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Hamdi Ulukaya backtracks after sparking backlash with 'Türkiyeli' remark

Chobani founder Hamdi Ulukaya, who signed a sponsorship deal with Fenerbahçe, faced significant backlash for using the term "Türkiyeli" (person from Turkey) during the ceremony. In a new post by Fenerbahçe, Ulukaya's emphasis on the "Turkish people" was notable.

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The sponsorship ceremony between Fenerbahçe and the US-based yogurt giant Chobani became a topic of discussion not only due to the agreement itself but also because of the language used. Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya's use of the term "Türkiyeli" during his speech at the ceremony had sparked controversy.

BACKTRACKING AFTER THE BACKLASH

Following the reactions, the Yellow-Navy club shared a clip from Ulukaya's speech. Hamdi Ulukaya backtracked on his "Türkiyeli" remark. It was observed that in the statements within the post, Hamdi Ulukaya this time highlighted the "Turkish people." Ulukaya used the following expressions:

“The most beautiful journeys happen this way. First, you settle it in your heart. Then, work and business follow. One of the most important things that binds me tightly to my country is Fenerbahçe. Yesterday, Fenerbahçe Sports Club brought me home. It reconnected me to my roots. Let us embrace our people who burn with love for their homeland and bring them to this country. Let us establish their ties with this country. Let us carry the tremendous potential of this dear country to every corner of the world.

Fenerbahçe is one of this country's greatest assets. Today is an honorable day, a proud day. Mr. President, thank you for giving me this opportunity. We are at the service of you, Fenerbahçe, and the board of directors.

One of my feet is now in Turkey, in our Turkey, with the Turkish people. I am at the service of our nation, our country.”