Borusan

The Role of Borusan Holding

Borusan is making strategic moves for a more modern Turkey

Mr. Asım Kocabıyık has continually highlighted the importance of education for Turkey to develop to the point of reaching the sophisticated cultural level of other contemporary societies. For many years he has ardently supported the growth of education, culture and the arts as a vital part of the life of our nation, both through personal efforts as well as financing from Borusan.

Towards this end, the Asım Kocabıyık Culture and Education Foundation was founded in 1992 and Borusan Culture and Arts was established in 1997. In 2008, these two social welfare organizations were merged into the Borusan Kocabıyık Foundation, thereby joining forces to work towards a more modern Turkey.

EDUCATION

Buildings for the Faculty of Law and Dean of Students at Uludağ University:

The most important aspect of the Foundation’s educational activities during 2008 was the completion of the buildings for the Faculty of Law and the Dean of Students situated on the Gemlik Sunğipek campus of Uludağ University. An official ceremony was held on May 24, 2008 to transfer the buildings over to the University.

“Developing Areas of Specialization in Service” Project:

Another significant educational project of 2008 was a joint venture between the Borusan Kocabıyık Foundation and the National Education Board of Istanbul’s Avcılar district targeting elementary schools. Known as “The Avcılar Model”, the project is part of a wider scheme supported by the President of Turkey which is being implemented across the nation. To date, nationwide, more than 1,000 educators have participated in the “Developing Areas of Specialization in Service” seminar, especially designed to equip them for changes in the curriculum. In Avcılar, thus far nine educators from seven different universities have given 144 hours of training to the area’s teachers.

Educating Parents Concerning Violence Among Students:

One of Turkey’s most serious societal problems is aggressiveness and violence among today’s youth. In an effort to address this issue, the Borusan Kocabıyık Foundation, also in collaboration with the National Education Board in Avcılar, has designed a program to educate the parents whose children have a tendency towards violence. So far, 18,000 parents have attended training as a part of this scheme. Furthermore, through the support of the Foundation, approximately 30,000 families have received copies of a book entitled, “The Education of Parents on Aggressiveness, Violence and Feelings of Guilt among Youth.” Thus far, about 1,000 homes have been visited resulting in interviews with the parents and 168 problematic students received support services through the schools and other social welfare institutions. This project, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009, has resulted in additional programs designed to increase the level of education in the schools which we have built.

CULTURE & THE ARTS

The Borusan Kocabıyık Foundation’s projects related to culture and the arts in 2008 are as follows:

Classical Music:

The Foundation plays an important role in the development of the classic music in Turkey through its Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra (BIPO), Borusan Chamber Orchestra (BOO), Borusan String Quartet, Borusan Children’s Choir and Music Library. As Turkey’s representative in the arts to the international community, the Foundation is a member of the International Society of Contemporary Music (ISCM) and the European Music Council (EMC). Moreover, it is also the primary sponsor for the annual International Istanbul Music Festival.

In 2008, the eminent Gürer Aykal became the honorary conductor of BIPO, while the promising Austrian classical music conductor Sascha Goetzel was appointed as the new permanent conductor.

“Istanbul 2010: European Capital of Culture”

In 2008 Borusan became one of the corporate partners of the upcoming “Istanbul 2010: European Capital of Culture” project. Our contribution will not only be financial, but will also involve the development of activities which will result in the participation of all Borusan employees in the process.

MusicHouse:

By 2010 the Foundation plans to complete the construction of its new activity center named MusicHouse. In addition to workshops and class activities the MusicHouse will also include a rehearsal area for our orchestras and a small concert hall.

International Istanbul Music Festival Sponsorship:

Since the beginning of the International Istanbul Music Festival, Borusan has been of its biggest supporters. In 2006, in order to foster a greater appreciation for classical music among the masses, Borusan became the Festival’s primary sponsor for a period of ten years. Last year saw the Company initiate a new and creative publicity campaign to heighten public interest in the Festival.

Borusan Music Scholarship:

Borusan provides educational opportunities at some of the world’s most prestigious learning institutions to young Turkish talents who demonstrate potential in classical music. An integral part of this effort lies in the Guest Conductor Series launched in 2006 whereby outstanding leaders in the Istanbul business community make donations in exchange for a chance to conduct the Borusan Istanbul Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2006, Borusan’s own Ahmet Kocabıyık pioneered as Guest Conductor, followed by Rami Koç in 2007 and Bülent Eczacıbaşı in 2008, with the proceeds of the concerts serving to fund the scholarship.

ArtCenter/Istanbul:

Borusan has always supported innovative, bold and experimental initiatives in the area of modern arts. A great example of its backing this contemporary trend in Turkey is the creation of ArtCenter/Istanbul.

ArtCenter/Istanbul is located on Ayhan Işık Street in the heart of Beyoğlu, Istanbul’s arts and culture district. Its four story building covers 500 m2 and provides young and budding representatives of modern art in Turkey with an ideal environment for pursuing their passion and mingling with other artists and art lovers.

Ertuğ & Kocabıyık Publications:

In order to introduce Turkey’s historical heritage and treasures to the rest of the world Ertuğ & Kocabıyık Publications has created 18 high-class art books. In addition to these, a new tome entitled “Ephesos: Architecture, Monuments & Sculpture” immortalizes important relics from the ancient city site itself, as well as the Ephesus Museum in Seljuk and the Ephesus Museum affiliated with Vienna’s eminent Kunsthistorisches Museum.

An exhibition displaying 25 photographs from the book was held on October 10, 2008 at the Vienna Museum and resulted in tremendous publicity for our country. Additionally, the photo exhibit and book was introduced to art lovers during the annual Frankfurt Book Fair, along with Ertuğ & Kocabıyık’s latest publication entitled “Aphrodisias”, further contributing positively to Turkey’s image abroad.

Ephesus - Marble Hall Sponsorship:

In 2008 Borusan was involved in working cooperatively with the Austrian Archeological Institute in the restoration of the Marble Hall in Ephesus, which stands at the entrance of the terrace houses on the main street of Ephesus, the site of one of Turkey’s most valuable cultural treasures. This venture entails the renovation and reassembly of 120,000 pieces, including the marble room and its façade.