Turkish business world condemns attempted coup

ANKARA

Top figures and institutions from across Turkey’s business world condemned Friday’s attempted coup and expressed support for the country and its democratic institutions on Saturday.

Turkey's main stock exchange, Borsa Istanbul, denounced the attack, calling it “flagrant.”

"Friday night's treacherous coup attempt against democracy and the rule of law was thwarted by the superior solidarity of Turkish political leaders, security forces, and the nation," the exchange said in a statement.

Borsa Istanbul said the coup plotters had tried to occupy its building but failed in the face of resistance from police and security officers.

The Independent Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (MÜSİAD) condemned the coup attempt and praised the Turkish people for supporting democracy.

"We have individually thanked our nation, our security forces, and our military members who did not support the coup attempt," MUSIAD said in a statement.

The Turkish Tourist Hotels and Investors Association (TUROB) also condemned the failed coup. "We condemn any military intervention and we oppose any intervention in democracy and constitutional institutions," TUROB said in a statement.

Rifat Hisarcıklioglu, head of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), also denounced the attempted coup.

"I hope these traitors in the coup attempt will receive the most severe punishment," Hicarcikoglu said.

Limak Holding Chairman Nihat Özdemir also condemned the coup, vowing that they would stand together with the country's leaders and institutions to protect democracy.

Many other national and regional business associations condemned the attempted coup, calling for people to continue supporting democracy, including the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO), Istanbul Chamber of Industry (İSO), Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), Turkish Union of Agricultural Chambers (TZOB), and Turkish Young Businessmens’ Association (TUGIAD).