Gezer Shoes held its 25th traditional iftar gathering
The 25th edition of Gezer Ayakkabı's traditional iftar gathering, held annually during Ramadan, took place on 4 March at the İBB Avcılar Deniz Köşk Banquet Hall in Avcılar, Istanbul. Hosted by Gezer Ayakkabı Board Chairman Ömer Özalp and board members, the event was attended by approximately 700 guests.
The programme brought together representatives from the business world, politics and industry in the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan. Former Turkish Grand National Assembly member Metin Külünk, Esenler Mayor Mehmet Tevfik Göksu, industry representatives, businesspeople and Gezer Shoes employees attended the iftar programme.
Speaking at the programme, Gezer Shoes General Manager Osman Özalp began his speech by reciting verse 185 of Surah Baqarah and greeted the guests with ‘Esselamu aleykum’. Noting that the traditional iftar gatherings have been held uninterrupted for 25 years, Özalp stated that these gatherings have become an important part of Gezer Shoes' corporate culture.
Özalp stated that continuing the same tradition for 25 years is a sign of strong trust and a sense of belonging, adding that the brand has been a growing family since 1968. Noting that approximately 1,500 people are employed at the production facilities in Istanbul and Bolu, Özalp said that they are one big family together with their employees, business partners and stakeholders.
In his speech, Özalp recalled the hadith of the Prophet (SAW), ‘The situation of the believer towards the believer is like a building whose parts support each other,’ drawing attention to the importance of unity and solidarity.
Touching upon developments on the world agenda, Özalp stated that they were closely following the events in Gaza and East Turkistan, adding that the suffering in oppressed regions was not forgotten. Özalp stated that true success was not possible in a world without justice and conscience, and that as a company, they always stood by the oppressed.
In his speech, Özalp also touched upon environmental investments, stating that the company had taken significant steps towards sustainable production. He explained that thanks to solar panels installed on factory roofs, approximately 75 per cent of the energy requirement was now being met by solar power, adding that this investment had significantly reduced carbon emissions. Özalp stated that this investment provides an environmental contribution equivalent to planting approximately 100,000 trees each year.
Özalp also mentioned that Gezer Ayakkabı holds a ‘Zero Waste Certificate’ and said that they continue to set an example in the sector with their environmentally conscious production approach.
Providing information about the company's production and export targets, Özalp stated that the company has an annual production capacity of 100 million pairs and that its products are currently exported to more than 50 countries. Özalp noted that they aim to expand their export network to 60 countries in the near future and stated that they plan to grow in new markets stretching from America to the furthest corners of Africa. Özalp said that they will continue to be a strong brand in the global market by combining 60 years of experience with advanced technology and environmental sensitivity.
The iftar programme, held against the backdrop of a sea view, provided an opportunity for employees from different departments, industry representatives and guests to come together and socialise. Throughout the programme, guests had the opportunity to chat and take souvenir photographs.
At the end of the programme, Osman Özalp congratulated everyone on the upcoming Ramadan holiday and thanked all the guests who participated in the organisation, stating that the traditional iftar gathering would continue in the coming years. Özalp also expressed his hope that everyone would come together again at the 26th traditional iftar programme to be held next year.