Nearly 700 Representatives from the Home Textile Industry Gathered in Bursa

Murat Şahinler, the Presidential Candidate of the Turkish Home Textile Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TETSİAD), met with industry representatives in Bursa. Emphasizing that Bursa is not only Turkey’s but also Europe’s most significant center for home textiles, Şahinler stated that, once in office, they would strengthen the city’s leadership in the field.

Announcing plans to hold transparent budget meetings every three months, Şahinler noted that all members would have a say in the budget and would know exactly how expenditures are made. He expressed his vision of a TETSİAD managed with a spirit of inclusivity and collective wisdom, underlining that the sector can withstand high costs and global challenges only through branding, digitalization, design, and value-added production.

The “Bursa” Brand in Home Textiles Will Grow Stronger

The Turkish Home Textile Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TETSİAD) convened in Bursa, hosting nearly 700 industry representatives under the leadership of Presidential Candidate Murat Şahinler. During his speech, Şahinler shared key insights about the home textile industry and the association’s new term vision. He highlighted that Turkey’s economy is going through a difficult period, with high interest rates, inflation, and rising labor and energy costs deeply affecting competitiveness.

Şahinler stressed that these challenges are an important signal for the industry’s transformation, saying:
“Only companies that have completed their branding and digitalization processes, produce added value, prioritize design, and build a young and dynamic structure will survive. Trusting the strength of our sector and the solidarity within this family, we have outlined a new vision focusing on these priorities. That’s why, when we take on the management responsibility, we will not only implement visionary projects but also initiatives that directly improve our members’ daily business and finances. We will take steps to boost exports, reduce costs, and facilitate access to financing.”

We Will Strengthen Bursa’s Leadership

Şahinler noted that through collaborations with national and international institutions, they would enhance the competitiveness of every member:
“In addition, we will encourage greater participation of young people and women in the industry and lead investments in design and digital transformation. By making the HOMETEX Fair and the Home Textile Academy more effective, we will strengthen Bursa’s and Turkey’s leadership in this field. We envision a TETSİAD governed with transparency, collective intelligence, and a participatory approach. Bursa holds a special place for our industry—it is not only Turkey’s but also one of Europe’s leading home textile centers. With its production capacity, workforce, and design capabilities, Bursa is a source of pride for our country. We are here together to carry this city and this industry even further forward.”

Transparent Budget Meetings Every Three Months

Şahinler also stated that TETSİAD would hold transparent budget meetings with all members every three months:
“Our association’s budget will be open to everyone. Every member will be able to see how and where the funds are spent. All members will have a voice regarding the budget. Moreover, from the beginning, we declared that our management approach would include every sub-sector and every city. Bursa carries a special responsibility in this regard. Since the HOMETEX Fair is organized by KFA Fuarcılık, we will ask our Bursa board members to take on a greater role in budget oversight and fair organization. In line with this, I am pleased to announce that we are planning to open coordination offices in Bursa and Denizli if needed by the industry, to strengthen communication and cooperation.”