Istanbul’s global university celebrates its 15th anniversary

A total of 11,926 graduates, 6 faculties, approximately 300 academics... These figures constitute a small part of the larger figures, which show the kind of progress achieved by Istanbul Commerce University, which started its academic life with 73 students in 2001 as an establishment of Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Education and Social Services Foundation. Today, more than 7,000 students prepare for their future at Istanbul Commerce University. Joining the education world under the leadership of Istanbul Chamber of Commerce(ICOC), Istanbul Commerce University now makes a name for itself on a global scale with its academic level. Approximately 1,000 students graduate from the university every year. The first school to have been spawned by the business world, the University continues to introduce employees to the Istanbul and Turkish economy thanks to a curriculum updated pursuant to industry requirements. TWO MAIN CAMPUSES Istanbul Commerce University offers education in parallel with scientific and technological developments at campuses in Sütlüce and Küçükyalı, two prominent districts in Istanbul, one of the world’s cultural capitals. Moreover, the university opens its doors to those who want to receive graduate education in Bursa. Its Bursa campus also organizes certificate programs. On the other hand, Continuous Education Center in the Eminönü campus offers the sort of training programs required by the industry. GROWTH ON THE BACK OF A CENTURY The existence of Istanbul Chamber of Commerce as one of the most prominent chambers with its 134-year history plays a major role in enabling each Istanbul Commerce University student to receive the kind of universal education that instills professional skills as well as integrating theory and practicalities with the facts of life. Istanbul Commerce University shapes its curriculum in consideration of various industry requirements and global developments thanks to its organic bond with ICOC, its founder. The university maintains its growth with Istanbul Chamber of Commerce’s support as well as academic knowledge, accumulation, and experience and it does only give its students an internationally recognized diploma but also promises a future with high standards with its campus life at the heart of the city, business network opportunities and an education environments which offers intensive academic experience. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS Istanbul Commerce University’s departments use English increasingly as the education language with five of them teaching entirely in English in addition to 17 departments which teach 30% in this language. Moving rapidly towards becoming an International University, Istanbul Commerce University become more recognized in the world by signing cooperation agreements with universities in different countries. As a matter of fact, Istanbul Commerce University’s vision for the next twenty years is joining internationally renowned and leading academic institutions, which engages in international, scientific activities actively and decisively without losing its academic flexibility and by conducting interdisciplinary studies a must in the information age. THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS Istanbul Commerce University has produced 11,926 graduates 15 years after it started its education journey with only 72 students. Currently, the University provides education to 4,963 undergraduate students. 2,425 students, on the other hand, receive an academic education. Approximately 1,000 students graduated at the end of the 2015-2016 academic year. ‘MORE ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION’ İbrahim Çağlar, Board of Trustees President of ICOC and Istanbul Commerce University, made the following remarks for the university where the industry’s heart beats: “First, Istanbul Commerce University is the first university to have emerged from the heart of the business world. Istanbul Chamber of Commerce’s knowledge and experience of over a century have met under this roof. Our faculties acquired a new structure in alignment with the conditions of academic and economic life. We are opening our doors for a more entrepreneurial, innovative and human-oriented education.” UNIVERSITY IN FIGURES The figures also reveal Istanbul Commerce University academic quality and strength of 15 years. The University has 18 Research and Application Centers. In addition, the Rector’s Office has three, and the Lifelong Learning Coordinator’s Office has four centers. Küçükyalı Campus accommodates 11 workshops, 24 laboratories, and three studios. The Sütlüce Campus has seven workshops, seven laboratories (one of them operated with Windows and three by MAC) as well as 1 TV studio and one radio studio.

02 Eylül 2016 Cuma

49 countries together at Istanbul Chamber of Commerce

İbrahim Çağlar, President of Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC) hosted Consul Generals and senior consular officers of 49 countries at ICOC premises. In the meeting called ‘Strong Turkey, Strong Economy’ Çağlar said: July 15 saw how the illegal Fetullah Terror Organization members, in army camouflage, threatened not only Turkey, but also the ‘whole global order’. JULY 15 IS A CRITICAL ‘BENCHMARK’ FOR THE WORLD Çağlar said: “Countries can no longer afford to feel safe in their own ivory towers and watch the rest of the world go by. If these terrorists were successful on the wake of Jul 16, this would be the start of a great depression and crisis to affect not only the 79 million people of this country, but also many others near and far. It is for this reason that the successful repulse of July 15 attempt is a critical benchmark for the whole world. Turkey fought off a great battle on the night of July 15, it fought to reestablish peace on earth. We derive pleasure from the fact that democracy won, world peace has won.” PROOF OF ECONOMIC STRENGTH Çağlar stated that “July 15 saw an odyssey of independence written by the political administration based on the democratic culture and national will. Çağlar added: “We all said ‘Stop’ – the President, Government, security forces, the business world, non governmental organizations, men, women even the children, we, the whole nation came together and we said ‘Stop’ to this ill attempt. I would like to personally thank all our people, they are defenders of democracy, they take ownership of the national will. The 237 people who lost their lives, may they rest in peace.” Çağlar highlighted the economic potential of Turkey and the determination of the business world and recapped how the response of the nation was a proof of the economic, political and social strength of the country. MEGA PROJECTS CONTINUE AS PLANNED ICOC President Çağlar explained that “EUR and USD currencies and the stock exchange share prices rebalanced to their pre- July 15 levels shortly after the coup attempt, and highlighted the fact that people domestically opted to invest in TRL and not foreign currency was a very visible sign of confidence in economy. Central Bank announced that this incident would not bear a negative effect on inflation. On the other hand, private consumption suffers no slowdown, business continues as usual. Mega projects continue as planned.” Addressing the Consul Generals and senior consular officers, Çağlar expressed that the government committed itself to ensure daily life would not be adversely affected during state of emergency (SoE), and that there is no reason for foreign investors or consulates to worry and said “We have full confidence in our President and our Prime Minister – they have always been extremely supportive of our business world, they have been supportive of foreign investors. We are confident that our economy and our democracy will go through this and remerge as strengthened even more.” During the meeting, parties also talked about possible steps to further enhance private sector economic relationships with countries represented by consular officers. ENGLAND STANDS WITH THE TURKISH NATION Deputy Consul General of England Nicholas Kay stated that England condemns the recent events. Kay said: “England has a very clear stance about this. England stands with the Turkish nation. Everybody saw what solidarity and standing united can do. England has important economic ties with Turkey, which will be sustained.” ECONOMIC COOPERATION WILL BE ENHANCED Iranian Consul General Mohsen Mortezaeifar mentioned that the people and government of Iran will always stand with the legitimate and elected government of Turkey and the friendly Turkish nation. Mortezaeifar added: “Our Consulate will continue to stand with the İstanbul Chamber of Commerce, like we did in the past and always. We will particularly enhance economic cooperation.” TURKEY HAS 240 MILLION BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN PAKISTAN Pakistan’s Consul General in İstanbul Mr. Yousaf Junaid congratulated Turkish nation for the great work they have in the challenging times. The Consul said: “The people and government of Pakistan strictly condemn the coup attempt and express solidarity with the people and government of Turkey. Turkey and Pakistan are two friendly states and Turkey has 240 million brothers and sisters in Pakistan.”

02 Eylül 2016 Cuma

Fast track to IRANTEX Fair

Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC) organizes international fairs and conventions to promote commercial relations. Following the success of Tehran-Turkish Ready-to-wear and Garment Fair on February 1-4, 2015, ICOC completed the groundwork for a follow up event: IRANTEX 2016 will be held in Tehran on September 3-6, 2016 with a national delegation participating from Turkey. The fair celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year and promotes ready-to-wear, textiles, lingerie, home textiles, and yarn industries. PRIVATE LOUNGE Lounge 44B on the second floor of the the event venue (Tehran International Permanent Fairground) will be reserved for private use of the Turkish National Delegation. SERVICES OFFERED: Help with organizing booth construction Transportation, customs and insurance of display products for İstanbul-Tehran-İstanbul route. Company information in the fair catalogue. ICOC will also offer advantageous package prices for participating companies for transport and accommodation. Please contact ICOC Fairs Coordination Team or visit www.ito.org.tr for detailed information on IRANTEX 2016 and other events.

02 Eylül 2016 Cuma

Teknopark Istanbul: Innovation Hub of Turkey

Teknopark Istanbul is a science and technology park established by the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) and Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. It currently hosts 150 companies with 2500 R&D personnel, which is planned to become 1000 companies and 30,000 employees by 2023. Teknopark is the house of specialized clusters such as the Industrial Defense and Aerospace Cluster, Istanbul Healthcare Cluster and Private R&D Centers Cooperation Platform. Teknopark Istanbul is designed to be a soft-landing base for technology companies that are targeting Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia and Turkic markets. Fully integrated with the Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, Teknopark Istanbul has the potential to be the regional center of cooperation. It is also designed to become a two-way innovation and business gateway for foreign investors. ANGEL FUNDS FOR ENTREPRENEURS With completion of the 2nd stage of buildings by 2017, Teknopark Istanbul will host one of the biggest incubation centers in the region. Entrepreneurs will surrounded by VCs and angel funds. The vision of the incubation center is to create companies who have international outreach and reputation. Istanbul has 50 universities, which provide a rich pool of qualified manpower. Therefore, Teknopark provides exchange agreements with other international science parks, a national internship program and International Co-op program. Teknopark Istanbul is a neutral zone to enhance the cooperation among University-Government-Industry partners. The universities inside the campus support the ecosystem by either constructing their own labs or providing graduate programs. IASP 2017 WORLD CONFERENCE IN ISTANBUL Teknopark Istanbul is a full member of International Association of Science Parks (IASP) and IASP 2017 World Conference will be held between 26-29 September 2017 in Istanbul.

02 Eylül 2016 Cuma

Beautiful in all aspects

Süleymaniye Mosque’s unique scenery attracts visitors ever season. Historic Topkapı Palace showcases its beauty with the grandeur it receives from the full moon. The ancient city's southwest winds are always loved despite occasional difficulties. Fishing at the Galata Bridge is a passion. Istanbul residents ignore the cold and dark when they are on the 'fish' watch.

02 Eylül 2016 Cuma