The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced that Grape Law secured a spot on its prestigious list of the top 100 small and mid-sized firms from over 14,000 candidates.
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Building bridges of kindness between Türkiye and the world since 2003
At BTF, what unites us is a shared passion to empower Türkiye’s future generations by creating brighter opportunities for underserved children and youth. Through education, disaster relief, and health and well-being initiatives, we transform compassion into action.
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A Lasting US Immigration Pathway for Foreign Investors: EB-5 Green Card By Muhammed Üzüm
Creating Our American Dream Together as a Couple By Burcin Ogrenir
INSPIRES ME Tesla’s Robotaxi: The Driverless Future of Ride-Sharing By Sitki Kazanci
TURK You Say Corn… I Say Mısır By Ercument Akman
DID YOU KNOW? 48 CULINARY CHRONICLES BY DENIZ ORHUN Taste’s Sensory Illusion By Deniz Orhun
Adventurous at Work in America: Thrilling World of Think Tanks By Kitty Waldorf
A PR Strategy Success Story: How Airbnb Won Hearts Around the World? By Suheyla Tayla
Running from Asia to Europe in İstanbul: Crossing Continents on Foot By Nil Güler 86 TURKISH CINEMA Exploring Reha Erdem’s Neandria: A Farewell to Rural Stories By Ercument Akman
Transform Your Life by Diving into These 15 Must-Read Books 96
CULTIVATING CONNECTIONS: UNITING THE TURKISH COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF DC
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VOLUME 2, NO 1, NOV 2024
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EDITORIAL
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Sitki Kazanci
MANAGING EDITOR
Elizabeth Adams
EDITORS
Sara Jensen
Mary McHugh
David N Smith
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
In Alphabetical Order by Last Name
Ugur Akinci
Ercument Akman
Mehmet Ali Munir
Tara Alisbah
Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz
Oya Bain
Yasar Daglar
Erol Güler
Nil Güler
Burcin Ogrenir
Melisa Gulsun Ozmen
Serra Karacam
Sheilah Kaufman
Ali Kılıçlıoğlu
Oguz Konar
Sibel Kulaksiz
Dilek Livaneli
Olivia Manzagol
Kivanc Oguz
Güçlü Özenci
Esra Talu
Suheyla Tayla
Muhammed Üzüm
Kitty Waldorf
Fatih Yardimcioglu
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Jennifer T. Gordon
SALES / MARKETING
Advertising Department (703) 439-0557 pr@turknetwork.us
TurkNetwork Magazine, published monthly by the Creative Edge, 1751 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 600, McLean, VA 22102.
Creative Edge and TurkNetwork Magazine, are not responsible for advertisement content and contributors' articles.
AAs we celebrate TurkNetwork Magazine's first anniversary, we reflect on a remarkable journey of growth, dedication, and the support of an incredible community. TurkNetwork Magazine is more than a publication; it is a powerful platform dedicated to uplifting Turkish businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals across the United States.
This year has been a testament to the strength and vision of our community. TurkNetwork was founded with a mission to bring Turks in America closer together, foster economic and professional growth, and build a thriving community of Turkish talent—from academics to entrepreneurs and skilled professionals. We connect our readers to a vibrant network with each issue, amplifying voices and insights that shape important conversations within the Turkish diaspora.
Our readers are more than just an audience—they are trusted partners and advocates, helping extend your brand’s reach and influence within the Turkish and American communities. For businesses looking to expand, TurkNetwork provides exclusive exposure to an engaged audience of over half a million people, including 20,000 direct subscribers. We empower Turkish brands, professionals, and organizations to succeed and thrive.
TurkNetwork Magazine is more than a publication; it is a powerful platform, uniting Turkish businesses, professionals, and communities to thrive together.
This is just the beginning. Our commitment to excellence means every page is carefully crafted by professional editors and awardwinning designers, enriched by volunteer writers who bring expertise from diverse fields. We are a platform where support, integrity, and continuous improvement guide our work, ensuring we connect, empower, and uplift every individual and business in our network.
As we progress, we invite you to join us in building a legacy of strength and unity. Together, we can elevate the Turkish presence in America, foster growth, and leave a lasting impact on future generations. I appreciate your support. Stay tuned for even greater milestones ahead. Let us rise together, connected and empowered as one.
We celebrated the 101st Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye in Washington, DC.
The Turkish Embassy in Washington, DC, recently hosted a vibrant celebration to honor the 101st anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye. The event, held at the ambassadorial residence, was hosted by Türkiye’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Sedat Önal, alongside Mrs. Figen Önal, and welcomed an esteemed gathering of Turkish and American guests, diplomats, and community leaders.
Ambassador Sedat Önal addressed the audience, highlighting the enduring strength of Türkiye’s independence, democratic values, and the importance of the deepening partnership between the Turkish and American communities. His remarks underscored the historical significance of Türkiye’s path to nationhood and the shared aspirations for prosperity and peace between the two countries.
Guests were treated to traditional Turkish dishes, adding a warm and flavorful touch to the celebration. The event reflected the rich cultural heritage of Türkiye and the unity of the Turkish diaspora, who came together in Washington, DC, to mark this special occasion with pride and joy.
BY
PHOTO
DOGAN KUMOVA
PROFESSOR DARON ACEMOĞLU WINS 2024 NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMIC SCIENCES
We are thrilled and proud to announce that Professor Daron Acemoğlu of MIT has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences.
This prestigious honor recognizes Professor Acemoğlu’s outstanding contributions to the field of economics, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to him for this remarkable achievement. His work continues to inspire and shape the future of economic thought.
Acemoğlu has become the third person to bring a Nobel Prize to Türkiye, following Orhan Pamuk (2006 - Literature) and Aziz Sancar (2015 - Chemistry).
WHAT IS THE SECRET OF DUBAI CHOCOLATE?
Dubai’s chocolate is gaining global attention for its luxurious flavors and rich textures. The secret? High-quality ingredients sourced from around the world, combined with innovative techniques and a touch of local Emirati influences. Some chocolatiers even incorporate traditional treats like Turkish lokma, adding a delightful fusion of cultures. This blend of tradition and innovation creates a unique and unforgettable taste experience that is truly one of a kind.
FAZIL SAY TO PERFORM AT WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY’S DALTON CENTER RECITAL HALL
Renowned Turkish pianist and composer Fazıl Say will captivate audiences at the Dalton Center Recital Hall at Western Michigan University on November 16, 2024. The concert, scheduled for 2 pm, promises an unforgettable afternoon of masterful performances by one of the world’s most celebrated classical musicians. Say, known for his virtuosic piano skills and innovative compositions, has performed in prestigious venues worldwide, earning international acclaim for his unique interpretations of classical and contemporary works. His upcoming performance at Western Michigan University is part of his ongoing tour, where he continues to inspire audiences with his extraordinary musical talent.
Tickets for the event are now available for purchase through the Western Michigan University Box Office or online at WMU’s official ticketing website. Prices vary, so secure your seat early for this highly anticipated concert. Do not miss the chance to witness Fazıl Say’s artistry live in an intimate recital setting.
Mark your calendars and book your tickets soon for what promises to be a memorable musical experience!
GRAPE LAW WAS RANKED AMONG THE “TOP 100 SMALL AND MID-SIZED FIRMS IN THE US.”
The US Chamber of Commerce has announced the country's top 100 small and mid-sized firms. Grape Law, a New York-based US business immigration law firm providing business immigration services to clients worldwide, was selected from over 14,000 candidates and secured its place on the list.
The US Chamber of Commerce, one of the most respected institutions in the US business ecosystem, selected the top 100 small and mid-sized firms in the US. After a thorough evaluation of over 14,000 small and mid-sized companies, including an analysis of business
operations, innovation developments, and approaches to professional challenges, Grape Law was successfully ranked in the esteemed "Chamber of Commerce-100" list.
Grape Law made the list in the "Growth Accelerator" category for its "innovative and effective strategies to achieve business growth” as well as “exceptional creativity and ingenuity in its approach to growth, highlighting unique tactics
and strategies in aspects like marketing, product innovation, and customer service.”
A Promising Start to the Immigration Journey
Muhammed Üzüm, the founding attorney at the Grape Law, shared his thoughts on this significant achievement:
“Our team of 70+ dedicated professionals, along with our innovative approach, swift client communication, and investment in modern technology, have built a foundation of trust and satisfaction with our clients. It's incredibly rewarding to have this trust and satisfaction recognized by the US Chamber of Commerce. We are committed to making the US immigration journey a smooth and hopeful experience for our clients across the globe.”
According to the US Chamber of Commerce, the firms on the "2024 CO-100" list operate in 16 different sectors. These companies, earning more than 400 million dollars in annual revenue, provide employment to over 5,000 people.
TÜRKİYE BECOMES THE WORLD’S LARGEST UAV PRODUCER
Faced with restrictions from its allies, Türkiye developed home-grown technologies and now stands as a global leader in armed drones.
Türkiye has emerged as the world’s leading producer of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), marking a significant milestone in defense technology. This achievement stems from years of strategic investment in the defense sector, with companies like Baykar and Turkish Aerospace Industries leading the charge. Notable UAVs like the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci have gained global acclaim for their effectiveness in military and civilian missions, earning Türkiye an international reputation.
The demand for Turkish UAVs has surged globally, boosting Türkiye’s influence on the geopolitical stage as its drones are utilized across various conflict zones and humanitarian operations. With innovations extending into civil applications, Türkiye’s UAV industry represents not only national security progress but also a powerful example of technological leadership.
ALI CINAR PUBLISHES FIRST BOOK ON MEDIA ECOLOGY IN JOURNALISM
Ali Cinar’s first book, “Media Ecology in Journalism: A Phenomenological Study of the Adaptation Strategies of Senior Journalists,” has been published. We at TurkNetwork Magazine extend our congratulations to him on this significant achievement.
SUBMIT YOUR NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Feel free to send us any news or announcements, and we will publish them on the community news pages. You can email them to pr@turknetwork.us.
ÇEŞME-HATAY MASTIC TREE BRIDGE PROJECT
Planting Hope for the 101st Anniversary of the Turkish Republic
To celebrate 101 years of the Turkish Republic, the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) and Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF), in partnership with the Çeşme Agricultural Development Cooperative and Payda Association, are launching the Çeşme-Hatay Mastic Tree Bridge Project. This initiative will plant 101 mastic trees in Hatay, revitalizing a region affected by disaster and supporting sustainable growth. The project focuses on empowering women in agriculture, providing them with leadership opportunities and economic independence through mastic tree cultivation. Donations will directly fund planting efforts and training programs, helping to create a greener, more resilient future for Türkiye.
Support this historic campaign and make a lasting impact.
YOUTH WRESTLING SEASON BEGINS!
TÜRKİYE AND WORLD BANK IN TALKS TO EXPAND $35 BILLION FINANCING
Türkiye is reportedly in talks with the World Bank to increase the current $35 billion financing package, which extends through 2028. This commitment, already doubled from $17 billion last year, reflects Türkiye’s efforts to reestablish economic stability and support critical development sectors.
The financing primarily targets renewable energy, climate adaptation, flood management, and the export sector. Türkiye and the World Bank signed an additional $1.9 billion deal for four projects, signaling further collaboration.
Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, attending G-20 and World Bank meetings in Washington, emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to sustainable economic growth. Expanding the World Bank’s financial exposure to Türkiye could help support the nation’s economic resilience, sustainability efforts, and position in the global market.
WALMART TO OPEN TÜRKİYE OFFICE FOR SOURCING TURKISH GOODS
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is set to open an office in Türkiye to source various Turkish products, including furniture and frozen foods. The move positions Türkiye as a strategic sourcing hub for the American giant across multiple categories.
Trade between the US and Türkiye has surged, doubling to around $40 billion over the past five years and reaching $100 billion by 2028. About 2,000 American companies operate in Türkiye, with investments totaling $60 billion across sectors such as defense, energy, and logistics.
Major US firms, including Boeing and General Electric, are also expanding their partnerships with Turkish companies, further boosting exports of automobiles, machinery, textiles, and chemicals. Turkish Airlines supports this growth by flying to 14 US cities, providing crucial cargo capacity that facilitates nearly half of Türkiye’s exports to the US.
The new Walmart office is a significant step in strengthening US-Türkiye trade relations and expanding the market for Turkish goods.
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ELECTION 101: UNDERSTANDING THE 2024 US ELECTIONS
Every vote counts—not just for president, but for state and local officials who shape the policies affecting daily life.
By David N. Smith
The 2024 US elections are fast approaching, and they will shape the country’s future in significant ways. To help make sense of it all, here is a simple breakdown of what these elections are about, how they work, and why they matter.
WHAT ARE THE 2024 US ELECTIONS?
The 2024 US elections will determine who holds some of the most powerful positions in the country, including the president, members of Congress, and various local officials. The election will take place on November 5, 2024, with voters casting their ballots for the next President
of the United States, as well as candidates for the US Senate, House of Representatives, and many state and local positions.
WHAT
POSITIONS
ARE UP FOR ELECTION?
1. President of the United States: The most closely watched race is the one for the White House. In 2024, Americans will vote for a president and vice president who will serve for the next four years. The current vice Democratic president, Kamala Harris, is seeking the presidency, while the Republican Party has nominated Former President Donald Trump. Other third-party candidates are running as well.
2. Congress: The US Congress is made up of two chambers:
● Senate: One-third of the 100 Senate seats are up for election every two years, and in 2024, 34 Senate seats will be contested.
● House of Representatives: All 435 seats in the House are up for re-election every two years, so voters across the country will also choose their Representatives.
3. State and Local Offices: In addition to federal races, many states will hold elections for governors, state legislators, and local officials such as mayors and judges. These offices play a crucial role in shaping policies on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and more at the local level.
HOW DOES THE US ELECTION SYSTEM WORK?
The US uses an Electoral College system for presidential elections, which can be a bit tricky to understand. Here is how it works:
1. Popular Vote: On Election Day, people across the US vote for their preferred presidential candidate. But they are not directly voting for the president. Instead, they are voting for a group of people known as “electors” in their state.
2. Electoral College: These electors are part of the Electoral College, a group of 538 people who officially elect the president and vice president. Each state has a certain number of electors based on its population. For example, California has 54 electoral votes, while a smaller state like Vermont has just 3 votes.
3. Winner-Take-All System: In most states, the candidate who wins the majority of the popular vote wins all of the state’s electoral votes. The first candidate to reach 270 electoral votes wins the presidency.
WHY DO THE 2024 ELECTIONS MATTER?
The 2024 elections will impact not just the direction of the US, but global politics as well. Issues such as the economy, healthcare, climate change, and international relations are at stake. Voters will decide who they believe can best lead the country forward in these areas.
It is important to note that every vote counts— not just for the president, but for state and local elections, which have a direct effect on people’s daily lives. Whether it is policies on education, housing, or transportation, local officials make decisions that impact communities.
HOW CAN YOU VOTE?
To participate in the elections, eligible voters need to register to vote in their state. Voting can take place in several ways:
● In-Person Voting: Most people vote in person on Election Day.
● Early Voting: Some states allow voters to cast their ballots in person before Election Day.
● Mail-In Voting: Many states also offer mail-in ballots, allowing voters to vote by mail.
VOTE
PRESIDENT FOR
In conclusion, the 2024 US elections are a critical moment for Americans to make their voices heard. Understanding the basics of the election process is the first step in being an informed
voter. No matter the outcome, these elections will shape the future of the US and the world. Make sure you register, research the candidates, and vote! ■
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NAVIGATING GREEN ADVERTISING WITH HONESTY AND ACCURACY
The German court’s decision emphasizes that companies must provide clear definitions for "climate neutral" or refrain from using the term, marking a crucial step in combating greenwashing and ensuring transparency for eco-conscious consumers.
By Olivia Manzagol
In a landmark ruling, a German court has recently ordered companies to provide clear definitions for the term “climate neutral” in their advertising or refrain from using it altogether. This decision represents a significant move in Europe’s efforts to combat greenwashing as companies compete to attract eco-conscious consumers. Climate-neutral, or carbon-neutral, typically involves offsetting a company’s emissions by supporting projects that reduce carbon elsewhere, like investing in renewable energy. However, the court found that the term is often misunderstood, potentially leading consumers to believe emissions have been eliminated from production processes rather than just offset. This phenomenon
is becoming increasingly relevant as most companies do not correctly distinguish basic sustainability terms such as “net-zero,” “carbon negative,” “zero emissions,” etc., and use them in their reports interchangeably or even sometimes randomly.
The ruling comes as companies globally face stricter regulations on sustainability claims. The European Union has proposed new measures that demand firms back up their ecological assertions to tackle the widespread issue of greenwashing, where superficial claims obscure insufficient environmental efforts. At the same time, the US Federal Trade Commission is revising its Green Guide framework to address comparable concerns.
Major corporations like Vodafone and Nestlé have established panels to verify green claims to avoid greenwashing
allegations. Last year, Deutsche Bank’s investment arm settled for $25 million over accusations of overstating sustainability factors in its funds.
The German court’s decision also highlights that merely directing consumers to a separate webpage for explanations, as done with the QR code in the contested ad, is insufficient.
More precise labels for packaging and advertising is needed; discontinuing the "carbon-neutral" label might soon be a trend; and honest communication about environmental impact is now more important than ever. ■
Olivia Manzagol is an economist specializing in energy, finance and sustainability.
CELEBRATING A YEAR OF IMPACT: TURKNETWORK MAGAZINE AND TURKISH PHILANTHROPY FUNDS
“Our collaboration with TurkNetwork Magazine has been instrumental in highlighting the power of community-driven philanthropy in transforming communities in Türkiye and beyond, showing how meaningful impact is achieved through the strength of partnership.”
By Şenay Ataselim-Yilmaz, PhD
As we reflect on the past year, Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of TurkNetwork Magazine. This platform has brought our community closer together, showcasing the strength of Turkish and Turkish American voices, and amplifying stories that inspire collective action and positive change.
Our collaboration with TurkNetwork Magazine has been instrumental in highlighting the power of community-driven philanthropy in transforming communities in Türkiye and beyond. The story of more than 100,000 TPF donors is a testament to the power of community-driven philanthropy. Together, we have demonstrated how meaningful impact is achieved not in isolation,
but through the power of partnership—a message especially relevant as we approach the year-end giving season.
A YEAR OF COLLABORATION AND IMPACT
The devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye last year emphasized the importance of community and coordinated action. Our partnership with TurkNetwork Magazine began with these events, as TPF swiftly channeled millions of dollars in donations to trusted local organizations. From immediate relief to long-term recovery and resilience-building, TPF’s strategic approach has been crucial in helping rebuild affected communities.
TurkNetwork Magazine continued to tell the stories of our donors, showing how their contributions—whether through donor-advised
funds or giving circles—create high-impact, long-term change. From scholarships for underserved students to disaster relief efforts, TPF’s stories in the magazine illustrated how each dollar donated through TPF reaches its intended destination, creating lasting impact. With more than 1,300 grants awarded and over 3 million lives touched, TPF remains the most trusted partner for those who want to give and those who need it most.
Together with TurkNetwork Magazine, we have spotlighted TPF’s Innovation and Social Impact Summit and our support for planned giving within the TurkishAmerican community. As we celebrate the magazine's first anniversary, we are deeply grateful for this partnership, united by a shared goal: to elevate lives and create lasting change.
YEAR-END GIVING: THE POWER TO CREATE CHANGE
As we reflect on this partnership and the successes of the past year, we are reminded of the importance of generosity. Year-end giving presents a unique opportunity for individuals to come together and maximize the impact of their contributions.
This season is not just about tax benefits— it is about strengthening our community and ensuring that our collective efforts make a lasting difference. It is a moment for us all to come together and amplify the impact of our contributions. Turkish Philanthropy Funds offers the perfect opportunity to give back in a way that ensures every dollar goes where it is needed most. Whether through a donor-advised fund or by directly supporting education, mental health services, economic development, or resilience-building efforts, your contributions have the power to change lives.
LOOKING AHEAD: A SHARED VISION FOR THE FUTURE
As TurkNetwork Magazine marks its first anniversary, we look forward to continuing our journey of amplifying stories of impact through our partnership. We invite you to join us by making your year-end gift through TPF. Your story at TPF can start before the year ends, and through your giving, you are not just supporting a cause—you are joining a movement. A movement that uplifts communities, builds resilience, and creates a brighter future for all.
There are many ways to make a difference before the year ends and we look forward
About Turkish Philanthropy Funds
For 17 years, Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) has served our community to channel the generosity of over 100,000 donors to disburse more than $40 million. As a community foundation, our intimate knowledge of community needs has fueled innovative solutions to pressing challenges. We have directly impacted over 3 million lives, offering strategic guidance to donors to maximize
to learning your philanthropic passion. Your generosity could be the next inspiring story waiting to be told. Join us and be a part of the next chapter. Visit us at www.tpfund.org to
learn more about different ways of giving. Here is to many more years of hope, resilience and shared success, and to the lasting impact we can create—together.
KEY DEADLINES AND TIPS FOR 2024 GIVING
Smart planning and timely action can amplify the impact of your generosity. Keep in mind these key year-end deadlines and tips to ensure your gifts have the greatest impact and benefit from tax advantages:
◗ Check Gifts: Postmarked by December 31, 2024, or physically received by December 30 for express carriers.
◗ Stock Gifts: Transfer by Friday, December 20, 2024.
◗ Wire Transfers: Initiate by Friday, December 27, 2024, to be received by December 30.
◗ Online Contributions: May be made until midnight on December 31, 2024.
◗ Real Estate Gifts: Transfer title by December 20, 2024.
◗ If you or your spouse are 70½ or older, you can each can direct up to $100,000 from your traditional IRA to TPF through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
◗ If you are uncertain about which causes to support, consider opening a donor-advised fund (DAF) at TPF. This allows you to receive a tax deduction now and decide on charities later. A popular strategy is "bunching," where you combine multiple years of donations into one, maximizing your deduction in 2024 while distributing grants over time. New DAFs can be opened at TPF by noon on Monday, December 30.
their philanthropic reach. TPF is a collaborative hub where donors, businesses, and nonprofits unite, pooling resources and expertise. Together, we have fostered resilient communities and built a LEGACY of positive change that we are all proud of. www.tpfund.org
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Read TPF Earthquake Fund 6th Month Impact Report
Read TPF’s Most Recent Annual Report
Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz leads Turkish Philanthropy Funds as its executive director and has been instrumental since its inception. She is also a writer, lecturer, and advocate for social change. Honored as an International Herst Fellow by the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society and a Young Society Leader by the AmericanTurkish Society, Senay frequently writes for the Huffington Post and teaches at Fordham University and the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society. Senay has a PhD in Political Science from Graduate Center, CUNY, and business certifications from Columbia and Harvard Business Schools. Additionally, she is a trained yoga and mindfulness instructor.
My career choices were dictated either by my then-current intellectual interests or unexpected opportunities that life blessed me with.
COMMUNITY STAR: UGUR AKINCI
Dr Ugur Akinci, the November Community Star, has been a long-time and well-respected community member. He has a long record of frequently volunteering for Turkish-American organizations, activity groups, and projects. He is multi-talented and versatile yet unassuming and quiet. He published the biweekly Turkish Times for ATAA for many years, with high standards of accurate news and excellent formatting. Currently Dr Akinci shifted from publishing technology to painting. His paintings inspire calm and gentleness and can be seen on his website.
By Oya Bain
Uğur Akinci, a multifaceted professional with a diverse background in engineering, sociology, journalism, and technical documentation, has made significant contributions to both the Turkish-American community and the field of publishing. From his early beginnings in Türkiye to his successful career in the US, Akinci’s journey is marked by intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for giving back. Now retired, he continues to pursue his lifelong interest in art while reflecting on decades of impactful work across various industries.
Can you tell us about your early beginnings?
I was born in Eskisehir in 1950 but grew up in Ankara. My father was a Turkish Air Force (TAF) jet pilot, and my mother was a singer at Ankara Radyo Evi. I grew up in a home that reverberated with Turkish and Classical Western music. I am my parents’ only child.
What factors influenced you most in your formative years?
My parents’ divorce when I was seven years old was the single most important event of my childhood, affecting me for many decades to follow.
I have a sister and three brothers from my father’s second marriage and another sister from an American woman that my father had a relationship with when he visited the US for official TAF training during the early 1950s
Your education? Where and what did you study?
After finishing junior high at TED Ankara Koleji, I passed the entrance exam for Ankara Fen Lisesi
and graduated from high school in 1968. I entered the Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ) as an electrical engineering student that year but left as a sociology senior.
How did you choose your career path?
I had a most unusual career path, traversing engineering, social sciences, sales and marketing, journalism, publishing, technical documentation, and arts and design. My career choices
“I wanted to do something that would make me happy when I woke up every morning, so I started to draw and paint.”
were dictated either by my then-current intellectual interests or unexpected opportunities that life blessed me with.
Tell us about your journey to the US. What were your initial experiences?
I came to the US in 1975 due to a campus-wide boycott at ODTÜ. My professors suggested I go to the US to get my bachelor's degree since nobody knew when the campus would reopen.
So, I applied to the University of Texas at Austin right away and was admitted thanks to the excellent references from my professors. When I arrived in Austin in July 1975, I had $440 in my pocket, $400 of which went to the University of Texas for my summer school registration. I honestly do not even want to remember how I survived my first year in America.
I repeated my senior year in Austin to get my bachelor's degree, after which I moved on to Brown University on a full scholarship for my graduate studies in sociology and demography.
I returned to Türkiye in 1981 for my military service. Following that, I worked at NATO HQ LSE in Izmir as a senior translator. In 1984, I returned to the US to support my wife’s postdoctoral work in physics at the University of Maine and the University of Maryland. Since then, we have lived in the Washington, DC, area. We have one son who lives in Arizona.
Tell us about your experiences at ATAA as the publisher of the excellent Turkish Times newspaper.
The late ’80s witnessed the desktop publishing revolution. I was one of the early practitioners of DTP, using a Mac SE. When, in 1989, ATAA invited me to publish a Turkish-American newspaper via DTP, I accepted gladly, and the Turkish Times biweekly paper was born.
I first served as its managing editor, which in reality meant I was the page layout artist, columnist, copy editor, ad manager, printing house liaison, distribution manager, etc., all rolled into one. I continued publishing the paper until 1994 as its editor-in-chief. It was hard work with long hours that gave me a lot of pleasure and satisfaction in serving my community during those pre-Internet years.
Following my Turkish Times career, I worked as the Washington Bureau Chief of Turkish Daily News between 1994 and 1998, covering the US Congress, the US State Department, and occasionally, the White House.
In 1998, I started working as a technical communicator, documenting the software
products of Fortune 100 companies such as ADP, Fannie Mae, and Honeywell. I retired in 2020 with the onset of the COVID pandemic.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout my years in the Washington, DC, area, I have been a member of ATAA and ATA-DC, serving both at different times in various roles. In 1991 and 1994, I was awarded ATAA’s Meritorious Service Award. In 2004, I was honored with ATAA’s Distinguished Service Award. In 2016, I received ATA-DC’s Special Appreciation Award for my contributions to the Turkish American community.
Another recognition I am proud of is being elected as a Fellow in 2021 by the Society of Technical Communication (STC), the largest professional organization in my field of technical documentation.
Could you tell us about your painting? How can we see your work?
After retirement, I wanted to do something that would make me happy when I woke up every morning. Thus, I started to draw and paint, something I had wanted to do all my
life but could not due to the daily demands of earning a living.
I am still in the midst of this very exciting art journey. Every day, I learn something new. Those who would like to see my current work are welcome to visit www.ugurakinci.com. Connect with me on Facebook www.facebook.com/ UgurAkinciStudio.
In Closing…
I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to TurkNetwork Magazine for this Community Star recognition. The publisher, Sitki Kazanci, has been a beloved friend and project collaborator of mine for the past 30 years. I am sure TurkNetwork will continue to grow and prosper, serving our community for decades to come. ■
Oya Bain is a retired biochemist from Georgetown University Hospital. She has been a long-standing activist in the Turkish community, both in cultural and political affairs. She has served and still does on the boards of many Turkish American organizations. She believes in strong ties between Türkiye and the US and strives to promote Turkish history and culture at every chance.
THE ECONOMIC POWER OF MIGRANTS: HOW NEWCOMERS GROW THE ECONOMIC PIE
Migrants are not just an influx of workers—they are a powerful force that can make the whole country richer.
By Esra Talu
As the United States heads toward another election, immigration has emerged as a defining issue in the national conversation. For some, the focus is on limiting the flow of migrants, viewing them as a strain on resources. However, many experts, including Wharton School professor Zeke Hernandez, argue that migrants contribute far more than they take. Hernandez offers a refreshing perspective that challenges common misconceptions: are not just an influx of workers but a powerful force that can make the whole country richer.
In his words, "An influx of workers is not just an influx of workers. It’s an influx of consumers. It’s an influx of potential entrepreneurs. It’s an influx of investors. It’s an influx of taxpayers that grow the economic pie." This statement encapsulates that immigration can fuel broader economic growth, innovation, and prosperity for newcomers and the entire nation.
Immigrants as Workers and Consumers
The most straightforward contribution of migrants is their role in the labor market. As workers, they fill essential jobs across various sectors, from agriculture to healthcare to
tech. These positions are vital to the smooth functioning of the economy, often filling labor shortages and driving productivity. However, Hernandez's argument goes beyond the role of migrants as workers.
Migrants are also consumers. Each new individual coming to the US is a potential customer who will spend on housing, food, transportation, education, and more. This consumption stimulates demand across industries, creating jobs and opportunities for others. The simple act of buying a home, purchasing groceries, or sending children to school has a ripple effect that helps local businesses thrive and supports the economic ecosystem as a whole.
PHOTO
Immigrants as Entrepreneurs and Innovators
One of the most underappreciated aspects of migration is the entrepreneurial spirit newcomers bring. Many migrants arrive with diverse experiences, unique perspectives, and a drive to succeed. According to a 2021 study from the National Foundation for American Policy, immigrants have founded 55% of America's startup companies valued at $1 billion or more. When migrants start businesses, they do not just create jobs for themselves—they create jobs for others, helping to revitalize local economies and spur innovation. From small neighborhood shops to tech unicorns, immigrant entrepreneurs contribute to a dynamic and competitive business landscape in the US.
Immigrants as Investors and Taxpayers
Beyond entrepreneurship, migrants are also investors. Many come with savings and invest in property, businesses, and financial markets. These investments inject capital into the US economy, supporting growth and stability. Furthermore, a strong correlation exists between migration and the real estate market, with immigrants contributing to the demand for homes, boosting property values, and promoting economic development in their communities.
And let us remember taxes. Migrants, like other residents, contribute to the public purse through income, sales, and property taxes. They help fund essential services like schools, healthcare, and infrastructure, which benefit society. According to the New American Economy, in 2019, immigrants in the US contributed $492.4 billion in federal taxes and $146.1 billion in state and local taxes, helping to alleviate budgetary pressures and grow the nation’s fiscal resources.
Growing the Economic Pie
The notion of growing the "economic pie" means that when migrants arrive, they do not just take a slice of the existing pie—they help to make the pie bigger for everyone. By contributing to the workforce, sparking entrepreneurial ventures, making investments, and paying taxes, migrants play a critical role in
INNOVATE, INSPIRE, AND LEAD
expanding the economy, increasing productivity, and enhancing innovation.
It's essential to move beyond the zero-sum mindset that often dominates discussions on immigration. Immigration is not about one group winning at the expense of another; it is about mutual growth. As migrants integrate into American society, their contributions help create more opportunities for native-born citizens and future generations.
A Path Forward
Professor Hernandez’s argument highlights an essential truth about immigration: it is an economic multiplier, not a burden. The United States has a long history of benefiting from newcomers' energy, talents, and ambitions. As the country faces a future shaped by demographic shifts, embracing immigrants as
workers, consumers, entrepreneurs, investors, and taxpayers is key to building a more prosperous and inclusive economy.
Instead of seeing migrants as competitors for resources, it is time to recognize them as collaborators in the journey toward economic growth and innovation. The evidence is clear: newcomers do not just add to the economy—they expand it, making America richer for everyone. ■
Esra Talu is the Founder and CEO of GoGlobal, a boutique tech advisory firm based in Miami. With extensive experience in the tech startup ecosystem, Esra is passionate about supporting tech entrepreneurs in achieving their growth and expansion goals. She has significantly contributed to the startup scenes in the US, UK, Türkiye, Israel, and the MEA region.
PHOTO BY JACOB WACKERHAUSEN
We envision a future beyond traditional philanthropy—one where we cultivate changemakers and young leaders who drive meaningful change.
Exclusive Interview with EMIN PAMUCAK
BTF: A FUTURE BEYOND TRADITIONAL PHILANTHROPY
BTF was born out of both inspiration and frustration—bridging the gap between donors and communities in need was our driving force.
By Sitki Kazanci
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Emin Pamucak, President of the Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF), to explore the inspiring journey behind the organization. In response to the challenges following the 1999 Marmara Earthquake, BTF was created to connect generous donors with communities in need across Türkiye. With a focus on education, disaster management, health, and environmental sustainability, BTF has become a vital force for positive change.
Emin Pamucak shares insights into BTF’s evolution, the obstacles faced during its foundation, and the organization’s ongoing efforts to empower volunteers and communities. As BTF continues to shape philanthropic efforts, its story is a testament to the power of grassroots civic engagement and the enduring impact of a mission-driven approach.
Could you start by sharing the story behind the Bridge to Türkiye Fund (BTF)? What were the driving motivations and critical challenges during the foundation phase?
At BTF, we believe in the power of citizendriven initiatives and the importance of grassroots civic engagement. In many ways, we see ourselves as community builders first. Without
strong communities, change is not possible. We are also advocates for the underserved. So, as our name suggests, we are here to act as a bridge—connecting generous giving communities with those in need across Türkiye.
As a North Carolina-based charitable nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, BTF was born out of both inspiration and frustration. After the devastating 1999 Marmara Earthquake,
our sister organization, ATA-North Carolina, managed to collect a substantial amount of donations. But what we did not expect was the immense challenge of transferring those contributions to meaningful projects on the ground in Türkiye. As someone closely involved at the time, it was painful to see that generosity stuck in limbo, and it became clear that a better system was needed.
A few years later, in 2003, a small group of us came together with the belief that we could create a frictionless bridge between donors and communities in need. It was not easy— building trust and ensuring transparency was a steep climb. But we were driven by passion and the belief that small, targeted contributions could spark big change.
What is the core mission of BTF, and how has it evolved over the years?
BTF was launched over 20 years ago with one clear mission: to ensure that underserved children in Türkiye have access to quality education. While this core mission has remained constant, we have also learned to adapt to
the changing needs of Türkiye. In recent years, disaster response has become a more prominent part of our work as Türkiye faces increased threats from earthquakes and other disasters. Our mission today reflects this evolution: “To connect communities worldwide to create a brighter future for Türkiye.” We focus on four main areas: education, health and wellbeing of youth, environmental sustainability, and disaster management.
We are also passionate about social entrepreneurship. We want to see a vibrant civil society in Türkiye and among the diaspora. Many of our supporters are changemakers— people with innovative ideas who want to uplift underserved communities. We call them
“dreamers,” and we become their “dream partners,” helping them turn their ideas into reality. We handle the heavy lifting—facilitating crossborder grant-making, managing projects, and ensuring transparent reporting—so they can focus on creating meaningful change.
Could you provide insights into the structure of your leadership?
Currently, we have eight dedicated directors on the board and 16 diligent committee members from all across North America. A few years ago, we decided to transition from a "working board" to a "governing board." This was a pivotal moment for BTF. In a "working board" model, board members are heavily involved in day-to-day tasks, operating almost like staff. But as BTF grew, it became clear that we needed to take a step back and adopt a more strategic leadership model. We have embraced a hybrid model of leadership where volunteers remain at the heart of our initiatives, working hand-in-hand with our staff. Volunteers drive ideas, inspire strategies, and lead projects, while the staff ensures smooth implementation.
BTF operates through various programs and initiatives. Could you tell us more about them?
All of our programs are designed to create opportunities and deliver tangible impact. In education, our Adopt-A-Classroom (BTF4Kids)
program provides essential learning materials to village schools, ensuring that children in disadvantaged areas have the tools they need to thrive. Our scholarship funds empower students to pursue their dreams. To date, we have reached over 500 village schools and provided scholarships to more than 12,000 students through partner NGOs in Türkiye. In disaster management, we offer both immediate relief and long-term recovery support to affected communities. We also welcome collaborative projects and provide the resources needed to bring innovative ideas to life. One example is the Child Amputees of Türkiye Earthquakes (CATE) project, which began as a collaboration between BTF and Turkish-American doctors and now continues to grow under the leadership of Çukurova University’s Child Wellness Center. As a UN-accredited NGO, across all of our work, we proudly align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing global priorities such as quality education and gender equality.
One of the critical aspects of a successful nonprofit is its volunteer network. How can individuals, especially those from the Turkish-American community, get involved with BTF, and what opportunities do you provide them to contribute to your initiatives?
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. For the first 17 years, BTF was entirely volunteer-led, and even today, volunteers remain the driving force behind many of our programs. We take pride in bringing together people from all walks of life who share a passion for giving back. Our work involves removing barriers for our volunteers by offering frictionless support—whether they want to launch a fundraiser, organize a new initiative, or get involved in ongoing projects. At BTF, volunteers are changemakers, and together, we believe there is no limit to what we can achieve.
In light of evolving needs and changing social dynamics, what strategic goals is BTF aiming to achieve in the coming years?
One of our key priorities moving forward is deepening our focus on environmental sustainability to help build a more resilient future
for the next generations in Türkiye. Climate action is not just a choice—it is a responsibility we owe to them. Another priority is growing our giving circles—small, community-based donor groups that foster deeper connections and provide sustainable, recurring support. By building these tight-knit communities of giving, we are confident that we can create lasting impact and nurture bonds that endure over time.
Financial transparency and accountability are crucial for nonprofits. What measures do you take to maintain donor confidence?
Transparency and accountability are nonnegotiable at BTF. Donors deserve to know exactly where their contributions are going and how they are making a difference. That is why we have consistently earned top ratings from watchdogs like Charity Navigator and Candid
for our accountability and operational efficiency. We are supported by a team of brilliant professionals who work tirelessly to uphold these standards. We implement strict vetting procedures for all our projects, ensuring that funds are used responsibly. We also provide regular impact reports to our donors.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for BTF’s role in shaping the future of philanthropic efforts between the US and Türkiye? What legacy do you hope to leave behind, and how do you envision the next decade for the Bridge to Türkiye Fund?
BTF was the first Turkish-American philanthropic organization of its kind, and our legacy will be defined by the bridges we have built— connecting communities, cultures, and generations. We aim to inspire future generations to embrace the spirit of giving, ensuring that resources reach those who need them most. Looking ahead, we envision a future beyond traditional philanthropy—one where we cultivate changemakers and young leaders who drive meaningful change. It is about empowering others to take action—whether that is a student becoming a mentor, or a community launching its own sustainable initiative. Through these efforts, we hope to leave behind a thriving, connected network of passionate individuals who will carry BTF’s mission forward for generations to come.
Let us build bridges of kindness with Türkiye! www.bridgetoturkiye.org
CELEBRATING ONE YEAR OF TURKNETWORK
We’re thrilled to celebrate TurkNetwork Magazine's first anniversary! Reaching this milestone has been an incredible journey, made possible by hard work and dedication behind the scenes. But this is only the beginning.
TurkNetwork is more than just a magazine—it is a platform that connects businesses and communities, fostering growth and collaboration.
Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned as we bring you even more exciting developments ahead.
At TurkNetwork Magazine, our readers are more than just consumers—they are trusted voices within the Turkish community. Their recommendations and insights shape the conversations that matter, amplifying your brand’s reach and influence.
For businesses aiming to expand, TurkNetwork Magazine offers an unparalleled opportunity. As the only Turkish magazine published monthly in the US, we deliver exclusive exposure to a highly engaged audience.
Our reach is powerful: your message will be emailed directly to 20,000 Turkish and American subscribers and amplified through our social media network, connecting with over 560,000 people
With a total audience exceeding half a million people, TurkNetwork Magazine is your essential growth partner. Join us and leverage the largest Turkish network in America to elevate your business.
Our magazine aims to be the voice of Turks in America, connecting businesses with our community and allowing them to promote their products and services.
Our magazine is enriched by contributions from volunteer writers who are experts in their respective fields, ensuring the highest quality of content.
It is prepared by professional editors and award-winning designers.
But this is just the beginning. TurkNetwork is not just a magazine—it is a thriving platform that brings together Turkish entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities across the US.
This is your chance to connect, engage, and thrive within the Turkish community. Let us help you make an unforgettable impact and propel your business to new heights. Contact us today and unlock the potential of targeted, community-driven marketing.
We regularly organize meetings to bring together our business community, providing an environment for networking and collaboration.
We invite expert speakers to these meetings, ensuring participants gain valuable insights.
TURKNETWORK DC
Events, Meetups, Hangouts, News
Our Facebook group, with 3,700 members, forms an active community. Members use this platform to communicate, assist each other, and stay informed. The group allows members to share information, seek support, and build stronger connections within the community.
COMMUNITY
WhatsApp Communication Channel. Under the “Business Networking” title, we provide a space for our business people to connect. Through this channel, both online and face-to-face meetings are organized. Within the first two days, 180 members have joined our newly opened group.
STUDIO
We are excited to announce our upcoming YouTube channel, where we will soon offer video content across a range of topics. From education and technology to health and the arts, our channel will feature engaging, insightful broadcasts, including exclusive interviews and discussions on current issues. Launching in the coming months, our goal is to reach a wide audience by delivering both informative and entertaining content tailored to your interests.
YOU CAN ACCESS THE MAGAZINES HERE
Click on the magazine covers below to access our issues. Each issue offers a wide range of engaging content.
Did You Know?
TurkNetwork Magazine is the only Turkish magazine published monthly in America, providing you with an unparalleled connection to an engaged and influential audience.
With a reach exceeding half a million people, TurkNetwork Magazine is your essential partner for growth. Tap into America’s largest Turkish network to elevate your business. Our impact is powerful: your message goes directly to 20,000 Turkish and American subscribers and reaches over 560,000 users through our expansive social media channels. Join us and let’s amplify your success together!
ThankYou!
OUR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: PAST AND PRESENT
In Alphabetical Order by Last Name
Ugur Akinci
Erol Guler
Ali Kilicoglu
Dilek Livaneli
Melisa Ozmen
Ercument Akman
Nil Guler
Zeliha Kocak Tufan
Olivia Manzagol
Suheyla Tayla
Tara Alisbah
Serra Karacam
Murat Kolbasi
Burcin Ogrenir
Kitty Waldorf
Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz
Sheilah Kaufman
Oguz Konar
Hurriyet Ok
Oya Bain
Sibel Kulaksiz
Guclu Ozenci
Muhammed Üzüm
Esra Talu
Fatih Yardimcioglu
Adil Kilical
Deniz Orhun
Metin Camcigil
Yasar Daglar
Engin Civan
We have an award committee that honors a “Community Star,” recognizing individuals dedicated to helping others, passionately advocating for Turkish culture, and achieving professional success. THIS SPOT COULD BE YOURS! Our community is filled with heroes, and we are grateful for each one of you. If you have any recommendations, please email us at pr@turknetwork.us. Thank you!
Mission Statement
We are a dedicated community of Turkish professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and skilled workers living in the United States. Whether conducting business here or seeking new opportunities, we share the common goal of thriving within America’s robust economy and educational landscape. Our members represent a spectrum of talent—from whitecollar professionals, such as lawyers and doctors, to academics, entrepreneurs, and dedicated blue-collar workers—each contributing to a prosperous and impactful Turkish diaspora.
Our Platform
This platform was established to empower Turks in the US by fostering economic strength, professional success, and community support. By uniting our skills and resources, we help each other excel, and we assist Turkish companies looking to invest in the US. Through collective growth, we aim to elevate the perception of Turks in America and enhance the brand value of Turkish products and services across international markets.
Our Vision
We strive to be the premier platform where Turks in the US connect, collaborate, and find unwavering support. Our goal is to become a Center of Excellence for those navigating the American market, a place where essential knowledge, resources, and encouragement are always within reach.
Our Core Values
◗ Support and Generosity: Each interaction begins with the question, “How can I help you?” We are committed to the economic empowerment of every Turkish individual who shares a commitment to our secular Republic and our shared heritage. Support is not merely verbal; it is visible and actionable.
◗ Celebrating Success: We uplift those who achieve success, free from envy or disparagement. We believe in saying, “How can I learn from their journey?” rather than comparing or competing.
◗ Integrity and Responsibility: Honesty and generosity are foundational to our interactions. We guide those who may stray from ethical practices and hold our community accountable. We commit to associating only with those who give back and actively contribute.
◗ Continuous Improvement: We understand that perfection is a journey, not a destination. We commit to constant improvement and innovation, knowing this drive strengthens our platform and our community.
◗ Future-Oriented Commitment: Our work is for future generations. We aim to build an economically empowered Turkish community that enriches the lives of our children and future leaders. Humility and inclusivity are our guideposts as we work to elevate the Turkish community, creating an environment where everyone feels valued.
Join Us
Together, we are building a strong, impactful Turkish presence in the United States. Join us in this journey, and let us rise together, creating a legacy of excellence, connection, and mutual support.
Hürriyet Aydin Ok
Ayça Karayel Esma Akin, MD
Oya Bain
Ajlan Kurdoglu Timur Ender
Zeyna Pruzhanovsky Sİnem Vatanartiran Ata Erim
Murat Guzel
Ugur Akinci
My childhood filled with curiosity and intellectual discovery shaped the person I am today.
Exclusive Interview with ÇAĞRI MERT BAKIRCI
CREATOR OF EVRIM AĞACI YOUTUBE CHANNEL
“Science has the power to be a unifying force, driving progress and shaping a better future for generations to come.”
By Sitki Kazanci
In this exclusive interview, we dive into the world of Çağrı Mert Bakırcı, the visionary behind the Evrim Ağacı YouTube channel and Türkiye's leading popular science platform. From his early childhood in Ankara to building a community dedicated to scientific enlightenment, Çağrı shares his journey, insights, and the mission that drives him to bridge the gap between science and the public.
Can you share a bit about your early beginnings—your childhood, birthplace, and family background?
Certainly! I was born in Ankara, Türkiye, in 1990 and pursued my studies in mechanical engineering at the Middle East Technical University (METU). Later, I was accepted into the PhD program at Texas Tech University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. My childhood holds a special place in my memory, particularly the moments spent reading classics, novels, and psychological thrillers by our old music set, with Carmina Burana by Carl Orff playing in the background. I also fondly remember my uncle, a seasoned electrical engineer and fellow METU graduate, taking me to sci-fi movies and gifting me popular
science books published by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK)—before their unfortunate shift due to political and religious agendas.
What experiences and influences shaped your formative years, particularly early education?
One of the highlights of my youth was spending nights with friends on a pontoon, common along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Türkiye, talking endlessly about space, aliens, and all things science. This rich and intellectually stimulating environment, filled with curiosity and discovery, undoubtedly shaped the person I have become. Of course, like any childhood, mine was not without mischief. We were children, after all—getting into trouble with school, parents, and neighbors alike. However, I firmly believe that having
access to intellectually fulfilling experiences during childhood nurtures a child’s potential, regardless of their playful, and sometimes troublesome, nature. Exposure to diverse sources of intellectual wealth, from books to conversations, fosters curiosity, encourages scientific inquiry, and helps develop modern, enlightened citizens.
It was during this period that I began transitioning from fiction novels to nonfiction, particularly popular science, at a relatively young age. This shift ignited my fascination with science, and more importantly, instilled in me a deep desire to share that knowledge with others. The more I learned about the natural world, the more compelled I felt to communicate these fascinating discoveries. During my high school years, I was already writing long fiction novels, even attempting to continue The Lord of the Rings series—a task well beyond my depth at the time, though I did not realize it then. Yet, these fearless attempts at writing gave me something invaluable: the ability to think through writing. I strongly believe that this method leads to a more organized and systematic type of thinking, while also honing the skills of imagination and empathy—both essential for creating and understanding while creating and developing characters.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
“Our videos feel like a sit-down conversation after a long, tiring day—an intellectual escape for those curious about the world.”
These early experiences combined to give me what I consider to be my most important skill today: the ability to understand, and more crucially, anticipate what someone might not grasp in a topic I am explaining. This allows me to address potential gaps in understanding even before they arise. I believe this skill, along with persistence and determination—rather than intelligence, as some of my audience might assume—played a pivotal role in building Evrim Ağacı into what it is today.
When did you start your YouTube channel, Evrim Ağacı, and what was your initial goal or vision for it?
Funny enough, our YouTube channel came much later in my journey with Evrim Ağacı. Evrim Ağacı began back in 2010, when a few friends from the Biology Department at METU and I decided to start it together. Despite my fascination with biology, I ended up studying mechanical engineering due to the university admissions system in Türkiye. Engineering had a stronger reputation for job prospects and financial stability, whereas biology was seen as a “weaker occupation.” Nonetheless, my passion for biology persisted, and while studying engineering, I took courses—both officially
and unofficially—in the Biology Department. The professors were initially surprised to see someone from engineering so interested in biology, but they were incredibly supportive, which shaped my path in ways I am forever grateful for.
What I did not realize when I first entered METU was that evolution was a contentious topic among the general public. My family had always nurtured my scientific curiosity and never imposed any particular belief system on me, despite holding their own beliefs. Growing up surrounded by science books, I never saw evolution as something to be debated; it was simply an established scientific fact. Evolution explains how species, including humans, have come to be—it is the natural law governing the diversity of life. As such, I never felt the need to discuss it much, nor did others around me bring it up, leading me to believe that the public debate over evolution was a thing of the past. However, once I was in college, I came to realize how widespread the rejection of evolution was in Türkiye. Even more concerning was the presence of organized groups—many with support from American religious organizations—that actively spread misinformation about this purely scientific subject. This
troubled me deeply, and I felt a strong urge to do something about it. My first step was to create a group where we could educate ourselves about evolution and then share that knowledge with others. This is how Evrim Ağacı, which translates to “Tree of Evolution,” was born. Initially, it was a small student club where biology students could come together, study for exams, and delve deeper into evolutionary theory. Soon, we began offering free public lectures at high schools, and by 2011, we launched our website, evrimagaci.org, which has since grown to become Türkiye’s most visited popular science website, attracting close to 50 million views per year. The platform has even been the subject of multiple master’s theses, dissertations, and books.
That is why I said it is funny—longtime fans of Evrim Ağacı know us well from before the days of YouTube. But today, most people discover us through YouTube and are not aware that we also host the largest archive of popular science articles created in Türkiye. Our shift to YouTube came much later, around 2016, when social media was transitioning from text-based content to video. We saw an opportunity to expand our reach and decided to strengthen our video content as a way to connect with more people. For several years, the YouTube channel was a small side project. However, in 2020, it experienced explosive growth, and today, it stands as one of the largest popular science channels on YouTube, especially within the Turkish-speaking world. We also have more than a million followers on Twitter/X and over half a million on Instagram, but our website and YouTube channel remain the core platforms where our most meaningful work happens.
When did you first come to the United States? How long have you been here?
I first came to the United States in 2008 as a tourist, and returned in 2009 and 2012 as a Work & Travel student. Finally, in 2013, I moved here as a PhD student. My doctoral research focused on a field known as “evolutionary robotics,” which blends engineering and biology. In this field, we apply evolutionary
principles to create engineering designs that surpass human-made ones, while also using robots as tools to test evolutionary theories, contributing to advancements in biology. Although my higher education started in a field that was not my primary passion, I found a way to combine my love for biology with my engineering background. This experience has shaped my ability to see the world through the lenses of both an engineer and a natural scientist. Since 2013, I have been living in Texas, where I met my future wife at Texas Tech, eventually deciding to settle near where she grew up. However, we make a point to spend half of each year—or every other year—in Türkiye, where we organize events, meet with fans, and contribute to the scientific enlightenment efforts there.
Do you have any other professional roles besides being a YouTube influencer?
Evrim Ağacı is my sole profession now—I am a full-time science communicator. Although YouTube covers most of our financial needs, our website and other forms of science outreach remain just as important. I often compare it to mainstream media outlets like the BBC: while they have a presence on YouTube, that does not make them solely YouTube influencers. Similarly, my work extends far beyond YouTube.
This is my only professional role because excelling as both a science communicator and a scientist is nearly impossible—both require immense time and dedication. Only exceptional figures like Carl Sagan and Richard Feynman have managed to excel in both fields. Their ability to be both great scientists and outstanding communicators is rare, and while inspiring, it is not a path many can realistically follow. Currently, I work 12-15 hour days solely on tasks related to Evrim Ağacı. Interestingly, only about half of that time involves YouTube; the rest is dedicated to article writing and editing, business development, managing other social media platforms, and more. Given these demands, my wife and I made the decision to make Evrim Ağacı our full-time profession, moving away from academia after we both earned our PhDs.
What advice would you give those aspiring to start their YouTube channel?
This is a piece of advice I learned from one of the oldest and most successful YouTube creators, Casey Neistat, and it’s something I want to pass on to you: “Just keep uploading.” Do not get caught up in the numbers, figures, or stats. Just keep uploading. Stay persistent and stay true to yourself. If you are genuinely driven to create something meaningful, it will eventually take shape—whether sooner or later. Remember, it is a marathon, not a sprint, and it may take 5 to 10 years to truly take root. Overnight success is rare, so never expect it.
Can you tell us more about the content and mission of your YouTube channel, Evrim Ağacı?
YouTube is fundamentally a storytelling medium, and I use it to tell stories about science in my own unique style. If people want to compare our channel to something, the closest parallels would be Veritasium or Kurzgesagt— though, of course, we have our own distinct flavor. What sets us apart is the approach I have mentioned earlier: the willingness to
explain science in a way that anticipates the audience’s questions before they even arise. This makes us quite unique in our field.
We do not rely on fancy animations or elaborate on-site experiments, not because we do not want to, but because we lack the funds to do so. Instead, we offer something different, something a recent commenter described beautifully: our videos feel like a sit-down conversation with the audience after a long, tiring day. It is an intellectual escape from the noise of daily life in Türkiye. Our content gives viewers a sense of fulfillment, speaking to their intellectual curiosity—a part of them that often goes unheard. And for us, that is enough.
Our goal is to tell the most fascinating stories in science, but we also aim to show the challenges that scientists face and the limitations of science itself. Not every topic is glamorous, but that does not make it any less fascinating. We strive to keep things authentic, and that is the secret sauce of Evrim Ağacı. To borrow from one of the greatest minds of our time, Marvin Minsky: What magical trick makes Evrim Ağacı successful? The trick is that there is no trick.
“Just keep uploading. Stay persistent and true to yourself—it is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Could you describe your typical daily routine?
Most of my days begin with checking emails and in-group communication tools, like Telegram, to get an overview of what’s happening. Once I am caught up, the bulk of my day is devoted to research. This involves reading materials, scientific articles, books, and watching videos to gather ideas. I also maintain a long list of topics I want to cover, so I spend considerable time working through those. My wife, who is an avid reader, frequently pitches me ideas she comes across in her books. Whenever she finds something intriguing, she brings it to my attention, and I assess whether it can be developed into a video. This process takes a significant amount of time.
However, the biggest chunk of my day is spent writing. I write out my videos in detail, carefully planning what to show where, although most of the visual elements are handled by my brother. In fact, our entire YouTube operation consists of just the three
of us—my wife (who pitches ideas), my brother (who edits the videos), and myself (who writes and records the content). This is quite unique, as most channels of our size have teams of 5-10 people, and in some cases, up to 60-100 people working behind the scenes.
Of course, I also try to contribute to household responsibilities. With two sons and a busy household, there is always work to be done— something many American households can relate to. Unfortunately, given the demands of my work, these tasks often end up being a smaller part of my day. One thing I prioritize, however, is getting at least 8 hours of sleep. It is a myth that successful people get by on little sleep. In fact, most successful individuals make it a point to sleep for 8 hours or more each night. Let me take a moment to emphasize this for our readers: do not be swayed by the socalled Instagram “grinders” or influencers who claim that less sleep equals more productivity. You will be infinitely more successful throughout the day if you prioritize a full night’s rest.
What is your favorite quote, and why does it resonate with you?
I suppose the motto of Evrim Ağacı encapsulates our mission perfectly. In Latin, it reads “Scientia vincere tenebras,” which translates to “Conquer darkness with science.” I truly believe that science is the only meaningful and worthy pursuit for dispelling the darkness of ignorance that surrounds us. Of course, there are other valuable intellectual paths—like philosophy, literature, and art—and I strongly encourage people to be at least somewhat literate in these areas. But when it comes to making real progress, science remains the key. It is through science that we can truly advance and address the challenges that face us, such as conquering the darkness that we call "ignorance."
Another quote I am particularly fond of is “Nosce te ipsum,” or “Know thyself.” I believe that a person’s journey becomes much clearer once they come to terms with who they are— understanding their passions and weaknesses. This self-awareness allows individuals to work on their weaknesses and make peace with themselves. In a world driven by social media and modern internet culture, which often pushes us to be something we are not, this quote serves as an important reminder. In fact, it hangs in a framed poster right above my workspace, just below an anatomical image of a half-cut human brain. It reminds me daily of the importance of staying grounded and not losing sight of who I truly am.
I have a deep appreciation for many other quotes as well, which is why Evrim Ağacı has an entire section dedicated to “Quotes & Aphorisms.” A well-crafted sentence can be one of the most powerful ways to make an idea resonate with someone. There are few things as impactful as a carefully chosen phrase that brings clarity and inspiration to those who hear it.
Looking back, what would you consider your proudest moment?
I do not think I experience pride all that often. I tend to view the world more in terms of successes and failures—each of which teaches
us something valuable. For me, pride does not serve much purpose. However, I do feel a sense of pride in knowing that Evrim Ağacı has had such a profound impact on tens of millions of people, and I am proud of the wonderful family I have. These are things that make me feel content and deeply grateful, rather than simply proud.
Who has been the most influential person in your life, and in what way have they impacted you?
I suppose I have to say it is my wife, right? :) Jokes aside, there is no doubt that my wife, Ashlee, has been the most impactful person in the most successful parts of my life. Of course, when I was younger, my parents, my brother, and extended family—like my uncle—played a huge role in shaping who I am, like I mentioned before. But many of the best decisions I have made, I have made with my wife by my side. Her influence has been invaluable, and I truly value the impact she has had on my life.
Is there something that might surprise our readers about you?
Well, I could not think of anything, so like any good husband, I asked my wife for input. She pointed out something pretty cool: I drive a pretty big tractor to get work done around the house, and we (mostly my wife) take care of a number of farm animals on our little plot here in Texas. While many YouTubers—especially those in entertainment—seem to lead rich and exciting lives, we live in a quiet, rural area. In a way, I think that balances out the noise in my head.
Do you have any messages or advice you would like to share with TurkNetwork Magazine's readers?
The world is indeed passing through extraordinary times, where peace feels increasingly fragile. Newer generations are losing touch with the devastating tolls of world wars and nuclear weapons, while our ecosystems have never been this vulnerable—particularly under the relentless force of climate change. On top of that, societal shifts and political movements,
amplified by unfiltered, algorithm-driven social media, are polarizing people more than ever, driving them to extremes. I strongly believe that science has the power to be a unifying force and a steady driver of progress, but only if we embrace rational, systematic thinking. This is why fostering the intellectual development of children from a young age is so crucial. Despite the challenges and darkness we might feel around us, it is important to remember that we live in a time of unprecedented longevity, health, and well-being, thanks to the efforts of those who came before us— whether they be our biological ancestors or
our intellectual predecessors. It is our duty to build on their progress and contribute to a better future for the generations that follow. I believe this is our one and only life, our only chance. Just like you watch a movie more intensely because you know it is going to end, you should live life to the fullest—precisely because it is finite. That is what drives me every day, and I hope it can serve as a source of motivation for others as well. ■
Çağrı Mert Bakırcı's social media accounts: Website | YouTube | X | Instagram
WILD MUSHROOMS
“Our random encounter with a mushroom peddler taught us that sometimes life’s most memorable experiences begin with stepping outside our comfort zone and taking a chance.”
By Adil A Kilical, PhD
The calendar on the wall displayed the year 1979; the day was Friday. It was one of those hot and humid summer afternoons in Izmir, Türkiye's third most populous city on the beautiful Aegean coast. With our three-year-old son, my wife and I had moved to Izmir from Ankara two years prior when I secured an academic position at the Aegean University. My wife had recently joined the Turkish Ministry of Culture as a specialist in charge of historical sites and buildings. We lived in the Karsiyaka district, a middle-upper class neighborhood of the city extending for 7.5 miles along the northern and eastern coastline of the Gulf of İzmir.
When the weather was good enough to walk to the pier, we usually took the ferry to our offices in downtown Izmir; this day was
a ferry morning. The breeze on the gulf, the joyful dancing of the seagulls along the ship, and a glass of hot Turkish tea prepared us for the day.
Before heading home that afternoon, we wanted to shop along the main street, retail therapy after a long work week. Running on each side of the pedestrian-friendly street
were mostly mom-and-pop shops with friendly owners, many in their stores eager to chat with you.
Walking idly and mostly window shopping, we encountered a villager along the sidewalk in front of a shop. He had a large, off-white sack in front of him. A middle-aged lady was extremely busy buying some produce from him. We wondered what the product was and started talking to both of them. We learned that he lived in a small village a short commute away, close to a wooded area. He had gone into the forest early in the morning, collected wild mushrooms, and brought them to sell. He told us that on certain days when the heat and humidity matched up just right, a special kind of mushroom would grow in that forest area. He added that he was never sure when they would pop up again.
The busy purchaser had already bought one kilo, and then she asked for another. Her enthusiasm triggered us to peek into the sack, and then I carefully picked up one of the mushrooms. It seemed to be some type of commando camouflage, with patches of brick red, brown, orange, moss-tone green, and tan. We hesitated to buy these rainbow veggies, as we were used to eating only standard cultured white mushrooms. The lady customer, observing our hesitation, assured us that we would be buying the best mushrooms ever. She even gave us a recipe; it sounded mouth watering and eventually sealed the deal for us.
The next stop was a butcher on the next block from whom we often shopped. While he was preparing our steak, we told him our plans for dinner, new mushrooms and all. He suddenly stopped, looked at us in amazement, and said it would be a major risk to eat our new mushrooms. He repeatedly recommended to either buy regular white mushrooms from the grocer, or to buy and bake asparagus. We smiled and thanked him for the meat, having already decided.
Later that evening, I prepared the steak while my wife cooked the wild mushrooms with a garlic yogurt sauce. Sitting down at our table on the balcony, we dug in and were promptly blown away. The mushrooms were amazing, and our meal was delicious. We were joyful until we put our heads on our
pillows to sleep. The butcher’s voice echoed in our heads, assuring us we had already been poisoned! Worried, we both sat on the bed, watching and waiting for signs of poisoning, until the birds started chirping and the first morning light tried to find its way through the thick bedroom curtains. Joyous once again, we realized that we had survived the night!
The following Monday, after our next day of work, we rushed to the main street looking for the mushroom villager. We strolled up and down the street, hoping he would reappear with his off-white sack full of wild mushrooms. We tried again the next day and the next day until we eventually determined that he was not coming back.
Our random encounter with a mushroom peddler from a remote village taught us
to trust our instincts. In that moment, we learned that sometimes life’s most memorable experiences begin with stepping outside our comfort zone and taking a chance, hoping to happen onto one of the unexpected joys life can offer. ■
Dr Adil Kilical holds advanced degrees in architecture from Middle East Technical University and Ege University, as well as systems engineering and information technology from George Mason University. He began his teaching career at Middle East Technical University and continued at Ege University, King Saud University, George Mason University, and Stratford University. Over the past 30 years, he has worked with several engineering and IT companies, including Oracle, SAIC, and Leidos. Currently, he is a Manager at KPMG, providing IT support for government projects.
Dr Kilical enjoys international travel and resides with his wife, Dr Ferhan Kilical, in Annapolis, MD. They have two children and five grandchildren.
TASTE’S SENSORY ILLUSION
Our perceptions can be tricked and utilized for better health outcomes.
By Deniz Orhun
The taste sensation is a fascinating world. Let us dive into the impact of the food's cooking style, shape, and color and how the elements support the fight against chronic diseases through dietary patterns. I want to share my experiences and summarize some studies in the resources section.
What is "taste sensation”?
How Color, Shape, and Sensory Perception Enhance Health and Culinary Experiences.
Our taste buds are incredible sensors that detect sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami
flavors. Bitterness often comes from compounds like phenylthiourea and polyphenols found in plants, flavonoids, and terpenes, sometimes linked to toxic substances. Sourness results from hydrogen ions in acids such as lactic, acetic, and citric acid in the food. Saltiness stems from minerals like sodium and the ionization of organic salts. Sweetness is perceived through the hydroxy groups in sugars like glucose and fructose and occasionally in ethanol or glycerol. Umami, a savory taste, is associated with amino acids and nucleotides, mainly due to the glutamate structure.
Interestingly, all these taste substances share a common trait: they are polar and water-soluble, allowing them to dissolve in water and be perceived by our taste buds.
PHOTO BY PAVLINA POPOVSKA
CULINARY CHRONICLES BY DENIZ
They remain relatively stable because they are not volatile and will not quickly vaporize. At the same time, food impacts blood sugar levels and blood pressure, calms excitement, and even increases mouth secretion.
Our taste perception goes beyond just these basic tastes; it is a multisensory experience influenced by sight, sound, and even the texture of our eating. This experience takes us to the intriguing topic of food shape and color. Studies show that the color of foods plays a significant role in how we perceive taste. For instance, red and pink foods are often associated with sweetness, even not sweet. However, culture, age, and gender can significantly influence color perception. For example, in some cultures, red might be associated with sweetness; on the other hand, some cultures might be affiliated with bitter tastes due to the presence of red chili peppers. This association can be beneficial for people trying to manage obesity or diabetes. Using red-colored foods on your plate that are not sweet can trick the
brain into satisfying sweet cravings without the added sugar. Imagine a meal with vibrant red bell peppers and radishes that feel indulgent without derailing a diet plan.
Studies mention that food shape also impacts taste perception. Round shapes are associated with sweetness, and angular shapes are associated with bitterness or sourness. This relation between food shape and sensation is an answer to why desserts are frequently presented in rounded forms, enhancing the sweet experience. When preparing meals, especially for those with dietary concerns, considering the shape of food can alter their eating experience, especially for children or picky eaters.
Now, let us focus on other chronic diseases like hypertension and how dietary patterns can be adapted using these sensory insights. For someone with chronic hypertension, maintaining adequate blood pressure is essential. While reducing salt intake, the patients' color perception can also be leveraged. Preparing meals with green and white foods can create a salty sensation without excessive salt. This way, the dish's visual appeal contributes to the overall sensory experience, potentially aiding in blood pressure management.
Similarly, managing obesity and diabetes involves careful consideration of sugar intake. Utilizing the color red to mimic sweetness can help those struggling with sweet cravings. By incorporating naturally red foods like tomatoes or red peppers, the visual cue of sweetness is provided without the detrimental effects of sugar. It is a powerful tool for creating satisfying meals that align with health goals.
Dietary patterns are not just about what we eat but how we perceive what we eat. Color and shape can transform a mundane meal into an exciting culinary experience. This approach benefits those with chronic conditions and can enhance overall eating habits. For instance, a plate filled with various colors and shapes can encourage a more balanced diet, making healthy eating more enjoyable and sustainable.
But beyond health, these insights can revolutionize how we approach food on a broader scale. In the food industry, understanding the interplay of color, shape, and taste can lead to creating healthier and more appealing
products. Designing foods that engage multiple senses can enhance quality of life without compromising nutritional value.
This subject certainly needs further research, but it is also crucial for everyone to be aware of their perception. Understanding our sense's interactions with food supports our health and well-being.
In conclusion, the intersection of taste sensation, food shape, and color offers a unique opportunity to enhance dietary patterns, particularly for those managing chronic diseases. By creatively using these elements, we can improve individual health outcomes and contribute to a broader understanding of how food can be both nourishing and delightful.
Consider how you might implement these ideas in your kitchen. Whether using color to trick the mind or altering the shape to enhance appeal, small changes can make a significant impact. Keep exploring and savoring the flavors of life, and remember, food is not just about sustenance; it is an experience. Let's make it a memorable one. I wish you a colorful fall along with a colorful plate. ■
RESOURCES:
◗ The Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Sensory Factors in Sweetness Perception of Food and Beverages/ A Review - PMC
◗ Color-taste correspondence tested by the Stroop task - PMC
◗ Associations between Taste Perception Profiles and Empirically Derived Dietary Patterns/ An Exploratory Analysis among Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome - PMC
◗ How sensory properties of foods affect human feeding behavior - PubMed
◗ Individual Differences in the Perception of Color Solutions - PMC
◗ Sensation of Taste – An Overview | ScienceDirect Topics
◗ Strategies to Reduce Dietary Sodium Intake - PMC
Deniz Orhun is an agricultural engineer, master chef, TV personality, and businesswoman who merges gastronomy with science. Trained in culinary arts at Kendall College in Chicago, she has hosted over 1,300 solo TV shows globally. As the founder of Klemantin Bakery, she served Turkish and international celebrities for 15 years. Beyond the kitchen, Deniz collaborates with universities and institutions, advocating for food as medicine, sustainable culinary practices, and the economic value of natural resources. Her work on seasonal natural calendars and healthy cooking techniques emphasizes a mindful food system. She has represented Türkiye at international congresses and authored What You Eat Affects How You Behave. She has contributed to national gastronomy magazines for over seven years, blending science, art, and storytelling in her work.
PHOTO BY ISTOCKPHOTO
A LASTING US IMMIGRATION PATHWAY FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS: EB-5 GREEN CARD
The EB-5 program is unique because it directly links capital investment to job creation, creating a win-win scenario for both investors and the US economy.
By Muhammed Üzüm
The EB-5 Green Card program stands as a prominent pillar in the US immigration system, providing a pathway for foreign investors to gain permanent residency while bolstering the American economy. As an immigration attorney, I have seen firsthand how this program serves as a bridge between ambitious investors and the economic growth of communities across the nation. The EB-5 program is particularly unique because it directly connects the investment of capital to the creation of jobs, making it a win-win scenario for both the investor seeking new opportunities in the US and for workers in the US
Understanding the EB-5 Investment Criteria
Navigating the investment criteria for the EB-5 Green Card is a critical step in the journey toward US permanent residency for foreign investors. At the heart of this program lies the requirement for a substantial financial investment in a US commercial enterprise or a Reginal Center project. Currently, the minimum investment amount stands at $800,000 for projects within Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs)—geographically designated regions that are either rural or exhibit high unemployment rates. For ventures outside of these areas the investment threshold increases to $1.05 million. These amounts were strategically set to
incentivize investment in areas that would benefit most from economic stimulation.
Secondly, the investment must lead to the creation of at least ten full-time jobs for qualified for workers in the US, a condition that underscores the program's objective of strengthening the American labor market. It is essential for investors to understand that these jobs must be sustained for at least two years and should arise directly from the investment. I advise clients to meticulously document their investment's impact on job creation, as this is a pivotal component of the EB-5 application process.
Moreover, the source of investment funds must be verified to meet legal requirements. Investors need to demonstrate that their
capital was obtained through lawful means, which involves a detailed tracing of the funds' origins. This might include providing financial statements, business records, tax returns, or other relevant documentation.
In my practice, I have found that transparency and careful planning are crucial. The investment must not only be substantial and at risk, but it should also be demonstrably tied to the creation of jobs. This often involves working closely with attorneys, business plan writers, and other experts to ensure that every aspect of the investment will pass the close inspection of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Hence, the EB-5 program, while offering a promising path to residency, demands a level of diligence and foresight to ensure a successful outcome for the investor and a positive contribution to the US economy.
The EB-5 Application Process: Steps and Documentation Embarking on the EB-5 application process is a commitment to extensive preparation and attention to detail. The journey toward permanent residency starts with filing Form I-526, the Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, where the investor must convincingly demonstrate their eligibility. This form is the investor's opportunity to present a clear and compelling case that their investment meets all the criteria set forth by the EB-5 program.
Once the I-526 petition is approved, signifying that the investment and proposed job creation are deemed acceptable, the investor and their immediate family may apply for conditional residency. If the investor is already in the US, they can submit the Adjustment of Status (AOS) application concurrently with the I-526 petition approval, without needing to wait for the approval. If the investor is abroad, they would typically go through consular processing. During this stage, the investor must have already made the required investment and may need to actively manage their enterprise or work with a Regional Center to ensure that the investment is appropriately allocated and managed.
After two years, the investor must file Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. This crucial step involves demonstrating that the investment has indeed resulted in the creation
or preservation of at least ten full-time jobs for workers in the US. It is here that the thoroughness of the initial business plan and the ongoing documentation of the investment's impact come to the forefront. The evidence submitted must show that the business is operational and that the job creation requirements have been met or will be met in a reasonable period.
Regional Centers vs. Direct Investment: Choosing the Right Path
In the realm of EB-5 investments, choosing between a Regional Center and direct investment is a pivotal decision that depends on the investor's goals and level of desired involvement. Regional Centers are entities that have been pre-approved by USCIS to develop projects that fulfill EB-5 criteria, typically pooling investments from multiple individuals. One advantage of investing through a Regional Center is the ability to count both direct and indirect job creation toward the EB-5 program's employment requirement, which can make meeting the job creation threshold more accessible.
Direct investment, on the other hand, appeals to those who prefer a hands-on approach to their investment. This path allows investors to own and operate their business, giving them direct control over their investment and the job creation process. However, it requires that all jobs created are direct, fulltime positions within the investor's enterprise, which can be a more challenging criterion to satisfy.
Regardless of the path chosen, it is essential to conduct thorough due diligence and seek experienced legal counsel. As an attorney, I provide my clients with a clear understanding of both options, helping them to navigate the complexities of EB-5 investment and to make informed decisions that align with their immigration and investment objectives.
Navigating Changes and the Future of the EB-5 Program
The EB-5 program is subject to change as it adapts to evolving economic landscapes and policy reforms. Recent adjustments include increased minimum investment amounts, now $800,000 for TEAs and **$1.05 million for nonTEAs, and more stringent definitions of TEAs to ensure that investment reaches areas most
in need. These changes reflect a commitment to the program's integrity and its foundational goal of stimulating the US economy through foreign investment.
As an immigration attorney, it is my responsibility to stay updated on these changes and to understand their implications for investors. The EB-5 program's future may see further modifications to its structure and requirements, influenced by economic priorities, immigration policy, and the program's success in job creation. Potential investors must be prepared for a degree of uncertainty and should work with legal counsel who can provide up-to-date advice and strategic planning.
To conclude, the EB-5 program remains a viable and attractive option for foreign investors seeking US residency. Despite potential shifts in policy, the essence of the program— investing in the economic growth of the US while achieving the American dream—remains unchanged. My focus is on helping clients navigate this landscape, ensuring they can take full advantage of the opportunities the EB-5 program offers. ■
Üzüm, an immigration and business attorney registered with the NY Bar Association, has been living in the United States for over 10 years. Before founding Grape Law, he worked as an attorney and partner at various law firms. Mr. Üzüm, with over 50 employees, continues his work as the founding attorney at Grape Law, providing legal services in both family and business immigration in the United States. / www. grapelaw.com
Muhammed
CREATING OUR AMERICAN DREAM TOGETHER AS A COUPLE
Living abroad offers Turkish couples a unique opportunity for shared growth, fostering deeper bonds and empowering personal and relational development.
By Burcin Ogrenir, PhD
Relationships are built on effort, dedication, and love. When you are living overseas with your spouse or partner, the journey comes with additional perks and challenges. Navigating a new culture, language, and lifestyle in a foreign country can significantly impact a relationship, particularly for Turkish couples living in the US. These couples often face unique realities, as many move to America in their 20s or 30s for career and educational opportunities. In addition to building their lives logistically, they also work on growing their relationships. So, what is the reality of living in America as a Turkish couple? On the surface, moving to the US together
may seem like a fresh start, full of opportunities and excitement. Most Turkish couples relocate for education, work, or to begin a new life chapter. Some couples move together from Türkiye, while others meet their significant other after arriving in the US. However, as the initial excitement fades, these couples face the complexities of living in America, which differ significantly from life in Türkiye.
Common Challenges for Turkish Couples Living in the US
One major challenge is cultural differences. Turkish values and norms can differ from American ones. If one partner holds more traditional Turkish views while the other is more relaxed or has embraced less stereotypical
gender roles, conflicts may arise. These cultural differences can become more pronounced in the American context, especially if the couple does not actively communicate about their expectations.
Another challenge is the lack of a support system. In Türkiye, couples typically have strong networks of family and friends to rely on for emotional and social support. In the US, this extended support is often absent, leaving couples to depend on each other for everything. This can lead to feelings of isolation and can put additional strain on the relationship.
Language barriers are another common issue, especially if one partner needs to be fluent in English. If one partner struggles with
the language, the other may have to take on more responsibilities, such as handling logistics, phone calls, and daily interactions. Even when both partners speak English well, communication in a second language can still lead to misunderstandings, particularly in social or professional settings.
The work-life balance in America is another potential stressor. The demanding work culture, especially in corporate environments, can mean long hours and high levels of stress. Finding time to spend together can be difficult for couples pursuing careers, which may harm the relationship over time. Additionally, if one partner is working while the other is still adjusting to life in the US or is waiting for a work permit, feelings of imbalance or resentment can emerge.
Finally, many Turkish couples experience financial stress when first moving to the US, especially if they work entry-level jobs or are students. Financial expectations might be high before arriving, but the reality of living expenses can be a significant disappointment. If financial pressures are not appropriately managed, they can strain the relationship.
The Bright Side of Living Abroad as a Turkish Couple
Despite these challenges, living in the US offers numerous advantages for Turkish couples. One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity for shared growth. Without the constant involvement of extended family or friends, couples can truly get to know each other on a deeper level. They can resolve conflicts independently and experience new cultures and opportunities, significantly strengthening their bond.
Living in America also provides an opportunity to gain a new perspective on relationships and personal growth. In the US, individuals are encouraged to pursue their passions and interests. This can be particularly empowering for Turkish couples who may feel restricted by traditional gender roles in Türkiye. The American culture encourages independence, fostering personal and relational growth. Additionally, couples living in the US can explore the country together. Traveling and experiencing new places broadens horizons and adds to the richness of their shared experiences.
Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Relationship
Maintaining a healthy relationship as a Turkish couple in America requires several strategies, the most important of which is open communication. Couples should regularly talk about their experiences, concerns, and feelings about living in the US to avoid misunderstandings or resentment. Avoiding difficult conversations will only isolate one partner and harm the relationship in the long run. Open communication is the foundation of a strong partnership.
Another key strategy is maintaining a sense of familiarity. Engaging in Turkish traditions, cooking Turkish food, or connecting with Turkish expat communities can help couples feel more at home and reduce homesickness. However, it is also essential to integrate into American culture by making local friends and participating in American activities. Limiting experiences only to the Turkish community may hinder the full experience of living abroad. Setting boundaries around work-life balance is crucial as well. It’s easy to get caught up in work in America, but couples should prioritize spending time together by establishing routines—whether it is cooking a meal, taking a walk, or scheduling regular date nights. These routines help maintain a strong connection
amid the pressures of work and adaptation. Lastly, couples must manage their expectations. Romanticizing life abroad can lead to disappointment. Accepting that challenges are part of the journey can help couples navigate difficult times with resilience.
Last Word
Living in America as a Turkish couple comes with both challenges and opportunities. However, by fostering open communication, maintaining cultural ties, and embracing new experiences together, couples can create a healthy, thriving relationship in their new home. While the journey is filled with complexities, the shared experiences of adapting to a new life abroad can make a relationship uniquely fulfilling. ■
Dr Burcin Ogrenir, a Family and Parenting Coach and the Director of April Institute, specializes in child development, personal growth, family dynamics, and education. She pursued her graduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Penn State University. As a former assistant professor at the City University of New York, her influence reached international audiences through her teaching and scholarly presentations. Dr Ogrenir's mission centers on serving diverse populations, making knowledge in child development, family relationships, and personal wellbeing accessible to all.
PHOTO BY ISTOCKPHOTO
WHAT INSPIRES ME
TESLA’S ROBOTAXI: THE DRIVERLESS FUTURE OF RIDE-SHARING
Tesla’s Robotaxi aims to make ride-sharing cheaper, safer, and entirely driverless, setting a new standard for autonomous transportation.
By Sitki Kazanci
Tesla’s ambitious Robotaxi project is set to redefine transportation by introducing a fully autonomous taxi service that eliminates the need for human drivers. Built on Tesla’s advanced Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, the Robotaxi aims to make ride-sharing cheaper,
safer, and more accessible. The technology behind it uses a combination of cameras, sensors, and AI-driven algorithms to navigate streets, handle traffic conditions, and avoid obstacles—all without human input.
The Robotaxi network will allow Tesla owners to share their vehicles on the platform when not in use, generating income while the car autonomously
serves passengers. This model could disrupt the ride-hailing industry, where companies like Uber and Lyft rely on human drivers. By cutting out driver costs, Tesla intends to offer more affordable fares while improving profit margins, making the service a game-changer for both consumers and the market.
However, the path to full deployment is not without challenges. Autonomous driving technology is still evolving, and Tesla’s FSD system has faced scrutiny over safety concerns and regulatory compliance. The goal is to achieve Level 5 autonomy, where the car can handle all driving tasks under any circumstances without human supervision. This level of automation is considered the “holy grail” of self-driving technology but requires overcoming significant technical and regulatory hurdles. Different regions have varying rules for autonomous vehicles, and gaining approval in multiple jurisdictions will be essential for a large-scale rollout.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of a fully autonomous Robotaxi network are immense. Economically, it could shift the paradigm of car ownership; vehicles could become revenue-generating assets instead of depreciating investments. Environmentally, a fleet of electric Robotaxis would reduce carbon emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, and optimize route efficiency through advanced software that minimizes energy consumption.
Tesla plans to launch the Robotaxi service as early as 2024, although the timeline is subject to delays based on the progress of the FSD technology and regulatory landscape. If successful, the Robotaxi could dramatically transform urban mobility, making car ownership less necessary and ride-sharing more efficient.
The Robotaxi’s rollout could also pave the way for new business models and industries within transportation and tech, fueling economic growth. Moreover, the social impact could be significant, providing more accessible transportation options for people who cannot drive or afford a car.
In essence, Tesla’s Robotaxi represents more than just an advancement in technology; it symbolizes a potential shift in how society views transportation, car ownership, and urban design. While there are still obstacles to overcome, Tesla’s relentless push toward a driverless future brings us closer to a world where mobility is automated, efficient, and accessible. ■
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EAT LIKE A TURK
YOU SAY CORN… I SAY MISIR
Corn, your summer pleasure from forgotten years of childhood, brings back memories of sweet and roasted delights in Istanbul’s streets.
By Ercument Akman
Imagine days of summer in an Asian suburb of Istanbul. You can go to the beach and swim with friends. On the way home, you suddenly ruin your appetite instead of walking home under the sun to catch mom’s standard of meatballs, fries, and rice. The choice is not hard. Waiting in boiling cauldrons on a pushcart, sweet corn on the cob is waiting, or there is roasting corn tickling your senses with irresistible sight, crackle, and smell. Corn. Yes, corn, it is your summer pleasure from forgotten years of childhood.
Today, popcorn is enjoyed in Türkiye as a Western trend in a multiplex or a cup with some far-fetched condiments added to approximate an old-forgotten sensation.
Corn or Maize
Most countries primarily use the term maize, and the name corn is used mainly in the United States and a handful of other English-speaking countries. Corn is a common name for grain in English; even salt grain gives its name to corned beef. The maize , however, derives from the Spanish form maíz of the Caribbean Taíno name mahis.
Maize the world’s first genetically developed food by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 9,000 years ago from wild teosinte, is a tall stout grass that produces cereal grain. They also developed techniques to free niacin by alkali treatment to make this poor protein, low in some essential amino acids, to create a wide variety of dishes, including Mexican tortillas and tamales. When European settlers reached America’s shore, they found Native Americans planting corn alongside beans and squashes in the Three Sisters polyculture.
Spanish colonizers consumed maize in 1492. Explorers and traders carried it back to Europe, spreading it to Italy, West Africa, and elsewhere because it could grow in diverse climates in poor soils without fertilizers.
Corn reached the Ottoman domain of Syria in the 1600s, mostly by importation from Egypt, and this is why corn is called Misir, the word for Egypt in Türkiye. Corn, entering Europe via Türkiye in the same century, was called "Grano Turco" (Turkish seed) by the Italians and "Blé turc" (Turkish wheat), the improper name given to corn by the French since the wheat grain trade was mainly from the Near East.
Turks make bread with flour obtained from corn in large vase-shaped ovens, usually made of clay called tandır (Tandoor Oven). Bazlama, which is made by mixing corn and wheat flour, is also well known in the Denizli region.
The Black Sea region grows corn as a subsistence plant on difficult terrain and uses corn flour in many recipes, such as fried fish and syrupy desserts, or adds corn kernels to meat dishes and soups, such as the following basic recipe.
PHOTO BY ISTOCK PHOTO
CORN SOUP
Ingredients:
◗ 2 tablespoons butter
◗ 2 tablespoons olive oil
◗ 1 onion
◗ 5 cups vegetable broth (or regular water)
◗ 5 corn cobs (large)
◗ 2 teaspoons salt
◗ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
◗ 1/4 bunch parsley
Preparation:
◗ Separate the corn from the cob by holding it upright and cutting it from top to bottom with a sharp knife.
◗ Add olive oil and butter to a pot and start melting them over medium heat. Add the onions, cut into small cubes, and fry until they turn pink. Add water, corn kernels, cobs (a must, so do not skip it), salt and pepper.
◗ Cook over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat cover and cook for about 15 minutes, until the corn softens. Remove the corn cobs from the pot.
◗ Blend the remaining ingredients with a hand blender until smooth.
◗ Cook for another 10 minutes, add the chopped parsley and serve.
TIME FOR KUYMAK
However, another Black Sea corn-based dish called kaymak around Trabzon, mıhlama or muhlama beyond Rize all the way to Artvin, became popular with highland tourism as the centerpiece of Turkish breakfast everywhere. In the Laz language (Lazuri Nena), the container called muxlama has handles on both sides; hence, the name muhlama/mıhlama is based on the use of this special shallow pan.
Muhlama is made with cheese produced especially in Rize’s Hemşin region called kolo (Golot), which is made with milk from nongrain-fed animal milk. Similar string cheeses, for melting into a stringy, elastic form, such as young cheddars, mozzarella, or the Mexican queso Oaxaca purchased from Hispanic markets,
The corn flour used is not the one that is widely available, but the one made from ovenbaked corn if you can find it. In some cases, even wheat flour can be used as a poor alternate if desired. Please do not... and follow the basic classic recipe.
Ingredients:
◗ 2 tablespoons butter
◗ 2 tablespoons corn flour
◗ ½ cup grated stringy cheese
Preparation:
◗ Melt butter and let it foam without burning.
◗ Add corn flour and thoroughly; roast like a roux.
◗ Add boiled water (do not use milk or cocunut milk) gradually.
◗ Finally, add cheese and stir, preferably with a wooden spoon, until the cheese melts and the butter rises to the top. Scoop with pieces of bread.
Enjoy! And this is how you Eat Like a Turk. ■
Ercüment Akman was born in Istanbul. He studied architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts, Fındıklı, and pursued postgraduate studies in Urban and Regional Planning at the Technical University, Taşkışla. He worked for the Turkish Film Archives and was a film critic for national newspapers. After moving to Canada in 1978 and later to the US, he worked as an architect and served as an independent film curator. He continues to lecture on cultural issues and writes for the Turkish Cinema Newsletter Now retired from corporate architecture, he is focusing on various book projects.
KUYMAK/ MUHLAMA
PHOTO
PHOTO BY ISTOCK PHOTO
STUDY IN TÜRKİYE: WHAT? WHY? HOW? WHERE
?
Studying in Türkiye offers international students highquality education with diverse scholarship opportunities.
two best state universities, according to the QS 2025 World University Rankings.
QS 2025 World University Rankings and Turkish Universities
The QS 2025 World University Rankings, in which 5,663 leading universities worldwide were evaluated and 1,503 universities were ranked, featured 25 universities from Türkiye.
In this year's ranking, the number of Turkish universities in the top 500 increased from three to five. METU ranked 285th, ITU 326th, Koç University 401st, Boğaziçi University 418th, and Bilkent University 477th.
The number of universities in the top 1,000 increased from 10 to 11. Sabancı University ranked 516th and approached the top 500, while Istanbul University ranked 621-630th, Hacettepe University 641-650th, Ankara University 801-850th, Yıldız Technical University 851-900th and Gazi University 901-950th.
Türkiye has managed to rank among the top five countries in the world according to the overall development of its universities in the ranking. QS's Türkiye report showed that Türkiye's academic reputation and employer reputation scores increased. The global recognition of Turkish higher education and scientific research in Turkish universities has also increased.
Study in METU - Middle East Technical University
By Fatih Yardimcioglu
In recent years, Türkiye has become a shining country where international students want to study and has become a global education center in higher education. While there were approximately 18.000 registered international students in Türkiye in 2000, by 2024, the number of international students from 198 countries exceeded 350.000 today. The ratio of international students to university students puts Türkiye
among the top 10 countries in the world. Türkiye aims to be among the top 5 in the world in terms of the number of international students. For this purpose, many steps have been taken towards internationalization in recent years.
This series of articles aims to introduce the Turkish higher education system for international students. This article will focus on where you can study and highlight some of Türkiye's best universities.
“WHERE” CAN YOU STUDY IN TÜRKİYE? This section will briefly introduce Türkiye's
Established in 1956, Middle East Technical University is a comprehensive state university with three campuses: the Main Campus in Ankara, which is the capital city of Türkiye; the Erdemli Kampus in Mersin; and the Northern Cyprus campus in Kalkanli, Cyprus.
METU is Türkiye's premier state university, rated among the top world universities in several fields/rankings (ie, QS, Times Higher Education, Webometrics, Shanghai, etc.). In QS, METU repeatedly ranks among the top universities in the world in 15 subject areas under engineering and technology, basic sciences, and social sciences, with 28,000+ students (of which 8,250+ are graduate students) with a female/male ratio of 44/56.
METU has various major, minor, and double-major programs and a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary graduate programs: 5 faculties offering 43 undergraduate degree programs and 5 graduate schools offering 107 master’s and 69 doctorate programs at METU Ankara Campus. 15 undergraduate and 5 graduate programs at METU Northern Cyprus Campus; and 6 graduate programs at METU Erdemli Campus housing our Institute of Marine Sciences (on the Mediterranean coastline).
Most METU undergraduate students received from the top 1% of 2,000,000+ applicants annually taking the National University Entrance Examination. 1,250 world-class fulltime faculty members (with 70% of all having earned their doctorates from reputable universities abroad) and 1,350 additional research staff. More than 130,000 alumni are organized under 40 (18 national and 22 international) alum associations around the globe.
METU is a pioneering university with numerous firsts in its history (first internet provider of Türkiye, first campus abroad, first Faculty Development Program, etc.)
English is the only language of instruction in all its degree programs. Over 2,000 international students from 85 countries are studying toward various academic degrees at METU. 2,000+ international undergraduate students apply each year with a 13% acceptance rate.
METU has over 800 bilateral exchange and cooperation agreements and an annual mobility flow of 950+ students and 260+ staff. The university is a member of many associations and networks dealing with international education and exchange, such as UNICA, EUA, IIE, CEASAR, SEFI, EMUNI, and Magna Carta Observatory.
METU participates in AIESEC, IAESTE, HUAWEI, and BOEING summer internship programs. METU has ABET accreditation for all engineering programs.
According to the Red Dot Design Ranking, METU is 5th among the "Most Successful Design Schools" of Americas and Europe. It has 23 international joint-degree programs and protocols (4 undergraduate programs with the State University of New York 19 graduate
degree programs with the US and European universities). It has received the Higher Education Council (YÖK) Excellence in Academia Award for International Collaboration with CERN.
METU also offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to international students.
Study in ITU - Istanbul Technical University
Established in 1773, Istanbul Technical University is one of the world’s oldest universities. ITU is in Istanbul, a cosmopolitan and multicultural city and one of the most famous historical places in the world, connecting the East and West. ITU also has a Northern Cyprus campus. ITU is building a unique vision of the future with its world-class studies. In recent years, ITU has given more importance to areas such as R&D, innovation, education, international relations, and digitalization.
ITU offers 102 undergraduate programs in the natural sciences and various engineering, architecture, planning, arts, and design disciplines. ITU students gain a solid academic
background to develop the required skills and creative thinking. ITU students learn to explore the dimensions of the academic landscape and develop necessary skills in leadership, complex problem solving, active learning, and critical thinking. Besides their core curriculum classes, students design their own learning path through electives in various fields in line with their interests. The basis of ITU’s educational philosophy is to combine theory and practice and allow for specialization in different topics.
ITU combines the benefits of its almost 250 years of history and tradition with its innovative and forward-thinking approach. As a hub of innovation and exploration, the development of graduate studies forms the basis of ITU’s strategies for being a research university. Thus, ITU continues its endeavor to train MA, MSc, and PhD students with high-caliber academic and research skills to advance contemporary science and technology and develop innovation. Advanced programs of ITU promote intellectual activities and research across departmental and divisional boundaries. ITU graduate students transfer their inventions and ideas
EDUCATION
to industry and society through their studies in multidisciplinary labs, research centers, museums, and extensive library collections. Students can work with leading academics and build successful careers inside or outside the academy. ITU offers 183 graduate programs at Graduate School. In addition to the Graduate School, research is also carried out at the ITU Institutes.
English and Turkish are the language of instruction in its degree programs. Over 1,650 international students from 80 countries are studying toward various academic degrees at ITU. An English proficiency test result accepted by the ITU Senate needs to be submitted during registration to take courses in undergraduate programs. Students who submit a valid English Proficiency Exam result during registration will be exempted from the English Preparatory Class and can directly start the undergraduate program they have been accepted to. Students accepted to the departments whose medium of instruction is 100% English must submit at least a B1 level Turkish Proficiency Certificate obtained by the centers (TOMER) determined by the ITU Senate within one year from the registration date.
ITU participates in EELISA, IAESTE, ERASMUS, MoU, Mevlana, and many network
programs. It has various major, minor, and double-major programs and a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary graduate programs: 15 faculties offering 112 undergraduate degree programs (16 of them international programs) and graduate schools offering 118 master’s and 71 doctorate programs. 1,164 world-class full-time faculty members (552 professors, 277 associate professors, and 335 assistant professors) (majority of all having earned their doctorates from reputable universities abroad). ITU has a leading university in Türkiye with 10 Dual Diploma Programs it has developed. ITU and Binghamton University run the SUNY Information Systems Engineering program. It has been admitting students since 2003. Students will complete their first and third years at ITU and their second and fourth years at Binghamton University. Upon completing the program, students receive a diploma from ITU and Binghamton University.
ITU also offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to international students. ■
For more information about,
◗ For the QS 2025 World University Rankings, please visit these pages > , >
◗ For the SUNNY program, please visit
For more information about the 10 best Universities in Türkiye
METU- Middle East Technical University in Ankara
ITU- Istanbul Technical University in Istanbul
Koç University in Istanbul
Boğaziçi University in Istanbul
Bilkent University in Ankara
Sabancı University in Istanbul
Istanbul University in Istanbul
Hacettepe University in Ankara
Ankara University in Ankara
Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul
Fatih Yardimcioglu, Prof, Dr, an education attaché born in Sakarya/Türkiye in 1979, completed 2012 his doctorate at Sakarya University, Department of Economics, with his thesis titled The Relationship between Education Expenditures, Economic Growth, and Income Distribution. Between 2010 and 2012, he conducted his doctoral research as a visiting researcher at Durham University, Business School, England.
Between 2013 and 2016, he served as deputy director of Sakarya University Social Sciences Institute. In 2016, he also served as deputy director of the same university's Islamic Economics and Finance Application and Research Center. He worked as a consultant at the Rectorate of the National Defense University from 2017-2018 and at Sakarya University from 2018-2022. He served as the director of Sakarya University Continuing Education Research and Application Center between 2018-2022 and as the director of Economic Enterprises of Sakarya University between 2019-2023. He served as a member of the Institute of Social Science Institute Board of Directors, Faculty of Political Sciences Faculty Board of Directors, and University Board of Directors at Sakarya University, and as a member of the ATASEREN Institute Board of Directors at the National Defense University. He served as dean (deputy) of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences between 2019 and 2023.
He took part in the arbitration committee to be consulted in case of no agreement in the 5th, 6th, and 7th Term Collective Agreement negotiations held in August 2019, 2021, and 2023. Yardimcioglu was appointed education attaché in Chicago in November 2023. He is married and has three children.
GREAT WAR RELATIONS WITH THE US
Relations with the US played a crucial role during Türkiye’s journey toward nationhood, especially through the Great War and beyond.
By Mehmet Ali Munir
The Western powers considered The Young Turk Revolution of July 1908 as a weakness and the beginning of the road that would end the Ottoman Empire. The Great War of 1914-1918 gave them this opportunity.
The Great War (1914-1918) ended with the Mudros Armistice for the Ottoman Empire. Western hopes would eventually fail when the Turks fought 5 more years against Greek, French, and Armenian occupations ending in victory with the establishment of The Turkish Republic under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk) and his supporters. The war tested military elites of the Ottoman Army.
Relations with the US were an important part of this struggle for nationhood during those turbulent times.
Turks and the Americans during The Great War
How relations developed with the US during the War and its aftermath.
On August 15, 1914 , US Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire Henry Morgenthau wired Secretary of State William J. Bryan about receiving requests from US interests in the Ottoman cities of Beirut and Smyrna (modern day Izmir) demanding US warships to be provided to protect American lives and property, most of which were tobacco warehouses.
By the outbreak of The Great War in
August 1914, American missionaries and philanthropic institutions operated widespread educational schools of all levels. The US entered the war on April 6, 1917, and carefully refrained from declaring war on the Ottomans.
Naval Warfare
The US policy did not stop many American warships serving in Turkish territorial waters between 1908 and 1923, such as carrying weapons for the Entente during the Gallipoli campaign.
The US, however, carried along many tactical aggressions while not directly fighting the Ottoman State on any front, and only broke off diplomatic relations on April
20, 1917, after entering the war on the side of the Allied powers of Triple Entante of France, Britain, and Russia. This did not stop the Ottoman Empire following entry of the United States into World War I to intern this steel armed yacht Scorpion on station at Istanbul on April 11, 1917.
The State Department quickly informed the Navy that diplomatic relations would not be established again between the United States and the Ottoman Empire, and the department agreed that a ship should be stationed, maintained, and a naval officer sent to the Ottoman Empire.
On November 14, 1918, the Allied fleet anchored off Istanbul making the war-weary future-liberator Mustafa Kemal say, “They will leave as they came,” upon his return to the Capital from the front as a hero of Gallipoli land war, defender of the Caucasus campaign, and as the commander of logistics success of a well-executed retreat from the Middle East.
An armistice with the Ottoman Empire on October 31, 1918, and Allied occupation of the Dardanelles and Bosporus eliminated the need for a blockade in the Aegean.
An American officer and his crew stayed with Scorpion during the war until the armed yacht Nahma arrived in with a relief crew on December 16, 1918.
When Rear Admiral Mark L Bristol arrives on January 25, 1919, and assumed command as Senior US Naval Officer to the Ottoman Empire, three days later the Scorpion flied the American flag again.
The US Tries Hand at Peace
A major threat was already being prepared by the US for the integrity of the defeated Empire that entered the war earliest and left the hostility theater at the latest.
Moving to the center stage while ridiculed as an upstart by the Entante representatives at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, a major initiative to upstage the old colonial powers was already in the works with the US President Woodrow Wilson’s series of principles in a January 8, 1918, speech.
President Wilson’s Item XII was targeting the Ottoman Empire. The President’s chief adviser on European politics and diplomacy during the war advised him: "It is necessary to free the subject races of the Turkish empire from oppression and misrule. This implies at very least autonomy for Armenia." In the end, Item XII excluded the mention of Armenia by name.
“The Turkish portion of the present Ottoman Empire should be assured a secure sovereignty, but the other nationalities which are now under Ottoman rule should be assured an undoubted security of life and an absolutely unmolested opportunity of autonomous development, and the Dardanelles should be permanently opened as a free passage to the ships and commerce of all nations under international guarantees.”
American Mandate
After Mudros Armistice, the idea of American help to protect the territorial integrity of the country was supported by a significant portion of Turkish intellectuals after the war. Though short lived (November-December 1918), The Minber newspaper, of which Mustafa Kemal and Ali Fethi (Okyar) were partners, was also among those advocating American "assistance."
■ General Harbord
■ Sailors mail and cancel mark from Scorpion.
IT HAPPENED HERE
The nationalist and reformist wing such as Halide Edip,1 Rauf Bey, Kara Vasif, and Yunus Nadi, who would later become major intellectual of the National Struggle, originally adopted this pro-American view to play against the British and French "colonial aspirations" to choose between known and unknown devils.
The Entente requested that Istanbul, the Marmara Region, and Greater Armenia identified in Eastern vilayets be under the control of an American mandate. The 1919 Paris Peace Conference agenda introduced these issues and defined them in Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations signed on June 28, 1919. 2
President Wilson assigned General James Guthrie Harbord with full authority to establish the infrastructure for the establishment of an Armenian state in Türkiye, arriving in Samsun months after the landing of Mustafa Kemal as an Army inspector on May 19, 1919.
General Harbord’s three-hour meeting with Mustafa Kemal Pasha, and his close friend Hüseyin Rauf held in Sivas on Saturday, September 20, 1919, was one of the most important foreign relations, diplomatic, and military negotiations at the beginning of the National Struggle. General Harbord then visited General Kazim Karabekir, the commander of the Eastern front, from whom he learned the so-called Armenian dilemma.
As chairman of the Harbord Commission, he stated that "the temptation to reprisals
for past wrongs" would make it extremely difficult to maintain peace in the region. Harbord’s final report concluded that the inclusion of Armenia in the possible American mandate for Asia Minor and Rumelia was not feasible.
Another American visitor was Lieutenant Robert S Dunn who served with the US High Commissioner, Admiral Mark Lambert Bristol, as his eyes and ears in this sensitive region with the Bolsheviks, Armenians, and Turkish Nationalist contacts.
The reports he sent to Bristol were instrumental in shaping American foreign policy visa-vis this region during and after the period. Lt. Dunn continued to serve as a reserve naval officer, and, in 1941 reactivated as the assistant naval attache at the US Embassy in Ankara, a position he held for the next two years.
The Road of Mustafa Kemal
The American mandate was one of the most heated discussions at the Erzurum Congress held in July 1919 and the Sivas Congress held between September 4-11 of the same year. Many nationalist delegates attending both congresses passionately defended the mandate view.
Mustafa Kemal Pasha, who opposed the mandate, was accused of being "Anglophile" by some delegates. As a result, a statement included in the final declarations of both congresses did not explicitly accept or reject the mandate.
One of the first semi-official contacts was on during the Sivas Congress in 1919 with an American journalist, Louis Edgar Browne of Chicago Daily News.
“…The founding fathers of the Republic of Türkiye, under Mustafa Kemal Pasha’s leadership knew well that neither peace nor war would be won by military action alone. The legitimate struggle for independence had to be known to the outside world by whichever means possible. And foreign journalists were a good conduit to utilize. Contact with Americans was particularly desired at a time when a US mandate over Türkiye’s territories became an issue. Moreover, convincing Washington of the legitimate desires of the Turks was important to balance against European encroachment into heartland Anatolia. “
End of Naval Warfare
Meanwhile on June 7, 1922, cruiser Averof, leading Greek warships and American destroyers USS Sands, USS McFarland and USS Sturtevant bombarded for 2 hours the port city of Samsun on Black Sea to help the Pontic rebels. The assault caused civilian deaths and causing large scale damage, destroying dozens of buildings.
On September 6, 1922 A group of American sailors landed at Izmir to protect American lives and property.
The final naval stage was set on the morning of September 9, 1922, laying at anchor in Izmir’s harbor with the American destroyers USS Litchfield, USS Simpson, and USS Lawrence, later joined by the USS Edsall among the many Allied warships witnessing first-hand the return of victorious liberating Turkish Army.
An additional 12 US cruisers sail from Hampton Roads, Virginia, for Istanbul arriving on October 22, 1922.3
Ankara Speaks to Americans
An American journalist named Isaac Frederick Marcosson came to Ankara, Türkiye in the year 1922 to interview Mustafa Kemal giving a true picture of Türkiye’s foreign policy and local changes in every possible field.
Marcosson asked, “What sort of remedy is there for the difficulties in which the world finds itself? Can the League of Nations be a remedy for this?
Atatürk answered, “Both yes and no... the League of Nations accepts the domination of certain states over other nations. This is a mistake.”
■ Halide Edip at Sultanahmet Rally, May 23, 1919. The sign says “Wilson Prensibi 12. made | Wilson Principal Item 12.”
■ Isaac Frederick Marcosson circa 1920
Marcosson continued “What do you think about the status of women? Atatürk answered, “Women must be the equals of men in matters of education and instruction. The Islamic religion commands attention to the education and instruction of women must be given. In our struggle for independence Turkish women were of significant assistance to the army.”4
Douglas MacArthur, the future military leader as General of the Army for the United States visited to pay homage to his idol, Mustafa Kemal Pasha, who was given the name of Atatürk by the Grand National Assembly a short time earlier on November 24, 1935.
MacArthur heard these prophetic comments:
“America will not be able to avoid war, and Germany will be defeated only through her
interference. If authorities in Europe do not get together based on controversies of political contacts and try to placate their own hatreds and interests, it will be tragic… [A] new threat will spend whatever is available in its resources for international revolution… These methods are not known by Americans and Europeans and this power will try to make use of our small mistakes and the mistakes of Western nations… The victorious power after the war will not be England, France, or Germany, but Bolshevism…. Russia knows how to influence and awaken the minds of Eastern countries, and how to give them ideas of nationalism… Bolshevism is getting to be a power and a great threat to Europe and Asia.”
We see in a letter of Atatürk to Turkish Historical Society that to know the future is to know history and more importantly to write
The Declarations of His Excellency the Pasha:
To the Great American Nation:
You have expelled tyranny and oppression from your own homeland - You, after a long and bloody struggle, have established a democratic state and a powerful civilization based on public sovereignty by gaining your own freedom and independence - On the other side of the globe, there is another nation that is struggling and shedding blood for the same freedom, the same independence and the same democracy. They want to distort your views against the purity and sublimity of this ideal. These propaganda agents are either some ignorant bigots or the tools of our secret and open enemies who want to destroy our newly gained freedom and deprive us of it. Do not believe the lies and slander. Keep your hearts open to the Turkish people who fought for freedom and independence and who, like you, are struggling to be an agent of progress and justice in the world.
Letter to Turkish Historical Society
Tarih yazmak tarih yapmak kadar mühimdir! Yazan, yapana sadık kalmazsa değişmeyen hakikat, insanlığı şaşırtacak bir mahiyet alır. Siz buna razı mısınız? Türkiye'de yüksek başkanlığınızda ilk meydana getirilen Tarih Cemiyeti büyük dikkat uyanışını kullanarak şimdiye kadar bütün dünya milletleri içinde kurulmuş benzerlerini aşan bir konum alacağına emin olduğum Türk uygarlığının sevdalılarına hürmet ve muhabbetlerimi lütfen iletiniz.
Gazi M. Kemal 16/17.8.1931 Yalova (Yalı ova)
Translation: Writing history is as important as making history! If the writer does not remain loyal to the maker, the unchanging truth will take on a nature that will surprise humanity. Do you agree with this? Please convey my respect and love to the lovers of Turkish civilization, who I am sure will take a position surpassing all similar ones established among all the nations of the world by using the great awakening of attention that the Historical Society, which was first established in Türkiye under your presidency, has given.
history. (See "The Declarations of His Excellency the Pasha" below.)
November 10, 1938
In early 1938, Atatürk was in Yalova again when his health took a worse turn and he returned to Istanbul for further treatment where he eventually passed away on November 10, 1938, at the age of fifty-seven, in the Dolmabahçe Palace.
Atatürk's funeral cortège in Istanbul was a major event witnessed with sorrow and pride by the Turkish people and the representatives of seventeen nations some of which participated with their military detachments filing in respect.
We found the US response to the passing of Atatürk in a US State Department Office of Protocol dated November 18, 1938, in a telegram from the US Embassy on behalf of the American Government for the state funeral. “Proposed authorization of $ 300 a wreath on ensuring the embassy, … the high cost of what you find that the US State Department embassy was authorized to spend $ 200.” ■
REFERENCES:
1. To Mustafa Kemal Pasha, My respected Sir
… In Istanbul, we see a temporary American mandate that will include all old and new Turkish borders as the lesser evil... After fifteen or twenty years of hardship, only the ability of the new world can create a new Türkiye, a Türkiye that carries real independence in its head and pocket with every individual's education and mentality…. we will have solved both the Eastern Question and the Turkish Question for the future… We are trying to detain the American commission until the Sivas Congress convenes. We may even be able to send an American journalist to the congress. Halide Edip 10.8.1919
2. A League of Nations mandate represented legal status under international law for specific territories following World War I. the first mandates, were territories formerly controlled by the Ottoman Empire (Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Transjordan, and Mesopotamia… “until such time as they can stand alone. The wishes of these communities must be a principal consideration in the selection of the Mandatory."
3. Destroyer Division 40, composed of the destroyers Bainbridge (DD-246), Fox (DD-234), Gilmer (DD-233), Hatfield (DD-231), Hopkins (DD-249), and Kane (DD-235), and Destroyer Division 41, composed of the destroyers Barry (DD-248), Goff (DD-247), King (DD-242), McFarland (DD-237), Overton (DD-239), and Sturtevant (DD-240)
4. "Kemal Pasha: Conflict in Türkiye | The Saturday Evening Post | October 20, 1923
Source for US Navy History
Mehmet Ali Munir is a Balkan Turk who has lived in Canada and the US for 45 years. He researches Turks in America and writes about local history.
The things we experience every day in Türkiye—urban transformation, migration, femicides— are all interconnected.
AZRA DENİZ OKYAY
CAPTURING TÜRKİYE’S REALITY THROUGH THE LENS OF GHOSTS
We change as we try to survive. Or perhaps, we are disappearing. What are we? Are we ghosts?
By Erol Güler
Azra Deniz Okyay was born in Istanbul in 1983. Her parents are architects and urban planners. Her father comes from a nomad Türkmen family, and her mother is from a Balkan immigrant family. From her family, she learned the difference between “seeing and looking” and laid the foundations of her current profession. She began photography at the age of 12 and became assistant of photography, while she was attending the Lycée Français Pierre Loti High School (Lycée Français Pierre Loti is an international French school located in Istanbul). She started trying out her first films during her high school years. After graduating from high school, she studied cinema at the prestigious Sorbonne-Nouvelle University in Paris. Okyay completed her master's degree while simultaneously following the EHESS Sociology department. EHESS, the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (École des hautes études en sciences sociales) is a graduate, grande école, and grand établissement in Paris focused on academic research in the social sciences. It is regarded as one of France's most prestigious graduate education institutions. Later she took part in many national and international exhibitions with her video-art works. She did a long internship at the advertising and clip production company Paris Partizan, then worked as a Junior Art Director at the commercial company Premiere-Heure.
To this day she continues working on several projects like developing her second Long Feature Fiction Film in Paris and developing a Series in Germany.
Azra Deniz Okyay became the first female director from Türkiye to receive an award at the 2020 Venice Film Festival with her first feature film, "Ghosts," which she wrote and directed.
After Venice, we got a tsunami of love from everywhere, becoming a reference or courageous face of the cinema industry
Her first recognition was gained with her short movie “Küçük Kara Balıklar” (Little Black Fish), which she produced in 2013. The movie is approximately 28 minutes long and tells the story of Metaxia, who is an Armenian woman who came from Yerevan (Erivan) to Türkiye and is an illegal immigrant. She wants to go to Europe and is saving money for that. In
her spare time, she also writes the story of a girl who dreams of going to Europe. Ela is a student and working Turkish girl in Paris. She is trying to become an actress. There are problems with her work permit at the immigration office and she struggles.
Okyay says: “Metaxia was a woman who had the courage to come to Türkiye from Armenia. At that time, I had been expelled from France. My father used to tell me “go and grow up” – the fish issue in the movie… Metaxia in the movie also has a saying like that. At that time, this issue of expulsion was very difficult for me, you must let go of things suddenly. I was thinking about what immigration is. I was a person from an upper class compared to Metaxia, but we were experiencing the same crisis. Of course, I am against borders and boundaries, and I wanted to follow this feeling there.”
Another short movie that became popular was “Sulukule Mon Amour." In the magazine Variety, Okyay tells the story of the movie as: “In 2008, Sulukule was the oldest ghetto of Europe, and it was demolished by the Turkish government. It was more than 500 years old, and it was an important cultural habitat. My father as an architect was on the team that was trying to keep the ghetto safe, but Sulukule was demolished. It was a big emotional problem for the society and us as a family. We could see these types of destructions all over the country what was a kind of a collapse. A friend of mine was working in Sulukule. She was trying to get the children to read books,
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trying to give them an education because they were not attending school. So I went there after this destruction, and I found a building where some kids were playing. And I decided to show some films. The first day they were so hyperactive that they could not concentrate. Getting light from anywhere, from different cultures, is how I grew up. My grandmother had heritage from Greece, Macedonia, and Bulgaria. My father is from Turkmenistan. You always need to have a hybrid way to think. I am like that. I just got this light from the children and started writing about how to survive. Urban transformation is a subject that interests me very closely because my family was an urban planner for twenty years. They had worked on conservation plans for Mardin and Safranbolu. These were places that would be completely destroyed if not protected. What I mean by destroying is a loss of a quality of life and culture there. The culture and life of families is very important.”
In an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW) she explains her concern of preserving urban architecture as follows: “I think that urban transformation should not be imposed. But in Türkiye, urban transformation is being imposed in the last 20 years, actually even beyond 20 years. This isn't just my opinion. Many academics already state that new structures in Türkiye has been constructed with a poor and incomplete infrastructure and as well social concerns. Sometimes it is said that urban transformation is necessary as a
precaution against earthquakes, but in the end, the same prototype buildings are being constructed without caring for the heritage of that location and the culture it embodies. All the buildings we see when flying to İstanbul, Diyarbakır or Antalya look like each other. Therefore, I have the right to express this problem in general terms."
Okyay further states: “If we look deeper into layers of urban transformation, we see that there are other reasons beyond the ones that are officially put forward. I have analyzed the smallest details of these reasons as far as I could. My father was also trying to save Sulukule. They tried to get together with the locals there and explain why the area needed to be protected, but Sulukule was demolished without listening to anyone and it was actually a cultural heritage that should not be demolished. The answer to questions like how I could transcribe this as a filmmaker, how I could present it, lies in small details. For example, why did a woman in that neighborhood suddenly start selling drugs after Sulukule was demolished? I saw actual such events at Sulukule. For example, there was someone whose son had already been imprisoned for drugs and suddenly news was made that they caught also the mother as a drug dealer. Her name is Boncuk Teyze (Auntie Boncuk), she is such a naive woman. Suddenly it turns out that she hid the drugs in the electrical transformer, it was her son's property... There is a terrible mechanism like a small snowball rolling downhill and causing an avalanche. This is also the most important problem in current society. As an artist, you need to know these, and I would say that I tried to create a different snowball by adding my own touches to prevent this avalanche. The things we experience these days, the things we say to each other like a cliche, shows us that we are in a very big avalanche, and we cannot get out of it. After a certain point, talent, analysis and work should be based on helping the society to get out of this.”
The Director of the Feature Film “Ghosts," Azra Deniz Okyay, in the interview she gave to Christopher Vourlias of Variety magazine states that she began writing the script of
"Ghosts" five years ago, struggling to raise financing until a breakthrough, when she met producer Dilek Aydın and scraped together the funds to start production. “Ghosts” is set across a single day during a nationwide power surge and follows four characters from different walks of life caught up in a web of drug trafficking in the ghettos of Istanbul. The film is produced by Aydın’s Heimatlos Films. Okyay said she was determined to make “Ghosts” as a testament to what she describes as “Istanbul’s lost generation,” and its resilience in the face of economic, cultural, and political uncertainty. Okyay explained that she began to see the big changes after 2010, because "in 2010 Istanbul was really about art. Young people were opening galleries. People were trying to come here as creators. It was like a new Berlin. And then, suddenly, these little places began to close. The city was changing a lot, and we couldn’t find a way to survive— as an artist, as a young person, as a human. After the presidential elections in 2014, things started changing faster with the political situ ation. I began to write, and I was seeing that
Beat generation. I wrote about how a figure
can change in Türkiye? I wanted to show how Raşit, Ela, İffet changed. One of them wears a scarf to sell drugs, another one pretends to be a tourist in the dark, Raşit has obviously transformed from an ordinary resident of the neighborhood into something completely different. We change as we are trying to survive. Or another interpretation is that we are disappearing. What are we? Are we ghosts?"
Azra Deniz Okyay states: "Naomi Klein has a documentary and book called The Shock Doctrine. The doctrine says: if a society goes through many shocks, you can make that society do whatever you want after those shocks. This happened during the Iranian Revolution, in Chile. This is a theorem developed by Milton Friedman, who comes from the Chicago school. I tried to implement this template in my movie. There is a huge power outage, but even though this is a huge shock, we don't shout 'Oh my God! The power is out!' We had a similar, huge power outage in
the bigger picture. Okyay states. “As an artist, video art is a great laboratory for me. I like to look at things sociologically, focus on things with an anthropological approach and present them in my own language.”
We can make a separate box dedicated to the movie with the text I am giving below:
“Ghosts”
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Okyay states, my aim with the movie "Ghosts" was to show what can happen in a huge shock. That was the reason I entered this marathon-style movie trying to look at
Azra Deniz Okyay states: “Ghosts is in many ways a story about female strength and solidarity, but it also exposes a lot of the vulnerabilities women face in Türkiye—about sexuality, about their bodies. There is a lot of darkness—literal and metaphorical—in this film. But without giving anything away, I think it ends on a hopeful note. What gives me hope as a woman, as a filmmaker, or just as an ordinary citizen in Türkiye is the popular saying in Türkiye that the light comes out in the darkest moment of the night. The feeling of people living in Türkiye is really like that. This is the thing about living in Türkiye. I adore my country; I adore how they are trying to find their own way. There is this darkness, we learned, but there is a light that can come out from this darkness. And I’m sure that we will be an inspiration for other people, not just in Türkiye. Also, this generation is so creative. There’s another expression in Türkiye that I like: 'water will find its way (su yolunu bulur).' It was really important to bring this film to the light to show how we are creative in this way."
"Ghosts," which attracted attention with the award it won in the “Critics's Week Award” ( As Casavtes, Pedro Costa ect) of the Venice International Film Festival, immediately won five awards at the Golden Orange Festival, including Best Film and Best Director. Screenwriter and director Azra Deniz Okyay tells the story of the ideas behind her first feature film, which examines the burning issues of today's Türkiye by focusing on four main characters, the process of creating the script and the difficult production adventure: “Power outages affecting the whole of Istanbul, police checkpoints on every corner, helicopters that never cease to sound in the sky and the intersecting stories of four very different characters, each busy with their own troubles in the midst of this
chaos: A young dancer who dreams of becoming famous, a woman who urgently needs to find money to protect her son in prison, a man trying to profit from urban transformation in his own way, a contemporary artist who raises his voice against femicides (femicide: the killing of a woman or girl, in particular by a man and on account of her gender).
We change as we are trying to survive. Or another interpretation is that we are disappearing. What are we? Are we ghosts?
The film, which won the grand prize of the Critics’ Week section at the 77th Venice Film Festival, also became the festival’s favorite by winning five awards at the 57th Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, where it had its Turkish premiere, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Editing. It also competed in Stockholm, Ghent, Warsove, KarloVary Internation, the most prestigious Film Festival with Cinema Masters.
Okyay further states: “I actually examined how the characters developed each other. I tried to show a network of relationships by looking at the dynamics between them. There is no single, concrete reason for what we are experiencing in Türkiye right now; everything is connected to various networks. Those
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networks are very important to me. I have felt this for years. The reasons behind the destruction of things extend beyond profiteering to other policies. These are the subjects I have always read and thought about. Therefore, even if I focused on a single story, I had to follow these networks. If you are talking about neighborhood culture in a metropolis
like Istanbul, many stories are inevitably intertwined there. Even if we are talking among ourselves on the street, we cannot help but think five minutes later about why a man is looking at us while walking somewhere else. It was important to try to show this. We are currently a society where social classes are intertwined, living on top of each other, one above the other. We are constantly struggling with deep issues, and I found it interesting to show how several characters experience those deep issues. For example, the power outage in the film, the characters act as if there is no power outage. This is how our daily lives are in many ways since many years.
"Ghosts brings up many issues from urban transformation to the situation of Syrian immigrants or femicides. These are issues that we encounter one after another in our daily lives, for example, when we open Twitter, we can see them all one after another."
Finally Okyay sates her opinion about her movie "Ghosts" as: “Maybe it's a film that's out of the ordinary in Türkiye and the world, but putting it out there didn't scare me. I still think it's balanced and that it could be perceived better in a few years. I don’t know if I would have added other plans if I had time, but Ghosts is a film that I am very happy with. It was very important to be able to pull off this project even though we couldn’t get funding from anywhere until the last minute.
There are aspects of the film that are relevant to everyone’s life. There were women and young people who after watching the movie in Venice came up to me and said, “We feel the same way.” Also, since we came here without receiving funding from anywhere, our expectations were not very high. By the way, we did not send the film to Venice. They found us, watched a 20-minute section of the film and then called me with excitement saying they wanted to get the film to the competition. I was surprised by this interest, to be honest, because we had been going with negative comments up until that point. After Venice, we got a tsunami of love from everywhere, becoming a reference or courageous face of the cinema industry. ■
For a more detailed information you can watch the video prepared by Deutsche Welle. The video is in Turkish
Erol Guler, PhD, is the co-owner of GT Consultants LLC in Virginia. Previously, he was the co-owner of the ELC Group in Istanbul, Türkiye, for 20 years, which was acquired later by the global consulting engineering firm Royal HaskoningDHV. He has served as the principal geotechnical engineer to more than 200 projects in Türkiye and many different countries. He is also a retired professor from Bogazici University where he dedicated 37 years. Since 2017, he has served as an affiliate professor at George Mason University.
DESIGN THINKING AND CUSTOMER CENTRICITY
Customer-centricity is not just a strategy; it is a culture that successful companies cultivate to meet evolving needs.
By Guclu Ozenci
Last week, we hosted our monthly in-person event in Tysons Corner at a stunning partner venue. The attendees were curious about the space, asking if they could secure a spot in the coworking area between two modern kitchens, perfect mingling regions, a pool table, and luxurious bergère chairs. But beyond the venue, the buzz was about our topic of discussion: Design Thinking and Customer Centricity.
In previous newsletters, we have explored key concepts like customer development and product-market fit—both critical for a venture's success. These frameworks help startups assess and match the problem with the right solution. "Design Thinking," however, while closely related, goes a step further. It is a human-centered, iterative approach to problem-solving and innovation. It emphasizes deep understanding of users, challenging assumptions, and redefining problems to create impactful solutions. Of course, as customer needs and priorities evolve, startups must continue to develop their understanding of users and complete the feedback loop.
Design Thinking: Not Just for Startups
Design Thinking is not just for startups; even the largest enterprises can fall into the trap of launching failed products due to a lack of this mindset. The foundation of this process is empathy. To achieve this, ventures must observe, research, and engage with their audience, ultimately offering a seamless product that addresses their pain points.
At the Founder Institute accelerator, we emphasize focusing on one problem at a time—not two. This laser-focused mindset is crucial for creating a simple, smooth, and effective solution. By iterating ideas and refining functionalities, startups can validate their designs through prototypes and continuous testing. Once the solution is validated by the target audience, it signifies that the team is on the right path. Afterward, scaling and go-to-market strategies come into play.
Customer-Centricity: At the Heart of Everything
Customer-centric thinking is the essence of all these processes.
It is not about what the founder believes, but about what the user thinks. Sometimes founders address problems that users are not even aware of yet. While not every founder will create a mind-blowing, disruptive product like those iconic visionaries, iterating, testing, and gathering customer feedback is crucial throughout the product's lifecycle. Even hightech, groundbreaking products must go through continuous cycles of iteration to stay relevant. Starbucks redesigned their coffee shop layouts because they listened to their customers. Cars now universally have cup holders because passengers expect them, much like having a built-in radio is no longer questioned. However, as needs evolve, CD players have disappeared—streaming music services and connected cars are now standard. Could you imagine any brand surviving without features like cup holders, radios, or streaming music and map connections today?
Customer-centricity is more than just a strategy—it is a culture. Founders who build lasting companies do so by creating a culture where the customer comes first. These companies focus on long-term investment, agility, and making decisions that support their customers' evolving needs. Agile development practices embody this philosophy, constantly iterating, testing, failing, and refining to achieve the best possible results.
A Changing World
We live in a different world now. It is no longer the survival of the strongest but the survival of the most adaptable. And adaptability requires constant change. ■
Guclu Ozenci, a renowned technology entrepreneur, boasts a career marked by blending business needs with tech innovations. With roles at Cisco, HP, and Vodafone, he honed his adeptness in operations and relationship building. In 2013, he cofounded a B2B SaaS startup, leading it to a 2020 acquisition. Currently, as the managing director at the Founder Institute in Washington, DC, Ozenci focuses on aiding preseed startups. He is launching Axent Ventures, specifically supporting immigrant founders, by providing capital, networks, and expertise, reflecting his commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success. Learn more about Ozenci here.
TRAUMA AND YOGA
As we begin to re-experience a visceral reconnection with the needs of our bodies, there is a brandnew capacity to warmly love the self. We experience a new quality of authenticity in our caring, which redirects our attention to our health, our diets, our energy, our time management. This enhanced care for the self arises spontaneously and naturally, not as a response to a “should.” We are able to experience an immediate and intrinsic pleasure in self-care. –Stephen Cope, Yoga and the Quest for the True Self
By Melisa Gulsun Ozmen
We humans are incredibly resilient creatures, both physically and psychologically. We pass through numerous physical and psychological traumas beginning from our birth until our death. Naturally, the first and the most traumatic event we experience in our body and psyche is our departure from the mother womb during our birth. That first traumatic experience that our tiny bodies are exposed to prepares us for so many potential traumas that we will face throughout our lives. As we walk through life, some of us are faced with unbearable and intolerable traumatic experiences that are nested in our physiological and psychological bodies. In the US, one in five Americans is sexually molested as a child; one in four is beaten by a parent to the point of a mark being left on their body; and one in three couples engages
in physical violence. A quarter of Americans grow up with alcoholic parents and one out of eight witnessed their mother being beaten or hit. In addition to being a combat veteran, a refugee, an asylum seeker, or a Holocaust survivor, being exposed to one or more of the above experiences is enough to be diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which may have lifetime negative effects on the quality of our lives if not taken care of and healed.
In textbooks, PTSD is characterized by chronic physiological arousal, recurrent
unwanted thoughts of images of the trauma, and avoidance of things that call the traumatic event to mind. When children or adults are exposed to a sudden traumatic event such as crime, war, terror, accidents, violence, sexual abuse, rape, or natural disasters, they instinctively respond the event with two automatic actions: fight or flight. If the situation does not allow the person to fight the situation or flee the situation, then freezing, a third reaction to the event, occurs. This causes the traumatic event to be stored in the hippocampus, the part of our brains responsible for long-term memory. This stored traumatic stress in our long-term memory causes PTSD. However, if the threatening situation and the stress caused by that situation still exists, that person is not diagnosed with PTSD. For somebody to be diagnosed with PTSD, he or she should be in a safe condition, but show symptoms of PTSD such as inability to feel pleasure, feeling detached from
people, numbing feelings, inability to live in the moment or have no hope for future and having flashbacks when exposed to triggers that seem to be irrelevant with the traumatic event. In The Body Keeps the Score, the seminal 2014 work on effects of psychological trauma, post-traumatic stress researcher Bessel van der Kolk notes that the triggers may manifest themselves in various ways. Veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD may react to a slight bump in the road or a child playing in the park as if they were in a war zone. Sexually victimized people diagnosed with PTSD may feel ashamed by normal sexual sensations or images that recall their molestation. If they discuss their experiences, their blood pressure or heart rate may increase, migraine headaches may appear, or stress hormones may be released. These all make it clear that the trauma lives in the body and has remarkable negative effect on the function of the body.
Many people diagnosed with PTSD find themselves more comfortable in groups where they can relive similar traumatic experiences, such as combat, rape, or torture, with people who have had similar experiences. They may feel a sense of belonging with these groups and can mitigate their sense of isolation with other people. Gangs, extremist political parties, and religious cults may give them a sense of belonging, but these groups not only do not offer them a healthy environment to heal their traumas, but also can worsen their PTSD symptoms.
Surely, there are many ways to treat PTSD. Of the various therapies for PTSD, the most effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on balancing thoughts and identifying illogical thoughts. In addition to CBT, van der Kolk suggests some alternative self-help therapies to treat PTSD, such as writing, joining support groups, art, music, dance and yoga. Van der Kolk conducted a study to measure the effects of yoga on the treatment of PTSD. Researchers selected thirty-seven women who had severe trauma histories and who had already had many years of therapy without any benefit. A randomly selected half
of the women would go to the yoga group and the other half would receive other mental health treatment, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which is a type of therapy teaching people mindfulness to stay calm and in control. At the end of the eight-week of study, the researchers found out that the women who were in yoga group significantly improved in controlling their sensations and reactions against the symptoms of PTSD and their relationships with their bodies. Yoga gave them the feeling that “I now take care of my body”; “I listen to what my body needs." Eight weeks of DBT did not have any effect on the women’s reaction levels or PTSD symptoms. In another study, Van der Kolk found out that twenty weeks of yoga practice increased activation of the insular cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex of the brain. After each of their yoga studies they asked the participants how they felt after yoga treatments. Some of the participants responses included:
◗ “My emotions feel more powerful. Maybe it’s just that I can recognize them now.”
◗ “I can express my feelings more because I can recognize them more. I feel them in my body, recognize them, and address them.”
◗ “I now see choices, multiple paths. I can decide and I can choose my life, it doesn’t have to be repeated or be experienced like a child.”
◗ “I was able to move my body and be in my body in a safe place and without hurting myself/getting hurt.”
Van der Kolk notes that the research into yoga’s effects on the insula and the medial prefrontal cortex needs much more work, but it opens up new perspectives on how connecting with body sensations can make significant changes in both mind and brain which can lead to healing from trauma. I can understand what Van der Kolk means here very well because I have been doing yoga for almost 20 years and experienced how it has helped me to soothe the symptoms of my own childhood traumas. In the natural flow of life, it is not always possible to escape being exposed to traumas, especially during childhood and youth when control of our lives is still not in our hands, but it is always possible to control and heal the effects of trauma when attention is paid to the symptoms. Yoga is an effective way to help mitigate the symptoms of trauma, but it is important to remember that there are also other techniques that heal the symptoms. If you or someone close to you has been exposed to one or more traumatic events mentioned in the beginning of this article, the best help is to encourage this person to take the physiological and psychological reactions seriously and to consult a professional for guidance. Healing any degree of trauma, severe or not, hidden in your body and psyche is a compassionate path to selfcare and self-love which leads to upgrading the quality of life and tearing down the barriers to a more prosperous, satisfied and happy life! ■
Melisa Gulsun Ozmen is an economics graduate with two decades in Turkish business. She relocated to the US in 2018, seeking personal growth. Immersed in a distinct culture, she discovered inner transformation’s paramountcy, inspired by Osho’s wisdom. This revelation led her to the Transformational Life Coaching Program, graduating in 2020 and cementing her life's purpose. Melisa is a lifelong learner and coach, continuously exploring political science, psychology, and astrology, while also illuminating her journey of self-discovery and enlightenment through perpetual learning. Learn more about Melisa and visit her blog.
ERCIYES UNIVERSITY: A LEADER IN STEM CELL THERAPIES THROUGH KANKA PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY AND BONE MARROW HOSPITAL AND GENKÖK
Through its groundbreaking work, Erciyes University is turning cells into hope, and science into healing, for patients worldwide.
By Prof Dr Serpil Taheri, MSc, PhD
This article is the second one on stem cell research and therapy at Erciyes University in Kayseri.
We would like to underline the significance of increasingly sophisticated health care in Türkiye, its impact on medical tourism, and its vast economic potential.
Türkiye has been known since ancient times for its critical geographic location and archeological and cultural riches. Its tourism is also based on the land's natural beauty surrounded by four seas. In early 2000, another kind of tourism developed, based on excellent health care with low costs.
Initially, routine and popular procedures attracted patients to Türkiye. As the articles
about GENKOK show, Türkiye now offers sophisticated procedures at the forefront of medical science.
In addition to the excellent work done at Erciyes University, many Turkish universities are active in stem cell research and therapy.
Erciyes University stands out as one of Türkiye's premier research institutions, excelling in scientific innovation and healthcare delivery. With hospitals accredited with health tourism certification and research centers, the university significantly advances medical science. The KANKA Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Hospital and the Betül Ziya Eren Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKÖK) are its most noteworthy achievements. Both centers contribute to medical and scientific fields
through innovative approaches, robust infrastructures, and expert personnel.
KANKA Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Hospital: A Pillar of Hope
KANKA, initially founded as the Erciyes Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in 2011 under the leadership of Prof Dr Musa Karakükcü, has grown into Türkiye’s largest and most advanced center for pediatric bone marrow transplants. In 2022, with the support of state officials and philanthropists, the hospital was transformed into a dedicated facility through contributions from the Together Against Cancer (KANKA) Association. This cutting-edge hospital covers 10,000 square meters across five floors and houses four specialized centers: the Pediatric Bone Marrow
Stem cells are revolutionizing the treatment of diseases, offering hope through their ability to repair damaged tissues and organs.
Transplant Center, Thalassemia Hemoglobinopathy Center, Hemophilia Center, and Outpatient Treatment Center.
With its 60 modern service rooms, 40 of which are HEPA-filtered, and 44 treatment units for outpatient services, KANKA ensures that children and their families receive care in the most advanced medical environments. Additionally, the hospital focuses on the psychosocial well-being of young patients by providing recreational areas, such as playgrounds, a theater, music rooms, and a library. Since opening in 2022, the hospital has treated over 150 children with bone marrow transplants, maintaining its mission to provide cutting-edge treatment and care.
KANKA’s international recognition is highlighted by its accreditation from the Joint Accreditation Committee of ISCT and EBMT (JACIE), making it the only pediatric bone marrow transplant center in Türkiye with this certification. This achievement positions the hospital as a hub for medical tourism, where patients from around the world receive lifesaving care. Moreover, the hospital is set to become a leading center for innovative treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy and gene therapy.
CAR T-cell therapy, a revolutionary treatment used post-bone marrow transplantation, involves genetically modifying a patient’s immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells, and it is poised to replace chemotherapy in the future. Yet its availability in Türkiye is currently limited. Currently, the therapy is prohibitively expensive, ranging between $400,000 and $500,000, and many patients have to travel abroad for treatment. However, with KANKA’s existing infrastructure and close collaboration with the GENKÖK center, the hospital is well-positioned to become Türkiye's leading CAR T-cell therapy center. Additionally, KANKA is exploring the possibility of offering gene therapies—another advanced treatment not yet available in Türkiye. Gene therapies are vital for treating genetic disorders and cancers but come with a price tag of up to 2.5 million euros. Given KANKA’s accreditation, infrastructure, and proximity to the largest cGMP laboratory in Türkiye at GENKÖK, the hospital is ideally suited to spearhead this medical revolution. A collaborative gene therapy project with
the Netherlands is also underway, further enhancing KANKA’s capabilities in this field. The center’s transplantation program focuses on autologous and allogeneic stem cell applications for pediatric patients with hematological and non-hematological diseases. It administers blood and blood products while ensuring compliance with FACT-JACIE and ISO safety standards. It serves both domestic and international patients, having performed nearly 700 hematopoietic stem cell transplants across 60 disease groups. Recognized as a leading facility in Türkiye, it contributes to education and research in bone marrow
transplantation through its academic staff and numerous publications.
From Cells to Hope, From Science to Healing; GENKÖK
GENKÖK, established in 2012 within Erciyes University, is Türkiye's only publicly owned stem cell production center and the largest life sciences research center in the country. Equipped with advanced technology and infrastructure, it adheres to international standards in producing stem cells and gene therapy products. The center boasts internationally recognized research groups
specializing in many fields, including stem cells, genetic diseases, cancer, proteomics, molecular microbiology, transgenic animals, plant biotechnology, bioinformatics, and animal modeling. These groups conduct numerous significant projects that contribute to scientific knowledge in Türkiye and globally.
Approved by the Ministry of Health, GENKÖK's cGMP unit enables the production of clinical-grade stem cells and gene therapy products that can be applied directly to patients. By bridging the gap between basic scientific research and clinical applications, GENKÖK plays a vital role in transforming groundbreaking discoveries into tangible medical solutions. Its contributions not only benefit Turkish patients but also position Türkiye as a growing player in the global biomedical landscape.
The close collaboration between KANKA Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Hospital and GENKÖK is a testament to Erciyes University’s
commitment to integrated healthcare and scientific innovation. Together, these centers are developing new treatments for previously untreatable genetic and immunological diseases. Their combined efforts have already yielded significant advancements in pediatric health, such as pioneering haploidentical transplantation techniques in Türkiye, which expand the pool of eligible bone marrow donors and give hope to families facing severe illnesses.
KANKA was the first in Türkiye to perform haploidentical transplants using Alpha-Beta T cell depletion, opening up new possibilities for children with rare conditions. This technique has increased the success rate of transplants and has been a lifeline for patients without a fully matched donor.
Through their work, the KANKA Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Hospital and GENKÖK are lighting the path to a brighter future for pediatric healthcare in Türkiye and beyond.
These centers are not only providing cuttingedge treatments but also creating a foundation of scientific knowledge that will shape the future of medicine. Their innovative approaches, international collaborations, and commitment to excellence in patient care and research ensure that Erciyes University remains at the forefront of global medical advancements. By embracing new technologies, therapies, and scientific discoveries, Erciyes University continues to pave the way for a healthier future, turning cells into hope and science into healing. ■
Contact Information:
Prof Dr Serpil Taheri, MSc, PhD
Director, GENKÖK
Professor, Faculty of Medicine
Department of Medical Biology, Erciyes University
Talas 38039, Kayseri, Türkiye
Phone: +90-352-207 6666 ext 13631
CAREERS
ADVENTUROUS AT WORK IN AMERICA: THRILLING WORLD OF THINK TANKS
“Think tanks … a bridge between knowledge and power and between science/technology and policy making in areas of broad interest.”
By Kitty Waldorf
The concept of a "think tank"emerged during World War II as a designated space for top-secret deliberations. Today, think tanks are institutions that primarily concentrate on research and policy analysis, distinguishing them from universities that offer undergraduate programs. However, several think tanks, including the RAND Corporation, have established graduate programs to cultivate future leaders in their fields.
According to Washington DC Economic Partnership data, as of 2023, there were approximately 175 think tanks based in Washington, DC. This number constantly fluctuates due to new organizations being established and existing ones merging or closing. While Washington, DC, is a significant hub, cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco also have substantial concentrations of think tanks.
While Turkish people have a strong tradition of intellectual discourse, fostered partly by Atatürk's inspiring leadership, establishing a think tank in the United States is far more complex. I sometimes hear friends from Türkiye thinking out loud “How hard can it be to establish a think tank?” The answer is that founding a think tank in the US requires significant financial resources—typically millions of dollars—and a compelling mission led by a charismatic founder with a proven track record in Washington policy circles. Furthermore, a newly established think tank must articulate its ideological stance within the complex policy landscape. Vagueness can undermine credibility and hinder the organization's ability to engage with stakeholders and policymakers effectively.
Undoubtedly, my column needs more space to focus on every detail about these interest groups. Let us find out whether a career path in America's intellectual landscape is right for you, Thrivers!
—- Paul Dickson
1. RESEARCH ANALYST
Primary Duties:
◗ Conduct in-depth research on various topics related to the think tank's focus areas
◗ Analyze data and trends to inform policy recommendations
◗ Prepare reports and briefings for policymakers and the public
Education Requirements:
◗ Typically requires a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as political science, economics, sociology, or public policy
◗ Strong research and analytical skills are essential
Workplace Settings:
◗ Primarily office-based, often in urban areas where think tanks are concentrated
◗ It may involve occasional travel for conferences, meetings, or fieldwork
Average Salary:
◗ Varies based on experience, location, and
the specific think tank but typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year.
2. POLICY ANALYST
Primary Duties:
◗ Develop policy recommendations based on research findings
◗ Engage with policymakers and stakeholders to advocate for the think tank's positions
◗ Write policy papers, op-eds, and other publications
Education Requirements:
◗ Typically requires a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as political science, public policy, or economics
◗ Strong writing and communication skills are essential
Workplace Settings:
◗ Primarily office-based, often in urban areas where think tanks are concentrated
◗ May involve frequent travel for meetings and conferences
Average Salary:
◗ Varies based on experience, location, and the specific think tank but typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 per year
3. PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Primary Duties:
◗ Oversee and manage specific programs or projects within the think tank
◗ Recruit and supervise staff
◗ Develop and manage budgets
Education Requirements:
◗ Typically requires a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as public policy, management, or nonprofit administration
◗ Strong leadership and organizational skills are essential
Workplace Settings:
◗ Primarily office-based, often in urban areas where think tanks are concentrated
◗ May involve occasional travel for conferences or meetings
Average Salary:
◗ Varies based on experience, location, and the specific think tank but typically ranges from $75,000 to $120,000 per year
4. COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Primary Duties:
◗ Develop and implement the think tank's communications strategy
◗ Manage media relations and public outreach
◗ Create content for various platforms, including websites, social media, and publications
Education Requirements:
◗ Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field
◗ Strong writing and communication skills are essential
Workplace Settings:
◗ Primarily office-based, often in urban areas where think tanks are concentrated
◗ May involve frequent travel for media appearances and conferences
Average Salary:
◗ Varies based on experience, location, and the specific think tank but typically ranges from $55,000 to $85,000 per year
5. SENIOR FELLOW
Primary Duties:
◗ Conduct independent research and analysis on a variety of topics
◗ Serve as a thought leader and public intellectual
◗ Contribute to the think tank's publications and policy recommendations
Education Requirements:
◗ Typically requires a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field
◗ Extensive experience in research and policy analysis is essential
Workplace Settings:
◗ Primarily office-based, often in urban areas where think tanks are concentrated and may involve frequent travel for conferences, speaking engagements, and media appearances.
Average Salary:
◗ Varies significantly based on experience, reputation, and the specific think tank but can range from $100,000 to $250,000 or more per year.
In conclusion, the think tank sector offers a diverse range of fulfilling career opportunities for individuals passionate about research, policy, and positively impacting society. From conducting in-depth analysis to shaping public discourse and influencing policy decisions, think tank professionals are crucial in addressing the most pressing challenges of our VUCA times.
Whether you are interested in a researchfocused, leadership, or communications-oriented role, there is a place for you in the think tank world. By joining a think tank, you can contribute to important policy debates, work with talented colleagues, and have a meaningful impact on the world around you. Additionally, you might work in one of the most historically beautiful buildings in the United States. Another icing on the cake might be that you might have a chance to meet several world leaders while working towards your policy goals. If this sounds like you, Washington, DC, think tanks would be a great place to start from.
If you are interested in architecture only, not a career at a think tank, you can still visit these think tanks in DC based in beautiful historic buildings:
American Enterprise Institute
New America
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Kitty Waldorf is a self-excellence professional with more than 14 years of experience in MENA and US markets, focused on education, healthcare, and security and defense. She has been voted as the Best Life Coach of the Nation’s Capital since 2019. In 2023, she was named the Winner of the Best Life Coaching Category in Washington City Paper readers’ poll. Connect with Waldorf.
A PR STRATEGY SUCCESS STORY: HOW AIRBNB WON HEARTS AROUND THE WORLD?
Airbnb did not just sell stays; they sold the feeling of belonging anywhere.
By Suheyla Tayla
Public relations (PR) can be a gamechanger for businesses, acting as a powerful tool to shape public perception, build trust, and ultimately create success. While advertisements might directly attract attention, PR works develop meaningful connections and stories that resonate with people. Some iconic brands today owe their success to well-crafted PR campaigns. Today, our story of success through strategic PR is Airbnb.
Airbnb started with a simple idea: sharing your home with strangers to make some extra money. But how did they transform this concept into a global hospitality powerhouse? The answer lies in their brilliant PR strategy, one that connects people, tells powerful stories, and brings a human touch. When Airbnb first started, convincing people to open their homes to strangers or trust a stranger’s home for a vacation was a tall order. The brand had to overcome significant trust barriers, and they did so with a carefully crafted PR strategy.
Airbnb did not just market accommodations—they marketed the idea of belonging anywhere. From day one, their PR focused on creating an emotional connection. They didn’t show images of generic hotel rooms; they showed cozy apartments, treehouses, and yurts, each bursting with character. Their storytelling centered around hosts and guests, highlighting real human connections. Airbnb turned stays into experiences and strangers into friends.
Another huge PR win for Airbnb was tapping into local communities. They ran campaigns that showed they cared about the neighborhoods where they operated. By working with cities and positioning themselves as a friend of travelers and a supporter of local economies, Airbnb managed to paint a positive picture in the media. Their PR efforts were not just about advertising a room; they were about building relationships, trust, and a sense of adventure that appealed to travelers and hosts alike.
Airbnb also used charitable initiatives to enhance its image. They offered free accommodations during natural disasters, opening their platform to displaced people—a move that earned not just media praise, but also solidified their position as a community-driven brand. These actions were not just smart PR; they showed a company with a heart, which is an instant reputation booster.
A critical part of Airbnb's PR success came from their brilliant use of influencers. Rather than spending millions on traditional advertising, Airbnb turned to social media influencers—travel bloggers, Instagram stars, and YouTubers. These influencers stayed at unique Airbnb properties and shared their authentic experiences, reaching audiences who trusted them more than any typical ad. They also encouraged user-generated content. Every traveler with an Instagram account essentially became an ambassador for Airbnb. They embraced hashtags like #AirbnbExperience, creating a snowball effect of travelers showing off their stays, each post acting as free publicity.
Of course no brand is immune to PR challenges. When problems emerged, Airbnb took quick action: they updated their policies, communicated directly with users, and owned up to their mistakes. They adopted a transparent and empathetic communication which strengthens trust.
Public relations has the power to shape narratives, create loyalty, and position brands in a way that makes them unforgettable. The right PR strategy does not just push a product; it creates an enduring image that people love and respect. As this success story shows, investing in PR can be the difference between a company that is just there and a company that truly stands out. Airbnb's PR success lies in their ability to connect with people on a human level—telling heartfelt stories, empowering local communities, embracing influencers, and handling crises with honesty. They did not just sell stays; they sold the feeling of belonging, of connection, and of being welcomed anywhere in the world. This is how Airbnb became more than just a booking site—it became a movement. ■
For 30 years, Suheyla
exemplary service, Tayla now serves as vice president at Mercury Public Relations. An Ankara University alumna with advanced studies in International Law of the Seas, she is a revered figure in international relations.
Tayla was a senior political strategist at the US Embassy in Ankara, advising 10 ambassadors through significant regional events, including wars and political upheavals. She held roles at the Anatolia News Agency and led the Embassy's Local Employees Association. Honored with multiple awards for her
RUNNING FROM ASIA TO EUROPE IN İSTANBUL: CROSSING CONTINENTS ON FOOT
The Istanbul Eurasia Marathon is the only race in the world that spans two continents, letting you cross from Asia to Europe on foot.
By Nil Güler
If you think this is not for you, you are wrong. Can you walk 1,560 m? You can do this during the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon, an international athletics event in Istanbul in November, first held in 1979. It is the only marathon in the world whose course spans two continents, Asia and Europe. You can cross the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (also known as the first Bosphorus bridge), which is 1,560 m. This bridge is one of three suspension bridges spanning the Bosphorus Strait (Turkish: Boğaziçi) in Istanbul, thus connecting Europe and Asia.
How is Europe connected to Asia? In other words, how do you go from one side to the other for Istanbul people? Many of the residents of Istanbul live on one continent and work on the other continent.
MEGAPROJECTS OF ISTANBUL
Over the Sea:
In Istanbul, three suspension bridges connect two continents. A railway system under the Bosphorus and a road tunnel also connect the continents. The fourth bridge, which connects Europe to Asia, is a suspension bridge over Dardannels from Gelibolu to Canakkale. So, there are four suspension bridges between Europe and Asia:
1. Bosphorus Bridge-July 15th Martyrs Bridge: This is also called the first bridge since it was built. It opened in 1973.
2. Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge: The bridge is named after the 15th-century Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, who conquered the Byzantine capital, Constantinople (Istanbul), in 1453. It is also known as the second bridge. When completed in 1988, it was the fifth-longest suspension bridge span
in the world. The bridge is on the Trans-European Motorway between Edirne and Ankara.
3. Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge: The bridge opened to traffic in August 2016, making it known as the third bridge. It is the world's fifth-tallest bridge of any type. The main span is the 13th longest suspension bridge in the world, and it is also one of the world's widest suspension bridges. The bridge is part of the projected 260 km (160 mi) Northern Marmara Motorway and is located near the entrance to the Black Sea.
4. 1915 Çanakkale Bridge: Built in just four years, it is a new link between Asia and Europe. The bridge opened to traffic in March 2022. The two red and two white towers, also the tallest of any suspension bridge in the world, symbolize Türkiye’s victory on March 18, 1915, in the battle of Gallipoli during World War I. The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge is the world’s
longest suspension bridge, with a main span of 2,023 m, which symbolizes the 100th year of the Turkish Republic (Türkiye celebrated its 100th year of the republic in 2023). The clearance between the water and the deck was engineered to accommodate high-stacked containers and cruise ships that needed to pass under it.
Up until now, I have talked about the bridges over the sea. However, other mega projects connect the two continents.
Under the Sea:
Marmaray : The Marmaray Tunnel is a 13.5km (8.4 mi)-long undersea intercontinental railway tunnel in Istanbul, Türkiye, beneath the Bosporus strait, linking Europe with Asia. The tunnel is the deepest immersed tube tunnel in the world, with its deepest point being 60 m (200 ft) below sea level. The Turkish State Railways own the tunnel, while TCDD Taşımacılık operates trains. This project was called the project of the century while during its construction. The excavations have found the first traces of civilizations from different periods, including the skeletons of the first Istanbulites, 8,500-year-old footprints, the Harbor of Eleutherios (Theodosius), a port known in world literature but with no traces found so far, the world's most extensive medieval sunken ship collection, as well as 60,000 animal bones of 57 species and plant fossils.
Eurasia Tunnel: The Eurasia Tunnel (Turkish: Avrasya Tüneli) is a road tunnel in Istanbul, crossing underneath the Bosphorus Strait. It is the world's first two-story road tunnel connecting continents! Prevent environmental pollution while saving time with the Eurasia Tunnel. The tunnel was officially opened on December 22, 2016. The 5.4 km (3.4 mi) double-deck tunnel connects Kumkapı on the European and Anatolian parts of Istanbul. It is about 1 km (0.62 mi) south of the undersea railway tunnel. The three current bridges across the Bosphorus were considered when selecting the tunnel's location, which was put farther south to better balance the distribution of traffic between the crossings. Other selection criteria included the route's lower investment cost due to a shorter tunnel length. The speed limit in the tunnel route is 70 km/h.
On the Sea:
Of course, the most beautiful way of crossing the two continents is by ferry. Forget the crowded streets and embrace the open water! Ferries and sea buses offer a unique and efficient way to travel across Istanbul. With numerous routes and frequent departures, ferries and sea buses provide great convenience and accessibility. Istanbul's ferry network is extensive, connecting central districts and historical landmarks. There are three major ferry operators in the city: the municipally owned Şehir Hatları ("City Lines"), which operates traditional ferries; the privately operated İstanbul Deniz Otobüsleri (İDO) ("İstanbul Sea Busses"), which operates high-speed urban and intercity services, and the privately owned Turyol which operates urban primarily services. Boats have traversed the waters of the Bosphorus for millennia. Until the opening of the first Bosphorus bridge in 1973, boats were the only mode of transport between the European and Asian halves of Istanbul. The first private steam ferries crossed the Bosphorus in 1837. The first ferries were wooden paddle boats and were later replaced by iron and steel screw ships. In 2023 Şehir Hatları transported 40 million passengers. Ido was established in 1987 by the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality and was
privatized in April 2011. Also private ferry company, Turyol, provides frequent services on routes from Eminönü, Kabataş, Beyoğlu and Karaköy to piers at Üsküdar, Haydarpaşa and Kadıköy, among others.
Flying over the Bosphorus but how?
I hope you do not try it, but Hezarfan Celebi, a 17th-century Ottoman scientist, inventor, chemist, astronomer, and physician, flew from the very top of the Galata Tower, unpowered, and landed in the Doğancılar Square in Üsküdar, with artificial wings and the help of the southwest wind. And now, one of the private airports in Istanbul is named after him: Hezarfan Airport. ■
Nil Guler, PhD, is a graduate of Arnavutkoy American College for Girls (Robert College) and Middle East Technical University in Türkiye where she got her BSc in civil engineering (METU) and her PhD in management from Istanbul University.She has been a visiting scholar to Innsburg Institute fur Informatics, Southampton University and a post doctoral to University of Maryland. She has over 100 scientific articles and papers. She took part in many international and national conferences as a speaker and an organizer. In 2003, she became full professor. Between 2008 and 2015, she served as the Dean of Maritime Faculty of Istanbul Technical University. She retired as a professor from Istanbul Technical University. She also continued as a professor in Bilgi University after retirement. Currently she is a partner in GT Consultants LLC.
■ The entrance to Eurasia Tunnel
EXPLORING REHA ERDEM’S NEANDRIA: A FAREWELL TO RURAL STORIES
As Reha Erdem softly put it, Neandria is "a goodbye to rural stories," signaling a shift toward new fables and fresh environments.
By Ercument Akman
Irecently had another chance to meet Reha Erdem 11 years after presenting his then-latest film Jin (2013) and conducting his Master Class at London’s Dolby Studios while I was a consultant to the 18th London Turkish Film Festival.
After the April 7, 2024, North American premiere at the Boston Turkish Film Festival,
his latest work called "Neandria" arrived at the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery as part of a curated three film package selected for their rural, fable-like, nature-inspired stories about the hopes, aspirations, and transition from a childhood of restrictions and inevitable flight toward adulthood.
'Times and Winds" (2006) and "Big Big World" (2016) made an ideal portmanteau to "Neandria" (2023), which turns out to be
a confessional finale of Erdem’s cinema with themes and touches from his previous films.
It was a small showcase with a potential to fully grasp and discover an "Auteur" of New Turkish Cinema making his films with his own independent production company Atlantik Film.
As usual he was soft spoken, humble and gracious during the three consecutive screenings and informative Q&A discussions. On the third day his composer Alican Çamcı of The University of Tulsa was also on hand.
In old Neandria
Neandria now in ruins on the slopes of Çığrı mountain was an Anatolian colony by Aeolian settlers near Canakkale. The city’s history was relatively short, and around 310 BC was completely abandoned for the newly founded harbor city. Historic remains are
in good state being far away from modern human settlements, and it is still practically impossible to get there. After the small Kayacık village you must continue on foot for 1.8 km.
It was the location selected by Reha Erdem giving its name for his latest film, telling the stories of locals and focusing on 3 youths who wants to leave like the old inhabitants.
World Premiere
In its 39th edition, Poland’s Warsaw Film Festival received 4,800 entries from 111 countries and picked Erdem’s "Neandria" as a World Premiere. The Thessaloniki Film Festival that calls
NEANDRIA
him “a true visionary auteur,” was its next stop. One can ask why his film did not make it to Türkiye's main film festivals held in Istanbul or Antalya. Director Erdem had other ideas. During the Washington, DC, screening he said in private discussion that when he finishes a film, he becomes impatient, and his only urgency is for the public to see his film giving little afterthought to box office success. Due to this fact many films can be found for streaming and mostly not behind a paywall.
Neandria the Film
"Neandria" was filmed on location with every effort to make a sustainable shoot with the
(Türkiye, 2023, 90 min.). Turkish with English subtitles.
Directed , Written, an Edited by Reha Erdem
Producer: Ali Ömer Atay, Kaan Mestut, Serra Ciliv
Director of Photography: Florent Herry
Music: Alican Çamcı
Cast: Deniz İlhan, Ahmet Rıfat Şungar, Bülent Emin Yarar, Izzy, Incinur Daşdemir, Nihal Yalçın, Serkan Keskin, Nur Fettahoğlu, Gizem Katmer, Ayşegül Kopartan
Contact: Atlantik Film (Production Company) info@attalntikfilm.com
Director Reha Erdem
Called one of the most characteristic filmmakers of our time by Variety magazine, director, screenwriter, and editor Reha Erdem was born in Türkiye in 1960. After studying history, in 1983 he left for Paris to study film. All his films have won critical acclaim and many awards at important film festivals including Locarno, Toronto, and Berlin. His “Big Big World” received the Orizzonti Special Jury Prize in Venice in 2017.
Reha Erdem Filmography
2023 Neandria
2021 Seni Buldum Ya
2016 Koca Dünya / Big Big World
2013 Şarkı Söyleyen Kadınlar / Singing Woman
2013 Jîn / Jîn
2010 Kosmos / Cosmos
2008 Hayat Var / My Only Sunshine
2006 Ekimde hiçbir kere / Anytime in October (kr.m./short)
2006 Bes Vakit / Times and Winds
2004 Korkuyorum Anne / Mommy, I’m Scared
1999 Kaç Para Kaç / Run for Money
1995 Deniz türküsü / Song of the Sea (kr.m./short)
1989 A Ay / Oh Moon
TURKISH CINEMA
help of the community. We find precious and charismatic first timer Deniz İlhan as Suna, a competitive 5K and 10K runner in training living with her mother and her young aspiring sister making iPhone news broadcasts to gain internet fame in a village where environmental destruction looms and greed reigns supreme. And a young boy they know (real life rapper Izzy) wants to move away by rapping his tribulations.
Many other side stories join the film, yet Erdem’s interest is only enriching it by layering with more odd characters creating mystery while staying away from the traps of making a social movie or a crime film or turning everything into ensemble improvisations of documentary film.
Erdem’s participation with his long-time cinematographer Florent Herry to film with a searching eye and using a suspenseful track composed by Alican Çamcı without even seeing the film to stay pure adds a pleasant natural visual style and soundscape.
The film’s end comes as we begin, Suna running when, with innocence and courage she asks: “Who is to tell you what is good? Who is to tell you your path? “ This is also the riddle she solves for all of us when she stops competing and just runs for the sake of it near the silent boulders of the abandoned land. Running to go away or running to stay, is what we must ponder after watching this suspenseful, mysterious, and yet gentle film.
As Erdem anticipating the question of “what is next?” He softly answers that "Neandria" is a goodbye to rural stories. It was time to move away from this environment to tell another fable elsewhere using a still unwritten screenplay. Alican Çamcı added that the musical score is already under work. ■
Ercüment Akman was born in Istanbul. He studied architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts, Fındıklı, and pursued postgraduate studies in Urban and Regional Planning at the Technical University, Taşkışla. He worked for the Turkish Film Archives and was a film critic for national newspapers. After moving to Canada in 1978 and later to the US, he worked as an architect and served as an independent film curator. He continues to lecture on cultural issues and writes for the Turkish Cinema Newsletter Now retired from corporate architecture, he is focusing on various book projects.
Transform your life by diving into these 15 must-read books.
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Let’s Grow Together!
Grape Law Firm PLLC, New York City, New York
Founded by the Turkish immigrant Muhammed Uzum, New York-based Grape Law Firm marches toward a visionary future for the US immigration law industry with its innovative legal services.
Grape Law is an immigration and business law firm that combines experience, competence, and energy to help its clients achieve their multifaceted goals. It embarked on its journey as a forward-thinking startup specializing in immigration law, aspiring to modernize immigration law services and craft solutions. It cultivates these solutions with a keen eye for alignment with the societal needs and advancements of the dynamic 21st century.
Grape Law's unique approach, resting on the integration of technologically advanced methods, swift communication, and effective time management, facilitates its growth as an innovation hub. It aims to reduce the encumbering bureaucracy and tediousness associated with the US immigration law system.
Grape Law offers a comprehensive range of legal services, from business formation to obtaining relevant visas such as E-1/E-2, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, student and talent visas, family green cards, and more. The firm has represented clients from all over the world, including Türkiye and the US, and understands that each client's journey is unique. By adhering to this client-centric approach, it aspires to present new possibilities for those navigating the convoluted landscape of US immigration, personifying a revolution in immigration law services.
Furthermore, Grape Law's commitment to client success extends far beyond having dedicated and experienced attorneys. Delivering more than legal solutions, Grape Law strives to provide a comprehensive client experience that sig-
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Grape Law’s zeal in developing its proprietary products—such as the Grape Bot, an integrated generative AI, the Grape App, and the bilingual Grape website powered by UX and UI—is testament to its unique standing in both the law industry and the startup ecosystem. Through these efforts, Grape Law asserts its commitment to an innovative and transformative approach to legal services.
Grape Law has a team of more than 50 people, including attorneys, software developers, legal engineers, designers, and sales and marketing specialists. These professionals contribute to the firm's progressive vision for the future of immigration law services and work toward Grape Law's ultimate goal: Through revolutionary methods and implementations, transforming the immigration law services to minimize anxieties and maximize hopes for all, one case at a time.
Tam Accounting: Your Trusted Partner in Financial Success
Company Overview
Tam Accounting is a premier provider of tax, accounting, and financial consulting services tailored to help businesses and individuals thrive in the complex US financial landscape. We proudly serve clients across all 50 states, as well as those with international tax obligations. Our experienced team specializes in maximizing profits, minimizing tax liabilities, and supporting long-term financial growth, whether you are based in the US or managing global assets. With a deep understanding of the ever-changing tax laws and regulations, we provide strategies that not only ensure compliance but also drive strategic business decisions.
Our Mission
At Tam Accounting, our mission is to empower clients with the financial tools and knowledge they need to succeed. We believe that personalized service is key, which is why we work closely with each client to understand their unique goals and challenges. By combining expert knowledge with a proactive approach, we help clients take control of their finances, minimize risks, and optimize opportunities. We are more than just accountants; we are your strategic partners, guiding you through the complexities of both domestic and international tax landscapes.
Our Services
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Dr. Osman is American boardcertified, fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, completed fellowship in advanced laparoscopic bariatric surgery, has affiliation with Inova Fairfax Hospital and George Washington University Hospital.
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Unlock Your Dream Home with Turan Tombul: Expert Real Estate Services in DC, MD, and VA
"Real
Introducing Turan Tombul, a dedicated and seasoned real estate professional specializing in the vibrant markets of Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
With over two decades of experience, Turan has become a trusted advisor within the Turkish community and beyond, guiding clients through the complexities of buying and selling homes with unparalleled expertise and a deep understanding of cultural values.
Born and raised in Kayseri, Türkiye, Turan's journey to the United States began after his early education in hotel management, leading him to roles in prestigious Turkish resorts. His transition to America was marked by a fateful meeting with a US Congressman, inspiring him to pursue further education at the University of DC where he earned degrees in political science and economics.
Licensed since 2002, Turan's approach to real estate is deeply personalized. He excels in market analysis, always aligning his strategies with his clients’ needs and budgets to identify the perfect property. Turan’s philosophy centers on the belief that purchasing a home is not just a financial transaction, but a pivotal life decision. He ensures every property is scrutinized as if he were the buyer, maintaining an honest dialogue about each home's potential.
During the tumultuous times of the 2008 real estate bubble, Turan’s expertise became especially valuable. He adeptly navigated the challenging market conditions, advising clients when to buy and helping them capitalize on opportunities, turning a crisis into a chance for advantageous investment.
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- Turan Tombul
culture, drives his success and fosters lasting relationships with his clients.
Additionally, Turan's passion for US politics and community service, inherited from his grandfather, a revered community leader in Türkiye, enriches his understanding of community dynamics and governance, further enhancing his service to his clients.
For those looking to navigate the real estate market, be it buying a dream home or selling one, Turan Tombul offers not just real estate expertise, but a partnership built on trust, respect, and a mutual understanding of the value of home. Connect with him at (202) 423-1423 or via email at ttombul38@gmail.com to begin your real estate journey with a seasoned expert who regards your satisfaction as
TOMBUL
Navigating Every Step Together: Professional Guidance, Personal Touch
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DID YOU KNOW?
With its growing tech sector, Istanbul is emerging as a technology hub in the region.
Tourism contributes over $35 billion annually to Türkiye’s economy, with millions visiting each year.
Türkiye is investing heavily in renewable energy, with plans to boost wind and solar capacity.
The Istanbul Stock Exchange is among the fastest-growing emerging markets globally.
The Istanbul Airport, one of the world’s largest, positions Türkiye as a major transit hub.
The city of Antalya welcomes over 10 million tourists each year with its beautiful Mediterranean beaches.
Anatolia, in Türkiye, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions on Earth.
Türkiye is a top global exporter of agricultural products, from hazelnuts to figs.
Turkish coffee, an ancient tradition, is a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure.
Türkiye’s agriculture sector is diverse, producing everything from cotton to olives to grains.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, with over 4,000 shops, is a shopper’s paradise and historical gem.
Türkiye is investing in education and innovation, with a goal to increase its skilled workforce and boost the knowledge economy.
The country is a leading textile producer, supplying brands worldwide with quality fabrics.
Türkiye is a strategic bridge for trade, connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Türkiye is Europe’s largest producer of white goods, including appliances and electronics.
Türkiye ranks among the top ten countries for geothermal energy potential.
Türkiye is developing its automotive industry, aiming to produce a national electric vehicle.
