisting of original tastes prepared with local products in almost every region of the country, Turkish cuisine supports healthy and balanced nutrition through its rich biodiversity, high-quality natural products, and different storage and cooking techniques. In addition, Turkish food, which draws on a wide variety of field-to-table vege-

bring together people of all ages, conditions, and social classes, playing an essential role in social cohesion. Traditional tables are one manifestation of the generosity of the Turkish people, their love of sharing and solidarity, and a daily life-affirming culture that has existed for thousands of years. Turkish cuisine, also an essential component of Türkiye’s intangible social heritage, guarantees the transfer and sustainability of cultural heritage to new generations in this respect.

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CENTENARY OF THE PROCLAMATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE ON POSTAGE STAMPS

n 2 November 2023, in the PTT Museum in Belgrade, the Post of Serbia, together with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in the Republic of Serbia, officially presented a commemorative philatelic issue commemorating the centenary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye.

The stamp with the image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern Republic of Türkiye, was presented by H.E. Hami Aksoy, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye in Serbia, and Zoran Djordjević, Acting Director of the Post of Serbia. „By issuing this postage stamp, we mark an important moment in the history of the Republic of Türkiye. Today is an opportunity to highlight our deep political and economic partnership and friendship

and our commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and relations between our two countries,” Djordjević said.

The commemorative philatelic issue „100 years since the founding of the Republic of Türkiye” contains one commemorative stamp in the form of a block, a first-day cover, and a commemorative seal. It was published in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye. The artistic realization of the issue is the work of Boban Savić, MA, Academic Painter and creator of stamps for the Post of Serbia.

BY ISSUING THIS POSTAGE STAMP, WE MARK AN IMPORTANT MOMENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE 38

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