Turkish business, art and sport representatives launch solidarity campaign against terror

Leading business, art and sport representatives from Turkey have launched a civil society movement against recent terror attacks in a bid to boost the public's morale and maintain Turkey and Istanbul's brand value, calling on people to continue living their lives outside.

Initiated under the leadership of the United Brands Association (BMD), Chain Stores Association (KMD), Tourism, Restaurant Investors and Operators Association (TURYİD) and Whole Restaurants and Restaurants and Suppliers Association (TÜRES), the movement aims to support the Turkish public in surviving by boosting their morale and maintaining the brand value of Istanbul.

The details of the civil society movement, "Hold on to Your Life," were announced at a press conference on Jan. 12 with the participation of BMD Chair Sinan Öncel, KMD Chair Alp Önder Özpamukçu, TURYİD Chair Kaya Demirer and TÜRES Chair Ramazan Bingöl.

Along with members of the associations organizing the campaign, celebrities and respected delegates from the world of business, sport and social life attended the meeting, according to a press release. A number of leading celebrities, including TV star Kenan İmirzalıoğlu, Turkish national football team coach Fatih Terim, iconic movie star Hülya Koçyiğit, famous talk show presenter Saba Tümer, Turkish artist and lifestyle writer Ayhan Sicimoğlu, daily Hürriyet lifestyle writer Mehmet Yaşin, and cinema and theater star Demet Akbağ also supported the campaign through photos and videos showing them walking on the street, eating in restaurants, fishing, going to the cinema and strolling through the park. The images were shared in the meeting with the hashtag "holdontoyourlife."

'We need to hold on to life for our future'

"We...