Ahi Values Reinterpreted Over Two Days at Istanbul Commerce University
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Istanbul Commerce University evaluated the social, economic, and ethical aspects of Ahilik over two days at the “2nd International Symposium on Touching Life with the Ahilik Approach” organized as part of the 37th Ahilik Week, with contributions from academics from different disciplines. The event, where 66 papers were presented in 12 sessions, revisited the historical legacy of the ahilik tradition and its contemporary reflections.
Istanbul Commerce University, in collaboration with the Center for Applied Research in Islamic Economics and Economic Systems and the Center for Applied Research in Leadership and Entrepreneurship, held the “II. International Symposium on Touching Lives with the Ahi Ethos” as part of the 37th Ahi Week. The symposium took place over two days at the Istanbul Commerce University Sâdâbâd Campus in Sütlüce. The symposium was held with the contributions of the Turkish Commercial Bank, the General Directorate of Ottoman Archives, and the Presidency of the Turkish Manuscripts Institution. The symposium, where 66 papers were presented in 12 sessions, brought together national and international academics, public representatives, students, and researchers. The event was attended by Dr. Erhan Erken, Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Assembly and Member of the Board of Trustees; Dr. İsrafil Kuralay, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Istanbul Commerce University; Rector of Istanbul Commerce University Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek, Rector of Kütahya Dumlupınar University Prof. Dr. Süleyman Kızıltoprak, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Türk Ticaret Bankası and our faculty member Prof. Dr. Yusuf Balcı, and Symposium Organizing Committee Chairman Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Arslan, deans and department heads of our university, representatives of the Directorate General of State Archives of the Presidency, the Directorate of Ottoman Archives, and the Presidency of the Turkish Manuscripts Institution, as well as the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Trade, the Economic Initiative and Business Ethics Association (İGİAD), the Ahi Industrialists and Businessmen Association (AHİSİAD), the Mavera and Karz-ı Hasen Foundation presidents, visiting academics, and students.
“THE CODE OF HONOR OF THE NEW AGE MUST BE REWRITTEN”
Dr. Erken drew attention to contemporary reflections of brotherhood in his opening speech. Dr. Erken said, “In the past, Ahilik formed the moral foundation not only of production and trade, but also of social order. Today, we must adapt the same principles to the dynamics of the digital world. In the past, those who did wrong would be cast out, but today we need to reinterpret this understanding in every area, from social media to the digital economy.” Dr. Erken emphasized the importance of passing on these values to new generations, stating, “The concept of virtue in craftsmanship should be reintroduced into vocational education, curricula, and the processes of preparing young people for working life.”
“AHILIK IS A CIVILIZATION CONCEPT LIVED WITHIN LIFE ITSELF”
Dr. Kuralay emphasized that ahilik is not merely theoretical, but a way of life based on practice. Dr. Kuralay said, “We often interpret ahilik through the concept of morality, but ahilik is a way of life. It is a social model based on the principles of working, producing, sharing, solidarity, and honesty. Just as in the past, we still need these values today.”
At the end of his speech, Dr. Kuralay shared one of the prayers and pieces of advice passed down from master to apprentice in the tradition of ahilik, concluding his speech with the words: “Do not look at what is forbidden, be truthful, be patient, be forgiving, and be generous enough to benefit yourself and others.”
“WE BRING KNOWLEDGE TOGETHER WITH ETHICS, AND BUSINESS TOGETHER WITH PEOPLE”
Prof. Dr. Şimşek also emphasized the connection between the university’s mission and the culture of brotherhood. Prof. Dr. Şimşek said, “As a university named after commerce, we have adopted the principle of combining knowledge with ethics, entrepreneurship with virtue, and commerce with humanity. The Ahi culture reminds us that knowledge only adds value to society when combined with ethics. We educate our students not only with professional skills but also with a sense of responsibility and social contribution.”
“AHILIK SHAPED THE IDENTITY OF ANATOLIA”
Prof. Dr. Kızıltoprak also emphasized in his speech the key role played by brotherhood in the convergence of Turkish and Islamic civilizations. Prof. Dr. Kızıltoprak said, “Ahi Brotherhood is not merely a guild organization; it is a philosophy of life that shaped the cultural and social fabric of Anatolia. During the Mongol and Crusader invasions, it was a structure that protected cities, sustained production, and maintained the moral and economic balance of society. Today, traces of this tradition live on through chambers of commerce, merchant guilds, and universities.”
“AHILIK IS A VALUE SYSTEM THAT BRINGS THE PAST AND THE FUTURE TOGETHER”
Prof. Dr. Balcı, in his speech, focused on the historical roots of brotherhood and the values it carries to the present day. Prof. Dr. Balcı stated, “Ahi Brotherhood is one of the finest examples of how moral values and collective consciousness are reflected in the economy and social life, contributing to the success of society. We must reinterpret these principles and values from the past in a way that is appropriate for today’s world. As Yahya Kemal said, we are rooted in the past; that is, the strength of our future lies in the roots of our history.”
“AHILIK IS A WAY OF LIFE IN HARMONY WITH HUMAN NATURE”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arslan stated that ahilik is a system that enables people to live in a manner consistent with human nature. Assoc. Prof. Arslan said, “Ahilik is the practical application of a philosophy that supports people in establishing a life in harmony with nature, society, and their creator. At this symposium, scientists from different disciplines will draw on the wisdom of Ahilik to offer insights that will shed light on the present and the future.”
Traces of Ahilik Exhibited with Archival Documents
Within the scope of the symposium, the exhibition “Ahilik, Fütüvvet, and Fütuvvetnameler” was opened with the contributions of the Presidency of the State Archives, Directorate General of Ottoman Archives, and the Presidency of the Turkish Manuscripts Institution. The exhibition featured archival documents from the Ottoman period, examples of handwritten futuvenname documents, and historical documents related to the ahilik organization.
The two-day “II. International Symposium on Touching Lives with the Ahi Ethos” concluded with 66 presentations, academic contributions from various fields, and a diverse participant profile.
