January 7, 2024

Hafiz Mustafa Initiates Key Educational and Cultural Projects in Eskisehir

In a grand gesture of giving back to his roots, Avni Ongurlar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the renowned Hafiz Mustafa 1864, has initiated educational and cultural projects in his hometown, Eskişehir. This move aligns with the legacy of the 160-year-old brand, known for its international success and cultural contributions. A groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of these projects: a 32-classroom secondary school and a 600-person capacity congress center. Both institutions, representing Ongurlar’s vision of progress, are poised to transform Eskişehir’s educational landscape.

The event saw attendance from notable figures; including Eskişehir Governor Hüseyin Aksoy, Mayor Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Büyükerşen, Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy Ayşen Gürcan, Eskişehir Odunpazarı Mayor Kazım Kurt, former governor of Manisa, Chief Inspector of Civil Administration Ahmet Deniz from Istanbul, Fatih Zoning and Culture Association President Naci Polat, Levni Hotels Chairman Aydın Karacabay, Euro Design Hotel Chairman Nihat Özbek, Şevket Soytürk, Chairman of Viva Group Hotels, Serdar Balta, General Manager of Ottoman Hotels Group, journalists Recep İncecik, Hasan Arslan, Certified Public Accountant Mehmet Ali Akçay, CHP Fatih District Chairman Yusuf Yetişkin, Deputy Mayor of Kağıthane Nedret Apaydın, Viva Group Hotels General Manager Ergun Erdol and Old City Hoteliers Platform Chairman Tarkan Akyüz attended the event.

Avni Ongurlar, alongside his children Eren and Emre Ongurlar, laid the foundations for these establishments, named after his parents, Hacı Hatice and Hacı Bahri Ongurlar. This gesture honors his family’s legacy and solidifies his commitment to his birthplace.

At Hafiz Mustafa, we believe that education is not only the cornerstone of personal growth but also the driving force behind the development of our society and nation. As a brand with a century and a half of history, we recognize the invaluable role that education plays in shaping the future. By creating an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and self-sustaining school, we are taking a step towards that education thrives in an atmosphere that fosters innovation and responsible citizenship. We hope that Haci Hatice Ongurlar Secondary School will be a guiding light, illuminating the path to knowledge and progress for generations to come.

Avni Ongurlar

Hafiz Mustafa 1864 | Heritage

Governor Hüseyin Aksoy

Hafiz Mustafa 1864 | Legacy

Ongurlar said, “I owe a debt of loyalty to Eskişehir,” underlining his attachment to the city. The Hacı Hatice Ongurlar Secondary School, scheduled to open in the 2024-2025 academic year, will be a four-storey building representing the advancement of education. The Mayor of Eskişehir, Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Büyükerşen, emphasized the crucial role of education: “Education is vital for the progress of a nation. Building a school is as sacred as building a mosque.

Governor Hüseyin Aksoy praised the initiative, saying, “This is more than a school; it’s the foundation of goodness, beauty, and the future. He hailed the Ongurlar family’s contribution as a symbol of sustained civic involvement.

The projects, costing TRY 200 million, were designed by Afşin Aykanat, known for his architectural skills in Eskişehir. The 8,500-square metre school is a showcase of modern design and educational foresight. Named after Avni Ongurlar’s mother, the school stands as a legacy of his philanthropic vision, mirroring the values of Hafız Mustafa 1864.

Through these initiatives, Avni Ongurlar is extending the legacy of Hafız Mustafa 1864 beyond culinary excellence and integrating it deeply into the cultural and educational fabric of Eskişehir, paving the way for future generations.