Friendship, Politics, and Profession United Under One Roof

Bornova Municipality hosted a special gathering of the Chamber of Textile Engineers, which held its 18th General Assembly in İzmir. The event brought together academics, industry representatives, chamber executives, and mayors, delivering strong messages of solidarity.

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, a graduate of Dokuz Eylül University’s Textile Engineering Department, addressed the audience as host and created a warm atmosphere by sharing memories from his student years. “Those were the best years of our lives. The bonds we built with our professors and friends still continue,” he said.

Mayor Eşki: “We will strengthen solidarity!”

Eşki added a personal touch to the evening with anecdotes from his university years, recalling friendships formed through shared housing, education, and political activities. He emphasized that these relationships remain strong today.

Highlighting solidarity, Eşki stated that they would always stand by the Chamber of Textile Engineers. “We will be more than happy to support our colleagues in the chamber whenever they need us,” he said, underlining the importance of unity in strengthening professional organizations. He also received applause after announcing that the next gathering would be hosted by Bayraklı Municipality.

İrfan Önal: “Our chamber must become more competent”

Bayraklı Mayor İrfan Önal focused on strengthening the professional structure in his speech. Speaking from his identity as a textile engineer, Önal stated, “Our chamber will become much stronger and more competent once certain shortcomings are addressed,” emphasizing the importance of a solid legal framework for professional organizations.

Önal also noted that two textile engineers from Dokuz Eylül University are serving as mayors in neighboring districts, highlighting the need to strengthen ties between public administration and professional bodies. He added, “Such events are not only opportunities to come together but also to produce collective wisdom. We must expand this unity.”

Aykut Üstün: “Fifteen years of effort is being passed on”

Aykut Üstün, President of the 17th Term Executive Board of the Chamber of Textile Engineers, delivered both emotional and reflective remarks. Stating that he is preparing to hand over responsibilities after many years of service, Üstün said the experience had been highly valuable.

“I have actively served in our chamber for fifteen years. During this time, we created meaningful memories and accomplished important work,” he noted, also highlighting the broad participation in this year’s general assembly. He emphasized the strong unity achieved with colleagues from cities such as Denizli, İstanbul, and Bursa.

Üstün concluded by expressing his continued support for the chamber and thanking all members and executives who contributed over the years.

A farewell message from Ünal Şen

Ünal Şen, General Secretary of the 17th Term, delivered a brief but meaningful speech. Thanking the hosts for organizing the event, he emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity throughout the term. “I would like to thank Mayor Ömer Eşki for hosting us,” he said, concluding his remarks with well wishes for all participants.