CEOInterviews.AIAhmet Eren

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Ahmet Eren0:00

I am Ahmet Eren, born in Bitlis in 1943. We were six siblings. My childhood was spent in two houses where children often shared rooms. We had indoor facilities and were relatively comfortable.

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Interviewer2:20

How were your relationships with your parents? Was your father despotic? Were you afraid of him? Was your mother more harmonious and protective?

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Ahmet Eren2:26

My mother would scare us by saying 'Arapoğlu will come soon' because my father was of Arab origin. My brother İsmail was very naughty; once I hit him and he fainted. My mother chased me. That's a memory.

I was a studious student. Our teachers were excellent. I also played football with a rag ball, skied in winter, and swam in the creek. Everyone learned to swim in the rivers.

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Interviewer8:22

After university, what did you do in your career?

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Ahmet Eren8:30

I passed a competitive exam for accountancy expertise at age 21. After training, I became a tax inspector. In 1969, my family moved to Istanbul. Later, I did a master's in the USA and then joined the family business Öz Çamaşırları, working with my brothers.

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Interviewer10:09

While continuing business, how was your relationship with Bitlis? Did you visit? Did you have a long break?

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Ahmet Eren10:20

We had a long break. But after founding the Bitlis Eğitim Vakfı in 1987, we reconnected. The foundation led us to focus on contributing to Bitlis's education.

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Interviewer11:15

You are right. After reaching economic success, one naturally turns to education. Bitlis is third or fourth in poverty, so helping its education is important.

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Ahmet Eren14:21

The Eren Group started with men's underwear manufacturing. We grew from producing underwear to fabric, yarn, paper, cement, retail, and energy. Now we operate in five sectors and are in a good position.

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Interviewer17:53

If you were to enter another sector, which one would you choose?

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Ahmet Eren18:03

I dream of establishing a facility in Mersin that exports fresh fruits and vegetables to Europe via Ro-Ro ships.

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Interviewer20:50

You focused on education, but you also had other initiatives like Betaş. Why did you prioritize education over economic investments?

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Ahmet Eren21:13

We tried a textile factory in Bitlis, training and employing 150-200 people. But there was no supporting industry; everything had to come from Istanbul. The state promised to buy our products but didn't follow through. So we shifted to education. We built schools and eventually Bitlis Eren University.

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Interviewer24:32

Tell us how the education initiatives started, developed, and what is their current state and future.

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Ahmet Eren24:48

We started with the Nurullah Eren Anatolian Teacher High School, completed quickly. President Erdoğan cited it as an example. Then other schools followed. We committed to building Bitlis Eren University, and with government support, it was established. At the groundbreaking, President Gül noted the mutual luck between the family and the university.

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Interviewer29:15

What kind of university did you envision? What experiences shaped its construction?

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Ahmet Eren29:39

Our goal was high-quality education, but Turkey emphasizes quantity. Bitlis Eren University now has 8,000 students, but teaching quality is not at the desired level. There is also a challenge attracting quality staff to Bitlis.

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Interviewer31:13

Is the university state-funded or private? How do you see its future?

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Ahmet Eren31:29

It's a state university. We provide support. The state pushes for more students, unlike private universities that select for quality. Despite challenges, we have good graduates. We give scholarships and hiring priority. The campus is nearly complete, and we hope to establish a medical faculty around the new 400-bed hospital.

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Interviewer34:15

As the head of the foundation and university patron, how do you see Bitlis today—its problems and opportunities?

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Ahmet Eren35:00

Economically, Bitlis can develop through tourism, mining, geothermal resources, and education. We have a software training project with Sabancı University. Education is the key sector that can animate Bitlis, like Eskişehir.

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Interviewer37:39

How did the people of Bitlis receive your efforts? Did you feel synergy?

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Ahmet Eren37:57

They received us with great love, loyalty, and appreciation. They respect those who serve Bitlis. While we don't expect much financial contribution from local people, those who migrated and prospered should give back.

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Interviewer40:49

Where do you see Bitlis's future? How can the people cooperate with you?

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Ahmet Eren41:25

We avoid economic enterprises to maintain respect. Education is our focus. I encourage fellow citizens in other cities to organize and support education. Many successful businessmen started with scholarships and now give back. This network should expand to secure Bitlis's future.

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Interviewer45:16

What about your children's relationship with Bitlis?

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Ahmet Eren45:30

My children were born in Istanbul; they don't have the same attachment. They have moved westward, to America and England. I don't think that's harmful; they will still benefit Bitlis. But they didn't grow up there, so it's different. The childhood bond is deep.

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Interviewer48:05

What are your hopes and concerns for Bitlis's future?

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Ahmet Eren48:21

I worry about crisis, but I am hopeful. If the region is free of terror, with democracy, human rights, and equal opportunities, Bitlis can thrive. It is a peace-loving city. My dream is that future generations will see this dream realized.

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Interviewer50:28

What memory comes to mind when you think of your childhood?

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Ahmet Eren50:28

Skiing in winter on Çürük Düzü, right across from our house. That memory of skiing, dodging obstacles, comes to mind.

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Interviewer51:00

Thank you. I congratulate you for this program. On behalf of myself and Bitlis, thank you for your efforts.