Dr. Hüseyin Kâmi BÜYÜKÖZER
“and those who have responded to their Lord (in submission to Him), and have established Salāh, and whose affairs are (settled) with mutual consultation between them, and who spend out of what We have given to them.” (Surah Ash-Shura, Ayat 38)
Allah Almighty does not say “sit down,” in Surah Al-Inshirah, our Lord says, “Indeed, with hardship comes ease, and with hardship comes ease. So when you have finished one task, immediately set about another.”
The opening speech at the HDM meeting on February 5, 2026, which began with an opening and prayer, was given by the GIMDES President, Dr. Hüseyin Kâmi BÜYÜKÖZER. In summary, Hüseyin Kâmi BÜYÜKÖZER stated: “First of all, I must say that you are engaged in an act of jihad through these institutions you have selflessly established to ensure that Muslims all over the world can easily and safely obtain halal food, which is an indispensable and most important matter of faith. Therefore, may Allah be pleased with all of you. May Allah bless and reward your efforts.”
Following the recitation of the Holy Quran, our teacher Mustafa Meral spoke about how GIMDES’s inspections ensure the halal and tayyib (pure and wholesome) conditions of the products sold in our markets, emphasizing the importance of GIMDES by explaining that without an inspecting institution like GIMDES, people can be left to their own devices and make mistakes.
The session continued with discussions from market managers regarding their views, requests, and recommendations on market operations, as well as from brothers who attended in person or participated online due to other commitments.
It was explained that Halal Dunya Markets is an elite supermarket chain that sells only halal and tayyip products and is certified by GIMDES, which verifies the reliability of these products. We are a boutique market, meaning each product in our store is a special one. Our motivation must always be positive, and we must not forget that we are running an elite market.
Therefore, it was emphasized that our markets should have a pleasant appearance, and we should be positive, not cold, towards our customers. We should promote our markets by participating in social events and meeting more people.
It was then stressed that Halal Dunya Markets is the only supermarket chain that sells halal and tayyip products and does not sell boycotted products, and that to protect this brand, we must not allow any product without GIMDES certification into our stores.
It was noted that it is very problematic for us that some manufacturers sell their halal-certified products in their own online markets at prices lower than those we sell to them.
Decisions made at the meeting:
Work to further strengthen our online sales site by including other HDMs (Health, Safety, and Environment) not yet part of the system.
It was decided that our markets need to unite; without unity, we cannot be strong. It was decided to gather GIMDES (General Directorate of Markets for Industrial Development) and HDM videos under a single link.
It was decided to provide training to our markets on sales, business management, body language, and retail, if requested.
It was decided to continue and diversify the campaigns.
It was decided to provide shared work uniforms, boxes, and bags.
The meeting emphasized the importance of bulk product purchases by markets, the 17th of Ramadan (World Halal Day), the weekly Friday “Blessed Friday” events, and the inserts we will create for our two religious holidays. It stressed the need for markets to maintain close communication and cooperation with the central office in this regard. It was also mentioned that we must be sincere in implementing advertising, magazines, social media, and most importantly, the HDM Identity Kit, and that we must be united in these activities. After stating that they could organize professional grocery training for their markets again if necessary, the meeting was concluded with a prayer to Allah to bestow blessings and prosperity upon their markets. The meeting ended with the recitation of the Holy Quran and a prayer.
