The establishment of Chambers of Commerce in Western countries dates back to the 1700s. In contrast to these Western organizations, Turkish culture had its equivalents in the form of Ahi brotherhoods, guilds, and craft organizations.
In our country, this type of organization dates back to 1876. Later, with a decree dated 13/Cemaziyelahir/ 1923, the establishment of the Councils of Commerce and Agriculture in cities and towns was initiated. According to the decision of the Ministry of Commerce, it was announced that a Chamber of Commerce should be established in the provinces of Thessaloniki, Izmir, Syria, Aleppo, and Baghdad as the first degree, and in the provinces of Trabzon, Adana, Ankara, Edirne, Hadarandigar, and Erzurum as the second degree.
Since the Chamber of Commerce proved useful, a Chamber of Commerce was established in Edirne in 1301/1885, and its president and members were elected and submitted to the approval of the Ministry of Commerce.
It is understood that the Edirne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shown in the Edirne yearbooks (dated 1301 and 1939), was established within the framework of these laws.
The names of the members of the Edirne Chamber of Commerce and the members of the Commercial Court are included in the 1319/1901 yearbook. We could not find any information about this organization during the 22 years between this date and the Republic. While it is true that the Chamber provided information during these years, the Balkan Wars, the Gallipoli Campaign, and World War I, along with destruction and migrations, are the reasons why no written record of this organization has been found.
On September 27, 1341 (1925), the establishment of Chambers of Commerce was initiated with the enactment of the Regulations for Chambers of Commerce and Industry, which required traders to be official and compulsory members. Thus, with this law, the Chambers of Commerce, which had been unable to organize themselves for 40 years, were recognized as professional organizations, making it mandatory for traders and industrialists to become members. The establishment of the Edirne Chamber of Commerce and Industry was also realized through a law, and it began its duties within the city. Established as the second Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Turkey after Istanbul, the Edirne Chamber of Commerce and Industry will continue its commitment to technological and modern advancements that adapt to the needs of merchants and industrialists, a commitment it has consistently upheld until now. The chamber has 20 professional committees.
The first establishment of the Edirne Chamber of Commerce and Industry is recorded in the Edirne Yearbook dated 1301-1885, Central Province Chamber of Commerce Board
- Salih Bey President
- Bahaeddin Efendi from the merchant Member
- Haci Ahmet Aga from the merchant Bedestani Member
- Altunalmaz Malitadi Efendi Member
- Altunalmaz Azaryan Efendi Member
- Kirkor Aga from Yagcioglu Member
- Celebi Yorgaki Aga Member
- Haci Kamil Efendi from the merchant Bedestani Member
- Grocer Emin Efendi Member
- Todoraki Biraskidi Aga Member
- Karakostioglu Hiristodaliki Aga Member
- Evakim Aga Member
1310/1894 Edirne Yearbook Central Province Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture and Arts Delegation
- Salih Bey Chief
- Vasilaki Efendi Reis-i Sani
- Mehmed Efendi Member
- Emin Efendi Member
- So Bekani Efendi Member
- Delikano Efendi Member
- Sokiyas Efendi Member
- Kevork Efendi Member
- Avram Azarya Efendi Member
- Aleksandr Efendi Member
- Moiz Papo Efendi Member
