Istanbul trader refuses payment from Pakistani family citing historical brotherhood

ISTANBUL, Apr 6 (APP): In a heartwarming display of historical loyalty and deep-rooted brotherhood between Pakistan and Türkiye, Turkish merchant Cemalettin Yılmaz in Istanbul’s Tahtakale district refused to charge a Pakistani tourist family for their purchases, citing the support extended by Pakistanis during Türkiye’s War of Independence.

In recognition of this exemplary behaviour, the Turkish Ministry of Trade presented the Ahi Merchant Certificate to Cemalettin Yılmaz in Istanbul as an appreciation as well as a token of respect for those who uphold morality, loyalty, and the law of brotherhood in trade.

The touching gesture of the merchant, which has left a profound impression, highlighted the centuries-old bonds of friendship, morality, and solidarity between the two brotherly nations.

Cemalettin Yılmaz told the Pakistani family, “Our Pakistani brothers sent their gold bracelets to support our War of Independence. I will not charge you.”

“For centuries, trade on these lands has been built upon honesty, trust, and compassion, guided by the Ahi tradition. The meaningful behavior exhibited by our merchant has revealed that the consciousness of loyalty, which does not forget the friendly hand extended to us in our most difficult times, is still alive today,” Turkish Minister for Tarde Professor Dr. Ömer Bolat wrote on his X timeline,. who presented the certificate to the merchant.

He said that the Ministry of Trade wholeheartedly congratulated the merchant who did not forget historical loyalty, kneaded his trade with morality, and kept alive the nation’s deep-rooted merchant tradition.

The minister also extended gratitude to all merchants and artisans who represented halal earnings, honest trade, and Ahi culture.

“Loyalty is the foundation of being a nation; morality is the foundation of trade,” the minister remarked.