School / Department: University of Kent, Master of Arts (M.A.), Social Policy and Social Research, Urban Studies

Institution and Position: SALAR International – Türkiye Representative, National Manager of the RESLOG Türkiye Project

 

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

 I was born in 1978 in Bursa, where I completed my primary education. I then attended Robert College in Istanbul as a boarding student for my secondary and high school education, graduating in 1996. I pursued my undergraduate studies in Urban and Regional Planning at Mimar Sinan University, earning my degree in 2000.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, my pursuit of an interdisciplinary, multifaceted, and innovative perspective has led me to explore new fields. In line with this approach, I completed a master’s degree in International Relations and EU Policies at the European Community Institute of Marmara University. Simultaneously, I earned a second master’s degree in Urban Design at Mimar Sinan University. My academic endeavours expanded further when, as a Jean Monnet Scholar, I completed third master’s degree in Social Policy, Sociology, and Social Research at the University of Kent in the UK in 2005. During this period, I developed an interdisciplinary understanding of EU regional policies by analysing them from multiple perspectives.

Today, I live in Istanbul, a city I am passionate about, and continue to shape my career in light of the academic and professional experiences I have gained. I am married and the proud mother of two wonderful children, a daughter and a son, who make this journey even more fulfilling.

 

How has your career progressed up until now?

Throughout my career, I have worked in areas such as participatory planning, strategic decision-making, sustainable development, and local governance. I have contributed to projects of various scales for national and international organizations, often collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.

My academic studies as a Jean Monnet Scholar played a key role in securing an internship at the European Commission. After completing my master’s degree in the UK, I had the opportunity to intern in Brussels alongside young professionals from across Europe, gaining firsthand insight into the workings of EU institutions and their internal dynamics.

Upon returning to Istanbul, I worked in various departments of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, focusing on conservation area planning, world heritage site management, and urban transformation projects. Later, I was actively involved in the establishment of the Istanbul Development Agency, where I served for five years as the Head of the Planning, Programming, and Coordination Unit.

In 2016, I co-founded a design and consulting firm, where I gained significant experience in the SME ecosystem, creative industries, and international trade in services. Throughout this period, I continued working with international organizations, local governments, and civil society.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of contributing to key projects, particularly in participatory policy development and planning. Some notable examples include leading the consultancy and coordination of the Istanbul Regional Plans for 2013, 2023, and 2028 for the Istanbul Development Agency, as well as the Istanbul Vision 2050 Strategic Document for the Istanbul Planning Agency. Additionally, I played a role in preparing a guideline on meaningful civil society participation in local governance for TÜSEV.

In 2019, I joined the RESLOG Project, implemented by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR International), as a senior expert. Within this initiative, which aims to strengthen community resilience by enhancing local governments’ migration management mechanisms, I led the establishment of the Mayors’ Migration Platform and coordinated efforts in Local Economic Development.

Since 2023, I have been serving as SALAR International’s Türkiye Representative and National Project Manager of RESLOG Türkiye. In addition to this role, I continue to contribute as an expert in special projects related to participation, governance, and local development.

My work remains dedicated to making cities, communities, and institutions more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient, ultimately improving individuals’ well-being and quality of life.

 

Could you provide some details about the university and the subject you studied through Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme?

As part of the Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme, I completed my Master’s in Urban Studies at the School of Social Policy, Sociology, and Social Research at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. The University of Kent, located in Canterbury—a city renowned for its historical and cultural richness and situated near London—is an internationally respected institution. It ranks among the leading higher education institutions in the UK, particularly noted for its strong academic staff and research projects in the fields of social sciences, law, and human rights.

I had chosen a research-focused programme, which allowed me to conduct my thesis through independent research rather than a coursework-heavy approach. My research focused on evaluating the impact of the European Union’s regional development policies and the financial instruments used to implement these policies.

During the programme, I had the opportunity to work with Professor Chris Pickvance, who served as my supervisor. He was a humble and visionary academic, renowned for his groundbreaking work in urban sociology and his pioneering contributions to global urban studies. Working under his guidance was an incredibly valuable experience for me.

 

How has the education you completed through Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme influenced your perspective on the European Union?

The academic knowledge and research approach I gained during this period, along with the advanced research facilities and multicultural environment provided by the university, significantly contributed to both my professional and personal development. Being surrounded by scholars and students from various countries allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of EU policies and institutions, while also enhancing my ability to grasp the social and economic dynamics of different countries, think multidimensionally, and collaborate effectively with international teams.

During this time, I had the opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge of the European Union’s Regional and Cohesion Policies and the tools used to implement them. I was able to conduct a comparative analysis of the impact of regional policies on development across different EU countries. Following this experience, through my research at the European Commission’s DG REGIO, ISPA Unit, I had the chance to analyse the institutional frameworks involved in the creation and implementation of regional policies in EU member states. This experience provided me with a valuable perspective on Turkey’s regional policies and institutions, both during its accession process and thereafter.

 

What advice would you give to prospective Jean Monnet scholars?

Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme is not just an academic opportunity, but also a valuable experience that supports your personal development, broadens your vision, and finances the time you dedicate to it. View this process not only as an educational programme but also as a source of discovery and inspiration for your future endeavours. Approach your work with the mindset of creating value, both for yourself and for Turkey.

Be curious and never hesitate to ask questions. Don’t shy away from exploring different approaches in your field and engaging in academic discussions. Also, ensure that you have at least a basic understanding of Turkey’s history and international policies before you go.

Take advantage of opportunities to collaborate on joint projects with participants from various countries and engage in teamwork. Informal activities such as group work, academic and cultural trips, and social events provide an excellent opportunity to get to know different cultures more closely and forge long-lasting friendships. The shared experiences you have during this time can strengthen the academic and professional networks you will have access to in the years to come.

Try to learn the language of the country you are visiting, participate in conversation clubs, and explore the local culture. The cultural interactions you gain during your Jean Monnet experience will contribute not only to your academic development but also to your perspective and work approach. Additionally, the experiences and stories you gather from living in another country for at least a year will always make you a more interesting person.