"Those Who Add Value to Türkiye" Award Goes to Hamdi Ulukaya

Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, received the Those Who Add Value to Türkiye Award, presented once a year by Bahçeşehir University. 

Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of the yogurt company Chobani, received the Those Who Add Value to Türkiye Award, presented by Bahçeşehir University for the third time this year to figures who shape education and development and contribute to the country's economy, artistic heritage, promotion and recognition. The opening speech of the award ceremony held at the Bahçeşehir University (BAU) Beşiktaş Campus was delivered by Bahçeşehir University (BAU) President Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın.

"Development opens the door to innovation"

Stating that social life is changing and developing at an almost unattainable pace, Bahçeşehir University (BAU) President Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın said: "The fundamental dynamic of this development in the global reality is the ever-increasing momentum of scientific developments and the way they pave the way for other new developments. Every development opens the door to another innovation, creating new ways of life and new social concepts, and thus the chain of contemporary life extends towards infinity. With its young and dynamic population, Türkiye is gaining more positive momentum in its development every day. As BAU, we are very grateful to the people who add value to the existence and promotion of a developing Türkiye with their work, creative power and services in the world of business and production. We are honored to present this award, determined each year by BAU through the special evaluations of our selection committee from a wide range of fields from business to politics, the arts, medicine, academia and the media, to Hamdi Ulukaya, founder of Chobani, known as one of the most successful food companies, and a name known all over the world. I applaud him for his humanitarian work and his donations and aid to women and children. I offer him my sincere respect for his success in promoting Türkiye and the Turkish people in the best possible way."

"Being good in your own neighborhood is not enough"

Following Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın, Bahçeşehir University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Enver Yücel, speaking at the award ceremony, stated that achieving and contributing to humanity is an important feeling, and said: "With his work, Hamdi Ulukaya is holding on to a significant part of the American market. This is a very great achievement. You may be good in your neighborhood or your country, but being good, being excellent and being recognized in the world, especially in a country like America, is not an easy task. I wholeheartedly congratulate him. I believe that if we can tell our young people well about Hamdi Ulukaya and people like him, everyone can achieve this success. I attach great importance to our university recognizing and supporting these achievements."

"I attribute my success to the land I come from"

Taking the floor after receiving his award, Hamdi Ulukaya said, "The fundamental feature that makes the Turkish people different is that our roots lie in the lands of Anatolia." Ulukaya said: "If we do not cut ourselves off from these lands and add the knowledge and skills of the modern world on top, no one can stop us. If a person wants to promote their country in the best possible way, they must be like that country. This is a very honorable stance. Türkiye adds value to me. With this award, I wonder whether I can add a brick to this wall from now on. You can go anywhere, but you will not see any other country with the potential that our country has. I attribute my success to the town where I was born."

From left to right: BAU President Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın, Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya, BAU Chairman of the Board of Trustees Enver Yücel