As part of World Consumer Rights Week, Istanbul Arel University organized a symposium titled “Consumer Issues and Solution Proposals” in cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of Trade and LOBIN International. The event brought together academics, public officials, and business representatives to discuss the current state of consumer rights and possible solutions.

The program took place at the Conference Hall of Istanbul Arel University’s Cevizlibağ Campus and began at 1:00 PM. The opening speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. C. Uğur Özgöker, Head of the Department of International Relations at Istanbul Arel University. Özgöker emphasized the importance of protecting consumers and highlighted the necessity of legal regulations in this area.

The first session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Ali Akdemir, Director of the Graduate Education Institute at Istanbul Arel University. In his opening remarks, Akdemir stated: “As Arel University, we are very proud to organize this event. Understanding consumer rights is directly linked to human rights. When awareness of human rights increases, consumers can make more informed and accurate decisions.”
He also stressed the importance of social awareness, noting that protecting consumer rights through education and information is a shared responsibility.

Speakers in the first session included Prof. Dr. Ersin Göse from Istanbul Arel University, Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan, LOBIN International Vice Chairman Fehim Ustaoğlu, Mayor of Zeytinburnu Ömer Arısoy, TRNC Minister of Economy and Energy Olgun Amcaoğlu, former President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar, President of the Economic Journalists Association Hasan Arslan, and Middle East President of the European Economic Senate Iraj Alipour.

Prof. Dr. Ersin Göse highlighted the importance of consumer awareness, stating:
“It is crucial for consumers to access the right products and know their rights. A conscious consumer not only protects themselves but also contributes to a fair balance in the market.”

Deputy Minister Mahmut Gürcan made significant remarks regarding consumer protection, market inspections, and next-generation trade regulations. He shared ongoing efforts ranging from combating fake listings to regulating the refurbished goods market.

“Mandatory Identity Verification via e-Government”
Gürcan noted a new phase in preventing fraud on listing platforms: “A system requiring identity verification through e-Government has been introduced for posting listings. This has helped prevent fake listings.” He also reminded that the “Secure Payment System” has been implemented to prevent fraud in vehicle sales and that all transactions will be carried out through this system.

Support for the Economy through Refurbished Products
Emphasizing sustainability and consumer budget protection, Gürcan stated: “Products such as mobile phones, smartwatches, computers, and gaming consoles are refurbished in ministry-approved centers with a 24-month warranty and reintroduced to consumers. This system both protects the environment and provides high-quality service at an affordable cost.”

“It Is Meaningful to Discuss Consumer Rights While Children Are Being Killed”
Former TRNC President Ersin Tatar strongly reacted to global human rights violations during his speech. Drawing attention to humanitarian crises in Gaza and Iran, he stated: “While human rights are being brutally violated and children are being killed in Gaza and Iran, discussing consumer rights is quite meaningful. The contradictions are profound; rights must be addressed comprehensively.” Tatar emphasized the issue of “double standards” and highlighted the inconsistency of defending certain rights while ignoring fundamental human rights.

The second session was also chaired by Prof. Dr. Ali Akdemir. Speakers included Toplilts Board Chair Hanzade Topaloğlu, Özteknik Board Chair Merve Ünler Yılmaz, MY Tillo Architecture Vice Chair M. Memduh Yavuz, Sirius Labs Blockchain Developer Furkan Duran, and Emine Gedikoğlu Koç from Gedikoğlu Production.

Additional speakers at the event included Asst. Prof. Gözde Zeytin Çağrı, Dr. Necip Uludağ (Partner at Alfa Investment UK), Turgay Kolcuoğlu (Chairman of Nova Arsa), Attorney Bediha Teymur (Editor-in-Chief of Haberlerr.com), and Dr. İlhan Ünal (Chairman of Maxi Kimya).

Asst. Prof. Gözde Zeytin Çağrı emphasized the importance of being cautious about discount and pricing tactics. She noted that consumers can file complaints about advertisements through the Advertising Board via e-Government. She warned that misleading discount strategies such as increasing prices before presenting them as discounted are frequently used, and encouraged consumers to act more consciously when shopping.

During the symposium, consumer protection, challenges faced in the digital age, legal processes, and sectoral solutions were discussed in detail. Participants highlighted the importance of increasing consumer awareness and strengthening inter-institutional cooperation.

The event concluded with a performance by guest singer Ferah Zeydan, adding a lively touch to the program.