I had a rather curious youth… I grew up in my family’s seaside home in Izmir, Karşıyaka, within a free environment that allowed me to pursue many different interests. That’s why I experienced my younger years as a rich “laboratory of searching, trying, and discovering.”

As an Aegean born in the very land where philosophy “was born,” I carry a colorful family heritage: Western Anatolia, Izmir, Afyonkarahisar, Greece, Crete/Chania, Istanbul, Tekirdağ, Bulgaria, Tirnova… In fact, my ancestors were “wanderer Turkish migrants.”

As a result of this multicultural background, I found myself playing along with rock concert solos as much as I found myself in catharses while reading the profound writings of Yunus Emre and Tolstoy. I witnessed the dawn of the desert in Africa, and I watched the northern lights unfold over Britain.

All these colorful experiences rooted me more deeply in my twenties… That is why working on “freedom” has never been a dry academic pursuit for me, but rather a meaningful expression of the respect I hold for every person’s right to live a fulfilled life. From my immense photo album of memories, only a few glimpses could fit here.

Family memories

School years…

 

During my undergraduate studies, the courses I took such as ‘History of Philosophy,’ ‘Ethics,’ ‘Logic,’ and ‘History of Religions’— made me contemplate about freedom and other kinds of social perspectives more.

For instance, reading articles on “the relationship between Law and Ethics” and “Asian belief systems and women,” marked critical moments of insight for me. At that age, I would often retreat to my room for long hours and study:

During my master’s studies, I entered a new academic phase where the practical concerns I had already become aware of during my undergraduate years began to fit into a theoretical framework—like pieces of “a puzzle” coming together.

I graduated with a thesis on autonomy and liberalism: 

Exploring Scotland…

During the second year of my PhD, I took my research to a new level by examining the philosophical foundations of human rights through the lens of the concept of “freedom from domination.” Philip Pettit was my research advisor at Princeton.

This photo is from a memorable farewell reception:

A joyful coffee with Professor Miranda Fricker—founder of the concept of epistemic injustice—on a street near Princeton University. In my view, this stands out as the most significant intellectual breakthrough in 21st-century philosophy

Autumn sunshine at Princeton. Just after a Behavioural Psychology class—followed by a quiet library break

Exploring eastern USA…

 

The journey continues at the University of Oxford. As of 2025, I became a recognized student in the Philosophy Department with my project on a new theory of human rights.

I have had the opportunity to discuss my project with valuable people: 

Other moments from my time in Oxford

                              Ad futurum vivitur vita