About Us
In 2010, The Center for Development of Relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIGMEV) was established with the contributions of Muzaffer Çilek to improve and develop the existing economic and cultural relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey within the framework of friendship.
BIGMEV acts with the mission of transforming the opportunities of both countries into commercial and strategic cooperation with a win-win approach.
Our Foundation; With its experienced employees who know both nations closely and follow the economic developments, it Provides consultancy and regulatory services on identification and effective use of potential in countries. Also, it supports sister city projects.
BIGMEV continues working to increase the inflow of foreign direct investment into Bosnia and Herzegovina, to provide job opportunities and to contribute to the results of efforts to expand mutual trade.
We firmly believe that our historical ties will be strengthened and transferred to the future with the development of economic, social and cultural relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey.
About the Founder
Muzaffer Çilek was born in 1960 in İnegöl, Bursa, Türkiye. After completing his education in Bursa, he began his professional journey in 1984 by establishing and managing several furniture companies.
In 1996, Muzaffer Çilek co-founded Çilek Furniture with his brothers Mustafa and Muharrem Çilek. The company specializes in baby, children’s and youth furniture and quickly became an internationally recognized brand.
Known for its innovative, safe, and environmentally friendly designs, Çilek Furniture has established itself as a leader in the global market. The brand’s customer-focused approach has earned many international awards and made its products a beloved presence in the homes of millions of children worldwide.
Muzaffer Çilek is the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Çilek Holding and is also the CEO of Çilek Furniture.
In 2009, he established the Çilek Foundation to combat child poverty globally through a food banking system, reflecting his commitment to social responsibility.
Muzaffer Çilek has also expanded his business interests to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he invests in the construction, energy, and tourism sectors. In 2010, he founded the Foundation for the Development of Relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIGMEV), which aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In 2015, Muzaffer Çilek was appointed as an advisor to Bakir Izetbegović, a member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is also a founding member and board member of the Alija Izetbegović Foundation, created in memory of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first democratically elected President.
Muzaffer Çilek is passionate about equestrian sports and is fluent in English and Bosnian. He is married and has one child.
