FIVE NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE BODRUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Dear Members,
On Thursday, October 2, 2025, prior to the September Ordinary Assembly Meeting, the Bodrum Chamber of Commerce (BODTO) announced five major developments for Bodrum and its members.
The meeting was attended by Bodrum District Governor Ali Sırmalı, Bodrum Deputy Mayor Ercan Pehlivan, District Director of Agriculture Muammer Bektaş, local chamber presidents, members, and members of the press.
In his opening speech, BODTO Chairman Mahmut Serdar Kocadon emphasized the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to protect Bodrum’s commercial, cultural, and gastronomic values while taking significant steps toward digitalization.
Deputy Mayor Ercan Pehlivan expressed his appreciation, saying:
“We are very pleased with these initiatives. Every value we add to Bodrum elevates our city to a more distinguished position. It is very meaningful for us that the geographically indicated Bodrum Çökertme Kebab will be prepared in the best possible way and made available to everyone in our municipal cafés. The convenience offered by the BODTONET application will also be a major advantage.”
District Governor Ali Sırmalı added:
“Let’s increase the number of our geographical indications so that the Bodrum brand continues to grow in value. Gastronomy tourism has become an important factor—people may even come to Bodrum just to enjoy the Çökertme Kebab. Together, we will bring Bodrum to the position it truly deserves.”
Double Registration in Maritime Heritage
After years of dedicated work, two of Bodrum’s maritime symbols have officially received geographical indication registration:
Bodrum Gulet – Registered on October 9, 2024
Bodrum Tirhandil – Registered on September 17, 2025
Prof. Dr. Tuncay Kuleli and naval engineer Fuat Turan, who contributed significantly to the process, shared their experiences during the meeting.
BODTO Vice Chairman Erdem Ağan highlighted the long-term efforts behind the achievement:
“When we applied for the Tirhandil registration, we also launched the Tirhandil Cup event, which helped revive production. After many years of hard work, we are proud to have completed the registration process successfully.”
A Certified Taste in Gastronomy: Bodrum Çökertme Kebab
One of Bodrum’s best-known dishes, the Bodrum Çökertme Kebab, received its geographical indication registration on August 14, 2025.
The project was completed with contributions from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selma Atabey and Master Chef Ali Bülüç.
Dr. Atabey explained that the dish was first created in the 1960s by Ali Bülüç and has since added great value to Bodrum’s cuisine:
“It was very important to ensure that this local delicacy would be passed on to future generations.”
Chef Bülüç added:
“Having it registered not as a personal recipe, but as a value belonging to Bodrum, means much more to me. We are also continuing our work on new local recipes.”
Renewed Website
To provide faster and easier service to its members, BODTO has redesigned its corporate website.
The new site is mobile-friendly, has passed all security tests, and makes online document retrieval much simpler.
Currently, it serves approximately 10,000 visitors per month.
Digital Transformation: BODTONET
BODTO has launched BODTONET, a digital platform that brings together all member services in one place.
Members can log in using their e-Government credentials and perform various operations online — from obtaining documents and paying dues to updating information without needing an appointment.
Chairman Kocadon stated that digitalization allows members to save both time and costs:
“Through a single application, members can easily access documents, make payments, follow events, and view announcements. This enables them to focus on their businesses without losing time to bureaucracy. Moreover, digitalization strengthens communication between the Chamber and its members, enhances transparency, and ensures that all members are instantly informed of new developments.”
He concluded by saying:
“We will continue to work to carry Bodrum’s values into the future. Our goal is to protect our cultural heritage while providing our members with services that meet the demands of the digital age.”
