From Past to Future: Milas Chamber of Commerce and Industry – MİTSO

Milas, located at the gateway to the sea in southwestern Anatolia, has been renowned throughout history as the "city of monuments" and the "city of marble."

Milas served as the capital of the Carian civilization in ancient times and became the capital of the Menteşe Principality in the 14th century.

From ancient times to the present day, Milas has always been a vibrant center of production and trade with its fertile lands yielding various products, livestock, marble, forest products, and minerals. Particularly olive and olive oil, tobacco, cotton, and the world-famous Milas carpets have made significant contributions to the Milas economy.

Today, Milas accounts for 10% of Turkey's olive tree population and 68% of its aquaculture fish production. Feldspar, aluminum bauxite, emery stone, and marble extracted in the Milas region are exported to many countries. Additionally, Yeniköy Thermal Power Plant with a capacity of 2 x 220 megawatts and Kemerköy Thermal Power Plant with a capacity of 3 x 220 megawatts are the two largest industrial facilities in Milas.

In Milas, which possesses such a vibrant and diverse production and commercial potential, the organization of tradesmen and merchants also dates back many years. With the arrival of Turks in the region toward the mid-13th century, the tradition of Ahi brotherhood and guild organization began to form. The Ahi tradition and guild organization continued for hundreds of years during the Menteşe Principality and the subsequent Ottoman Empire era.

Following the decision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce on August 2, 1882, to "establish a chamber of commerce in provinces and districts," the establishment of chambers of commerce and industry spread rapidly throughout Anatolia, while guilds gradually lost their effectiveness. During this process, the Milas Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established in 1923. Our Chamber, which is the same age as our Republic, is celebrating its 90th anniversary of establishment this year.

In accordance with the "Law on Mandatory Use of Turkish in Economic Institutions" enacted on April 22, 1926, the chamber's name became "T.C. Milas Trade and Industry Chamber." Later, with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Stock Exchanges Law enacted on March 8, 1952, the name of T.C. Milas Trade and Industry Chamber was changed to T.C. Milas Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

After the İzmir Industry Association was transformed into the İzmir Chamber of Industry in 1951, the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO) was established in 1954, covering the provinces of Aydın, Muğla, Manisa, Denizli, and Balıkesir. Consequently, an EBSO branch was opened in Milas the same year. Thus, when the industry sector was separated from the Milas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber's name was changed to Milas Chamber of Commerce. For years, the EBSO Milas branch, which represented industrialists from Bodrum to Fethiye, continued its service until March 31, 2007. On January 1, 2008, along with Muğla and Fethiye Chambers of Commerce, the Milas Chamber of Commerce also became the Milas Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Subsequently, the members of the EBSO Milas Branch also joined the Milas Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Today, with over 2,300 members, the Milas Chamber of Commerce and Industry serves its members. It aims to advocate for its members' issues and open new horizons for its members and region through its projects and ongoing training activities. The Milas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, continuing its activities toward this purpose, earned the Accreditation certificate from TOBB and TSE in 2012, demonstrating that it "provides services at EU standards" with the quality of service it has achieved.

MEMBER CLUSTERING OF MILAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY