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HISTORY OF THE MARITIME ASSOCIATION OF SHIPOWNERS AND AGENTS

 After the steamships emerged, maritime trade and maritime transportation flourished in our country as well. As a result of such development, various maritime companies were opened around Galata. Such maritime companies were renowned in sea transport and experienced, having a strong capital structure and fleets that can make regular sailing.  When the passenger and load transportation (exchange of commodities) started to gain pace in 1890, some problems arose.  In order to solve such problems, 28 companies which can be called “Galata Mariners” gathered together and established “Chambre Maritime Des Compagnies de Navigation Etrangeres Constantinople” on 6 November 1902. This institution acted as the Maritime Trade Chamber of Foreign Shipping Companies. The purpose of the Chamber as stated in the foundation statute which consists of 11 articles and is present at our association, is as follows; “… Examining and following-up the issues that may interest the shipping companies in the East, making the necessary ventures between all official bodies with regard to this, helping to settlement of the disputes between the companies or companies and trader in amicable way, if requested.”

 It changed its title as “Dersaadet Chambre Maritime des Compagnies de Navigation Etrangeres Cemiyeti” on 27 November 1927 with authorization of Istanbul Governorship No: 218, and the title was once again changed as “Ecnebi Seyr-i Sefain Şirketleri ve Armatörleri Cemiyeti” (Association of Foreign Navigation Companies and Shipowners” in accordance with the Law on Associations numbered 3512, dated 28 June 1938. 

 In 1968, an instruction was issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs requesting that the word “Ecnebi” (Foreign) was removed from the association’s title, and that the Turkish ship owners as well as shipping agencies were also invited for membership, then the name was changed into “Vapur Donatanları ve Acenteleri Cemiyeti” (Association of Ship Owners and Agents) with the resolution of the General Assembly Meeting on 4 April 1968. In this meeting, the purpose of the association was also changed as such: “In order to ensure the professional and social cooperation between the members in subjects related to shipping, and in order to realize this;

                a.  Following-up the progress in shipping and announcing this to the members,

                b. Organizing conference and seminars related to the subject and informing the members,

                c.  Keeping statistics regarding shipment, and issuing the tariffs related to the service and the profession,

          d. Endeavoring to engage in efforts beneficial for public in education, health and various subjects, either directly or through helping the exiting institutions.

  In parallel with the amendment to the Law on Associations No: 2908, the word “cemiyet” (association) was replaced by a synonym; “dernek” in 7 October 1983, and took its present name “Vapur Donatanları ve Acenteleri Derneği”

 The Association had the work titled “Turkish Navigation and Maritime Trade Sources” prepared by the Foundation of Historical Researches, Istanbul Research Center as dedicated to the 100th anniversary of its foundation in 2002, praised its honorable history of 100 years, and left it to the next generations as “Cultural Heritage of Navigation. ” In addition, association ensured introduction of the book named “History of Ship-Owners and Agents” prepared by Researcher Author Osman Öndeş and the book named “111th Year, from 1902 up to Day” prepared with the contributions of its members to the sector and carried the structure of its members in past and nowadays to the records of history. 

 The Association bought a historical mansion in Istanbul, Cihangir in 2004, with the valuable contributions of its members, and restored it in line with its original, and continues to operate with a wonderful view of Bosporus.

 The association has appointed its new Executive Board in General Assembly meeting held lastly in 21 May 2014 and Executive Board chaired by re-elected Recep Düzgit is now continuing its operations efficiently.

On April 5, 2017 annuel General Assembly Meeting held. At the 25th Ordinary General Meeting of the Association for the period of 2017-2020.

“ Recep Düzgit, Arif Kenan Türkantos, Emin Eminoğlu,  Zeki Murat Denizeri,  Savaş Ercan,  A. Rifat Karakimseli and Henryk Drowniak, were elected for the first board of directors included.”

The assignment of the duties at the Board of Directors meeting held on 10.04.2017 was made as follows.

Recep Düzgit, Chairman

Arif Kenan Türkantos, Vice Chairman

Emin Eminoğlu, Secretary General

Zeki Murat Denizeri, Treasurer

Savaş Ercan, Member                                                                                        

A.Rifat Karakimseli, Member

Henryk Drowniak, Member

On March 30, 2021 annuel General Assembly Meeting held. At the 26th Ordinary General Meeting of the Association for the period of 2021-2024.

“ Recep Düzgit, Arif Kenan Türkantos, Emin Eminoğlu,  Zeki Murat Denizeri,  Savaş Ercan,  A. Rifat Karakimseli and Henryk Drowniak, were elected for the first board of directors included.”

The assignment of the duties at the Board of Directors meeting held on 30.03.2021 was made as follows.

Recep Düzgit, Chairman

Arif Kenan Türkantos, Vice Chairman

Emin Eminoğlu, Secretary General

Zeki Murat Denizeri, Treasurer

Savaş Ercan, Member                                                                                        

A.Rifat Karakimseli, Member

Henryk Drowniak, Member

On March 05, 2024 annuel General Assembly Meeting held. At the 27th Ordinary General Meeting of the Association for the period of 2024-2027.

“ Recep Düzgit, Arif Kenan Türkantos, Emin Eminoğlu,  Zeki Murat Denizeri,  Cihangir İnanç,  A. Rifat Karakimseli and Henryk Drowniak, were elected for the first board of directors included.”

The assignment of the duties at the Board of Directors meeting held on 05.03.2024 was made as follows.

Recep Düzgit, Chairman

Arif Kenan Türkantos, Vice Chairman

Emin Eminoğlu, Secretary General

Zeki Murat Denizeri, Treasurer

Cihangir İnanç, Member                                                                                        

A.Rifat Karakimseli, Member

Henryk Drowniak, Member

 The Association was founded in 1902 by 28 members and continued as follows: 

CHAMBER MARITIME DES COMPAGNIES DE NAVIGATION ENTRANGERES CONSTANTINOPLE

 The first board of directors included: 

The Chairman of the Association were:

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