Turkish Studies - International, Year 2026 Issue Volume 21 Issue 1

The Visual Evolution of Corporate Identity: Logo Redesign Strategies in Turkish Brands

Hacı Mehmet ACAR — 2026-04-30

Corporate identity is a holistic structure composed of elements such as color, form, line, typography, design language, and visual style that define how a brand presents itself to the outside world. This structure encompasses a broad visual system extending from the logo to office space design, from packaging to digital interfaces. Therefore, corporate identity constitutes both the expressive form of a brand and the fundamental visual language through which it communicates with its target audience. In this sense, a brand’s corporate identity can be regarded as its visual signature. This study examines the visual transformation of Turkish brands’ corporate identities and evaluates their logo renewal strategies within the framework of graphic design principles. Five brands that have not previously been the subject of similar academic analyses were selected as the sample: İpragaz, Arçelik, Ülker, Turkish Airlines, and Turkcell. The logos of these brands were comparatively analyzed in terms of form, color, typography, and symbolic meaning throughout their historical development. Through visual analysis, the study identified distinct tendencies toward formal simplification, typographic clarity, and color reduction. At the same time, the brands were found to pursue a deliberate strategy of maintaining local cultural symbols while adapting to global design trends. The findings demonstrate that Turkish brands successfully balance modern graphic aesthetics with national identity, adopting an evolutionary renewal approach in their corporate identity design. In this regard, the study provides a historical and aesthetic perspective on graphic design practices in Turkey and documents the interaction between local branding and the global visual culture.

Feminicide İn The Ottoman Empire: The Diyarbakır Example (1655-1866)

Gülşen AKKOYUN ÖZLÜ — 2026-04-30

Femicide dates back to the earliest times of human history. This study attempts to identify the circumstances surrounding the murders of women in what is now Diyarbakır between 1655 and 1866. Due to the breadth of the scope of the study, it was limited to Diyarbakır, a city of socio-cultural significance throughout Ottoman history. It was determined that no study had directly addressed this issue in Diyarbakır during the 211-year period covered by this research. Therefore, the need to address such a topic arose, and an attempt was made to address this deficiency. The primary source of this research is the State Archives Presidency of the Republic of Turkey/Ottoman Archives. In addition, the 13-volume Diyarbakır Sharia Records, Amid Court Records, prepared by Dicle University Faculty of Theology Publications based on the Ottoman Archives, and the 3-volume Divan-ı Hümâyûn Records, Diyarbakır Judgment Books, published by the same publishing house, were scanned. The case records found in the works were compared with the Ottoman Archives and used. The investigations revealed that 12 women were murdered in Diyarbakır. These women were from various professions, generally from the middle and lower classes of society. They were murdered by men of varying status, for various reasons, using various tools and methods, and, as is the case today, generally in homes. The subject was examined under the following headings: the locations/locations of the murders, the profiles of the victims and murderers, the means/method of murder, the dates of the events, and the court proceedings. Furthermore, a case record was discovered during this process in which a woman was tried for murder, and this record was included in the scope of the study.

Digital Access Opportunities and Risks in Social Work Practice

Murat ALTUNTAŞMuhammed Enes TEMELLİ — 2026-04-30

The integration of digital technologies into the social work sector is fundamentally transforming practices ranging from risk assessment and case management to intervention planning and monitoring processes, with the aim of increasing speed, standardization, and efficiency; however, this transformation does not generate equal opportunities for all individuals and families and instead reproduces and deepens existing social, economic, and structural inequalities for certain groups. In particular, low levels of digital literacy among socioeconomically disadvantaged families, limited access to the internet and technological devices, deficiencies in digital infrastructure, and the complexity of bureaucratic digital systems make digital inequality and digital deprivation more visible, restricting access to social work mechanisms, excluding families from online application and follow-up processes, and limiting their active participation in interventions. The lack of digital access and skills hampers accurate, comprehensive, and contextual assessments of families’ needs and may result in intervention plans that fail to reflect real-life circumstances, while digitalized social work models simultaneously expose existing forms of deprivation and create new, less visible barriers to access. Consequently, the quality and continuity of participation in social work processes have become increasingly dependent on families’ access to digital tools and their capacity to use them, and international experiences from Turkey, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that AI-based risk analyses and decision-support systems can produce differentiated impacts across social groups, family structures, and cultural contexts, necessitating careful evaluation within frameworks of social justice, equality, ethical responsibility, and the protection of human dignity. The integration of digital technologies into the social work sector is fundamentally transforming practices ranging from risk assessment and case management to intervention planning and monitoring processes, with the aim of increasing speed, standardization, and efficiency; however, this transformation does not generate equal opportunities for all individuals and families and instead reproduces and deepens existing social, economic, and structural inequalities for certain groups. In particular, low levels of digital literacy among socioeconomically disadvantaged families, limited access to the internet and technological devices, deficiencies in digital infrastructure, and the complexity of bureaucratic digital systems make digital inequality and digital deprivation more visible, restricting access to social work mechanisms, excluding families from online application and follow-up processes, and limiting their active participation in interventions. The lack of digital access and skills hampers accurate, comprehensive, and contextual assessments of families’ needs and may result in intervention plans that fail to reflect real-life circumstances, while digitalized social work models simultaneously expose existing forms of deprivation and create new, less visible barriers to access. Consequently, the quality and continuity of participation in social work processes have become increasingly dependent on families’ access to digital tools and their capacity to use them, and international experiences from Turkey, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that AI-based risk analyses and decision-support systems can produce differentiated impacts across social groups, family structures, and cultural contexts, necessitating careful evaluation within frameworks of social justice, equality, ethical responsibility, and the protection of human dignity. The integration of digital technologies into the social work sector is fundamentally transforming practices ranging from risk assessment and case management to intervention planning and monitoring processes, with the aim of increasing speed, standardization, and efficiency; however, this transformation does not generate equal opportunities for all individuals and families and instead reproduces and deepens existing social, economic, and structural inequalities for certain groups. In particular, low levels of digital literacy among socioeconomically disadvantaged families, limited access to the internet and technological devices, deficiencies in digital infrastructure, and the complexity of bureaucratic digital systems make digital inequality and digital deprivation more visible, restricting access to social work mechanisms, excluding families from online application and follow-up processes, and limiting their active participation in interventions. The lack of digital access and skills hampers accurate, comprehensive, and contextual assessments of families’ needs and may result in intervention plans that fail to reflect real-life circumstances, while digitalized social work models simultaneously expose existing forms of deprivation and create new, less visible barriers to access. Consequently, the quality and continuity of participation in social work processes have become increasingly dependent on families’ access to digital tools and their capacity to use them, and international experiences from Turkey, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that AI-based risk analyses and decision-support systems can produce differentiated impacts across social groups, family structures, and cultural contexts, necessitating careful evaluation within frameworks of social justice, equality, ethical responsibility, and the protection of human dignity. The integration of digital technologies into the social work sector is fundamentally transforming practices ranging from risk assessment and case management to intervention planning and monitoring processes, with the aim of increasing speed, standardization, and efficiency; however, this transformation does not generate equal opportunities for all individuals and families and instead reproduces and deepens existing social, economic, and structural inequalities for certain groups. In particular, low levels of digital literacy among socioeconomically disadvantaged families, limited access to the internet and technological devices, deficiencies in digital infrastructure, and the complexity of bureaucratic digital systems make digital inequality and digital deprivation more visible, restricting access to social work mechanisms, excluding families from online application and follow-up processes, and limiting their active participation in interventions. The lack of digital access and skills hampers accurate, comprehensive, and contextual assessments of families’ needs and may result in intervention plans that fail to reflect real-life circumstances, while digitalized social work models simultaneously expose existing forms of deprivation and create new, less visible barriers to access. Consequently, the quality and continuity of participation in social work processes have become increasingly dependent on families’ access to digital tools and their capacity to use them, and international experiences from Turkey, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that AI-based risk analyses and decision-support systems can produce differentiated impacts across social groups, family structures, and cultural contexts, necessitating careful evaluation within frameworks of social justice, equality, ethical responsibility, and the protection of human dignity. The integration of digital technologies into the social work sector is fundamentally transforming practices ranging from risk assessment and case management to intervention planning and monitoring processes, with the aim of increasing speed, standardization, and efficiency; however, this transformation does not generate equal opportunities for all individuals and families and instead reproduces and deepens existing social, economic, and structural inequalities for certain groups. In particular, low levels of digital literacy among socioeconomically disadvantaged families, limited access to the internet and technological devices, deficiencies in digital infrastructure, and the complexity of bureaucratic digital systems make digital inequality and digital deprivation more visible, restricting access to social work mechanisms, excluding families from online application and follow-up processes, and limiting their active participation in interventions. The lack of digital access and skills hampers accurate, comprehensive, and contextual assessments of families’ needs and may result in intervention plans that fail to reflect real-life circumstances, while digitalized social work models simultaneously expose existing forms of deprivation and create new, less visible barriers to access. Consequently, the quality and continuity of participation in social work processes have become increasingly dependent on families’ access to digital tools and their capacity to use them, and international experiences from Turkey, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that AI-based risk analyses and decision-support systems can produce differentiated impacts across social groups, family structures, and cultural contexts, necessitating careful evaluation within frameworks of social justice, equality, ethical responsibility, and the protection of human dignity. The integration of digital technologies into the social work sector is fundamentally transforming practices ranging from risk assessment and case management to intervention planning and monitoring processes, with the aim of increasing speed, standardization, and efficiency; however, this transformation does not generate equal opportunities for all individuals and families and instead reproduces and deepens existing social, economic, and structural inequalities for certain groups. In particular, low levels of digital literacy among socioeconomically disadvantaged families, limited access to the internet and technological devices, deficiencies in digital infrastructure, and the complexity of bureaucratic digital systems make digital inequality and digital deprivation more visible, restricting access to social work mechanisms, excluding families from online application and follow-up processes, and limiting their active participation in interventions. The lack of digital access and skills hampers accurate, comprehensive, and contextual assessments of families’ needs and may result in intervention plans that fail to reflect real-life circumstances, while digitalized social work models simultaneously expose existing forms of deprivation and create new, less visible barriers to access. Consequently, the quality and continuity of participation in social work processes have become increasingly dependent on families’ access to digital tools and their capacity to use them, and international experiences from Turkey, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that AI-based risk analyses and decision-support systems can produce differentiated impacts across social groups, family structures, and cultural contexts, necessitating careful evaluation within frameworks of social justice, equality, ethical responsibility, and the protection of human dignity. The integration of digital technologies into the social work sector is fundamentally transforming practices ranging from risk assessment and case management to intervention planning and monitoring processes, with the aim of increasing speed, standardization, and efficiency; however, this transformation does not generate equal opportunities for all individuals and families and instead reproduces and deepens existing social, economic, and structural inequalities for certain groups. In particular, low levels of digital literacy among socioeconomically disadvantaged families, limited access to the internet and technological devices, deficiencies in digital infrastructure, and the complexity of bureaucratic digital systems make digital inequality and digital deprivation more visible, restricting access to social work mechanisms, excluding families from online application and follow-up processes, and limiting their active participation in interventions. The lack of digital access and skills hampers accurate, comprehensive, and contextual assessments of families’ needs and may result in intervention plans that fail to reflect real-life circumstances, while digitalized social work models simultaneously expose existing forms of deprivation and create new, less visible barriers to access. Consequently, the quality and continuity of participation in social work processes have become increasingly dependent on families’ access to digital tools and their capacity to use them, and international experiences from Turkey, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that AI-based risk analyses and decision-support systems can produce differentiated impacts across social groups, family structures, and cultural contexts, necessitating careful evaluation within frameworks of social justice, equality, ethical responsibility, and the protection of human dignity. The integration of digital technologies into the social work sector is fundamentally transforming practices ranging from risk assessment and case management to intervention planning and monitoring processes, with the aim of increasing speed, standardization, and efficiency; however, this transformation does not generate equal opportunities for all individuals and families and instead reproduces and deepens existing social, economic, and structural inequalities for certain groups. In particular, low levels of digital literacy among socioeconomically disadvantaged families, limited access to the internet and technological devices, deficiencies in digital infrastructure, and the complexity of bureaucratic digital systems make digital inequality and digital deprivation more visible, restricting access to social work mechanisms, excluding families from online application and follow-up processes, and limiting their active participation in interventions. The lack of digital access and skills hampers accurate, comprehensive, and contextual assessments of families’ needs and may result in intervention plans that fail to reflect real-life circumstances, while digitalized social work models simultaneously expose existing forms of deprivation and create new, less visible barriers to access. Consequently, the quality and continuity of participation in social work processes have become increasingly dependent on families’ access to digital tools and their capacity to use them, and international experiences from Turkey, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that AI-based risk analyses and decision-support systems can produce differentiated impacts across social groups, family structures, and cultural contexts, necessitating careful evaluation within frameworks of social justice, equality, ethical responsibility, and the protection of human dignity. The integration of digital technologies into the social work sector is fundamentally transforming practices ranging from risk assessment and case management to intervention planning and monitoring processes, with the aim of increasing speed, standardization, and efficiency; however, this transformation does not generate equal opportunities for all individuals and families and instead reproduces and deepens existing social, economic, and structural inequalities for certain groups. In particular, low levels of digital literacy among socioeconomically disadvantaged families, limited access to the internet and technological devices, deficiencies in digital infrastructure, and the complexity of bureaucratic digital systems make digital inequality and digital deprivation more visible, restricting access to social work mechanisms, excluding families from online application and follow-up processes, and limiting their active participation in interventions. The lack of digital access and skills hampers accurate, comprehensive, and contextual assessments of families’ needs and may result in intervention plans that fail to reflect real-life circumstances, while digitalized social work models simultaneously expose existing forms of deprivation and create new, less visible barriers to access. Consequently, the quality and continuity of participation in social work processes have become increasingly dependent on families’ access to digital tools and their capacity to use them, and international experiences from Turkey, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that AI-based risk analyses and decision-support systems can produce differentiated impacts across social groups, family structures, and cultural contexts, necessitating careful evaluation within frameworks of social justice, equality, ethical responsibility, and the protection of human dignity.

An Analysis of the Sector; Digital Interfaces and Techniques Used in the Design Offices

Ahmet Şadi ARDATÜRK — 2026-04-30

Humans, who have developed the ability to exist in nature by compensating for their lack of innate abilities with their intellect, have been designing and producing since the dawn of time. Throughout history, many different techniques have been used to realize the potential of design, which is essentially a collection of organizations, and production, which enables this organization to exist in reality. In the field of design, technique can be defined, in its most basic sense, as any method used to make what exists in the mind visible. In other words, we can refer to the entirety of all instruments such as drawing, models, mock-ups, computer-aided systems, etc., and the ways in which these instruments are used as techniques. The primary aim of this study is to explore and identify the techniques employed within the design process in the fields of industrial design and product design, to collect data on their application, to measure their efficiency, and, in this context, to establish a bridge between sectoral data and academic knowledge—particularly in relation to design education. At its core, the study seeks to generate insights that can guide academia through the systematic analysis of the collected data. Data were gathered from 83 firms actively producing for the domestic market in Türkiye, each employing industrial or product designers, regardless of their business volume, level of corporatization, or specific design sector. Additionally, 16 face-to-face interviews were conducted. While these in-depth interviews played a crucial role in uncovering the general processes and operational structures, further quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from the remaining firms through phone interviews and survey-based communication methods. The research data was divided into four main sections (drawing and mock-ups, 3D modeling, photorealistic image creation, graphic data processing, and presentation preparation) plus a supplementary section (artificial intelligence tools and design process collaboration). Furthermore, this research and study, including the entire process, content, interviews, methods, and conversion of data into findings, has been reviewed by the Istanbul Aydın University Social and Human Sciences Ethics Committee and received ethical approval at its meeting dated February 20, 2025, under number 2025/2. Meaningful data was converted into graphs showing percentages, multipliers, usage, frequency, and efficiency of numerical values. As a result of the study, recommendations were made that are expected to contribute to academia and undergraduate education, along with quantitative and qualitative data on the techniques.

Artificial Intelligence Fatigue, Technostress and Journalism: A Conceptual Literature Review

Emine ARDUÇ KARA — 2026-04-30

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into media production processes has profoundly transformed both production practices and the cognitive and emotional experiences of media professionals. In the literature, this transformation is predominantly evaluated through the advantages of artificial intelligence such as efficiency, speed, and accuracy, while the concept of “artificial intelligence fatigue,” which increases the mental and psychological burden on media workers, has received limited scholarly attention. Artificial intelligence fatigue is defined as a state of cognitive and emotional exhaustion that emerges as individuals face constant technological interaction, information overload, the pressure of continuous learning, and automation-based decision-making mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to present a conceptual discussion on artificial intelligence fatigue and to examine its reflections in the field of media and journalism through the lens of technostress. The study employs a literature review method. It argues that digital transformation is not merely a technical change but also a process requiring cognitive resilience. In conclusion, artificial intelligence fatigue is regarded as one of the significant psychosocial phenomena emerging during the digital transformation process and should be considered a structural issue. To prevent artificial intelligence fatigue among media professionals, the study recommends redefining human–machine collaboration, establishing ethical boundaries, enhancing the psychological resilience of media professionals, raising social awareness, investing in education, promoting artificial intelligence literacy, and maintaining a human-centered approach in media practices.

Digital Culture Narratives on Emotion and Identity in Video Art by Cécile B. Evans

Engin ASLAN — 2026-04-30

Cêcile B. Evans, one of the most important multimedia artists of the 21st century, focuses on technology, identity, memory, culture, and the relationship between humans and digital media in her art. Using video, installation, performance, and artificial intelligence algorithms, the artist shapes her art with postmodern narratives such as the place of technology in human life, the shaping of the perception of digital identity, and the digitalization of memory and representation. While critically evaluating the current definition of freedom within international social structures and the transforming identities of modern societies through the process of digitalization, Evans shares with the audience a widespread concern that humanity may face unforeseen social or environmental crises in the future. In her works, digitalization is presented as a constantly evolving process in which identity and social structure are reshaped. The work emphasizes how digital identities fragment people and the need to reconstruct these identities through the internet. The way people communicate with each other and themselves in the virtual world increasingly differs from their relationships in the real world. While digital identities may offer greater freedom, they also function as a form of hierarchy and control, which, however, also creates a certain illusion of reality. In this context, Evans argues that the relative freedoms brought about by the digital age have actually created a new kind of control and surveillance mechanism over the individual.

This article focuses on some of Evans's works on digital media, identity, and memory as an extension of postmodern paradigms, examining the critical role the artist has carved out for himself in today's art scene through digital cultural narratives.

Evaluation of Investment Preferences of Tourism Students in Terms of Behavioral Finance: The Case of Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University

Onur ATAK — 2026-04-30

Risk assessment, advisory, and loss aversion tendencies are fundamental psychological biases shaping individual investment decisions in behavioral finance literature. For tourism students who will constitute the future workforce, the rational use of scarce resources and the development of financial awareness depend on understanding these behavioral tendencies and minimizing their effects. This study aims to determine whether the investment preferences of 484 tourism students at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University differ significantly according to their risk assessment and advisory tendencies. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Independent Samples t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and Post Hoc tests via SPSS software. Factor analysis revealed loss aversion as a distinct behavioral dimension. The findings indicate that cognitive (risk assessment), social (advisory), and emotional (loss aversion) factors jointly influence students’ investment decisions. Gender, household income, and academic achievement were found to significantly differentiate behavioral tendencies. The results demonstrate that tourism students combine analytical reasoning with emotional prudence in their financial decision-making processes. In this context, it is recommended that tourism faculties enhance their curricula with educational content on financial literacy and behavioral finance, and strengthen academic advisory systems that ensure access to reliable financial information. Considering the fluctuating income structure of the tourism sector, incorporating practical modules on financial resilience, budgeting, and risk awareness into tourism education can provide long-term contributions to sectoral stability. The study contributes to the tourism literature by contextualizing behavioral finance theory within tourism education and offering sector-specific insights.

Animals in Early Modern Ottoman Environmental History: Non-Human Actors in Historical Perspective

Dilara AVCI — 2026-04-30

This study examines the role of animals as active, non-human actors within the environmental history of the early modern Ottoman Empire. Moving beyond a human-centric narrative, it argues that animals were integral to the Empire's economic, military, and social systems and their historical agency must be understood within specific ecological and cultural contexts. The analysis encompasses a wide spectrum of animal-human interactions, from the use of camels and horses in transportation and logistics to the vital role of sheep, cattle, and water buffalo in agriculture and resource extraction. Furthermore, it explores the cultural dimensions of human-animal relationships, evidenced by the establishment of vakıf for street animals, a practice that bewildered European contemporaries, and the symbolic importance of hunting ceremonies for the Ottoman elite. Crucially, the study also incorporates unloved creatures like mosquitoes and locusts as historical agents, demonstrating how their ecological impact shaped human responses to disease. Methodologically, it leverages a diverse range of primary sources, from mühimme and şeriyye to travelogues and endowment deeds, to reconstruct these complex relationships. The findings reveal a dynamic and often contradictory Ottoman approach to animals, oscillating between Islamic mercy, pragmatic economic exploitation, and harsh pragmatic measures during public health crises. By placing animals at the center of historical inquiry, this research not only enriches Ottoman environmental history but also contributes to the broader interdisciplinary field of animal studies.

The Fragility of Belonging: The Transformation of The Concept of Home in Contemporary Art

Dilan AYAygül AYKUT — 2026-04-30

This article comprehensively examines the transformation and representations of the concepts of “home” and “belonging” in contemporary art. The scope of the research reveals how home and belonging intertwine with multilayered social and individual experiences such as identity, migration, nostalgia, and the uncanny, beyond being merely physical spaces. The works of Do Ho Suh, Kimsooja, Shannon Lee Castleman, and Chris Chong Chan Fui are analyzed using content analysis. The main research questions focus on contemporary artists' themes and techniques to address home and belonging, how their biographical and cultural backgrounds influence their works, and how these themes interact with the audience.

Conducted through a qualitative research approach, the study employs document review and content analysis. The findings demonstrate that home and belonging are not only physical spaces or social attachments but are also deeply intertwined with identity, migration, cultural memory, and individual experiences. The artists address themes such as migration, nostalgia, and the uncanny through contrasts and tensions. While Do Ho Suh and Kimsooja explore belonging issues through their migrant identities and traditional cultural elements, Castleman and Fui reflect more on urbanization and the effects of public housing life.

This article investigates how contemporary art’s treatment of home and belonging is closely linked to individual experiences and broader social and cultural dynamics. Migration experiences, identity quests, and cultural memory are central themes in the artists’ works. The artists reinterpret home not only as a physical space but also as a psychological and emotional realm. Moreover, installation and video techniques allow the audience to engage with space and belonging concepts experientially, reinforcing art's transformative power. The study significantly contributes to contemporary art's social critique and identity exploration functions in this context.

In conclusion, contemporary art redefines the concepts of home and belonging, offering the audience a multilayered and critical perspective that challenges perceptions of identity, space, and belonging. The research highlights the interaction between art and social dynamics and reveals how these concepts are transformed through art, providing original contributions to both art literature and social sciences.

Anatolian Ecology-Based Original Textile Design: The Kütahya Case

Müzeyyen AYGÜNUlvi Erhan EROL — 2026-04-30

This research examines textile designs inspired by the unique flora and fauna of the Anatolian ecosystem, with a particular focus on the case of Kütahya. Ecological data obtained through direct field observations, systematic documentation, and extensive photography were integrated into the digital design process. Seasonal color palettes, formal elements, and motif details were transformed into original surface patterns in line with fundamental design principles, presenting a holistic approach to the relationship between nature and design. Within the scope of the study, a total of 40 digital scarf designs representing the four seasons were developed, and 12 of the most distinctive designs were selected and transferred onto different fabric types using digital printing techniques.

The designs were evaluated according to criteria such as adherence to ecological sources, color harmony, compositional balance, and functionality. Findings revealed that ecological data derived from the local ecosystem can be successfully transformed into original and sustainable textile designs. Thus, the study does not merely produce aesthetically valuable outputs but also proposes a model that contributes to sustainable design practices. From an academic perspective, the research provides a methodological example of how Anatolia’s biodiversity can be integrated into the design process. From an industrial perspective, it presents a practical approach to transforming local ecological sources into producible fashion products. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the applicability of nature-based design practices in both educational and production contexts and offers new possibilities for ecologically driven design research in the future.

The Phenomenology of Space in Perfect Days within the Context of Merleau-Ponty’s Concept of Embodied Perception

Seda AYTAŞ — 2026-04-30

The relationship between phenomenology and cinema is grounded in a mode of thought that emphasizes experience rather than mere representation within visual narration. Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenology offers a strong theoretical foundation for cinema, as his philosophy defines perception not as a mental process but as a living, bodily engagement with the world. This study examines how space is phenomenologically constructed and experienced in Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days (2023) through the framework of Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy of embodied perception. According to Merleau-Ponty, perception is not a mental representation but a tactile form of contact between the body and the world. In this context, the study approaches cinematic space not merely as a physical background but as a lived domain that constitutes the subject’s existence. Wenders’ camera produces not an observational gaze but a bodily mode of perception that touches the texture of the world. The film’s protagonist, Hirayama, transforms everyday rituals walking, cleaning, photographing, reading into visual expressions of bodily orientation and awareness. The study employs Merleau-Ponty’s concepts of “being-in-the-world” (être-au-monde), “the flesh of the visible world” (la chair du monde), and “chiasm” (chiasme) as analytical frameworks. The findings reveal that Perfect Days reconstructs time, space, and existence through a cyclical and embodied rhythm rather than a linear progression, showing that meaning in Wenders’ cinema emerges not through dialogue but through bodily experience and an ethics of care.

An Unfinished Story In The Turkish Painting Art: Hale Asaf With Her Lost Artworks

Gülseren BUDUMLU İLDEŞ — 2026-04-30

Hale Asaf was born in Istanbul in 1905 and died in Paris in 1938. Asaf, as a painter who witnessed the Absolutism, Constitutional and Republican regimes, is an artist who also experienced the transition from the Westernization Period Ottoman Empire to the Republican period. She was among the generation of artists sent to Europe during the Republican era. She became one of the founders of the Independent Painters and Sculptors Society (1929) upon her return to Turkey. Asaf, is considered founder of modern art in Turkey. She created her artworks with free artist stance, with her individual attitude, emotional style and occasionally adopted surreal expression. This study focuses on lost artworks of Hale Asaf, selected with criterion sampling within scope of purposeful sampling. Aim of this study is to evaluate lost artworks of Hale Asaf, which were lost in Paris after her death and were exhibited at Lütfi Kırdar Exhibition Hall within scope of Istanbul Art Fair on November 15-19, 2023, in the context of life story analysis, which is one of the qualitative research methods. The said analysis is a guide for understanding artist's searches in her last artworks and turning points in her life. Especially her self-portraits and paintings about motherhood are the breaking point that create her life story. The importance of Hale Asaf as a pioneering female painter in Turkish art is emphasized through research on her life story and analysis of her works, and it is aimed to contribute to the literature of Turkish painting.

The Codes of Mental Transformation in Education: A Thematic Analysis of Graduate Social Studies Students’ Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence

Şengül BÜYÜKBOYACIÖmer YOZÇU — 2026-04-30

This study examines the perceptions, evaluations, and professional expectations of postgraduate Social Studies teacher candidates regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in education. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study was designed as a case study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with six graduate students enrolled in the Social Studies Education programme at Süleyman Demirel University during the 2024–2025 academic year. The collected data were analysed using content analysis, through which codes, categories, and themes were identified. The findings reveal that participants predominantly conceptualise AI as a technological tool or application, yet their levels of conceptual awareness vary considerably. While AI is viewed as a supportive instrument for teachers—particularly in lesson preparation, material design, individualised learning, and time management—it is not regarded as capable of replacing the teacher. Empathy, guidance, and classroom management are emphasised as irreplaceable human dimensions of the teaching profession. Participants also noted that AI can enrich Social Studies teaching by facilitating the visualisation of historical events, producing digital materials, and supporting the interpretation of maps and graphs. However, concerns were expressed about ethical issues, data security, and cognitive dependency. The study concludes that teacher candidates should be systematically supported in developing AI literacy, ethical awareness, digital creativity, and pedagogical integration skills. Furthermore, it recommends restructuring teacher education programmes to align with the intellectual and pedagogical transformations demanded by the digital age, ensuring that AI serves as a collaborative rather than competitive force in education.

Between the Artist’s Intention and the Viewer’s Interpretation: A Study on Nandipha Mntambo’s Sculptures

Yeliz CANTEKİN — 2026-04-30

South African contemporary artist Nandipha Mntambo draws attention with her figurative sculptures shaped from cowhide molded on her own body. The artist questions the established conventions surrounding the representation of the female body, grounding her inquiry in the physical and tactile qualities of the material. The form and organic material in her sculptures evoke aesthetic and cultural associations in the viewer. In these respects, the artist’s works have often been interpreted through the lens of cultural identity and the female body. Mntambo criticizes these limited readings, stating that her intent encompasses a narrative beyond her identity without excluding it. In this context, the study examines the viewer’s tendency to restrictively interpret Mntambo’s works around the artist’s identity, and how this limitation can be discussed within the framework of reception theory. These limitations reveal that the meaning production process foreseen by reception theory is conditioned by the viewer’s cultural and ideological codes, as is the case with Wolfgang Iser’s concept of ‘gaps,’ Hans Robert Jauss’s ‘horizon of expectations,’ and Stanley Fish’s ‘interpretive community’. Proceeding from this theoretical framework, the study reveals that Mntambo’s identity as an African Black female artist, together with her use of cowhide as a material and shaping it with casts taken from her own body, plays a decisive role in the formation of differences between the artist’s intent and the viewer’s interpretation. These elements frequently place the artist's productions at the focus of postcolonial and feminist readings. However, instead of being reduced to these categories, Mntambo positions the body as a universal narrative space shaped by personal and cultural indicators. This approach removes the artist’s identity from being a static representation, transforming it into an indicator of an inclusive experience, and expands the boundaries of meaning. Her works invite the viewer to engage in cultural, political, and existential questioning along with the visual experience. Thus, the artist presents a unique aesthetic approach that is not limited to postcolonial and feminist discourses, but redefines the relationships between identity, body, and representation.

A Literature-Focused Evaluation of the Use of Netnography Method in Traditional Culture Studies

Ömer Faruk CANURAL — 2026-04-30

With the increasing impact of digital communication technologies on everyday life, netnography, a digital adaptation of the traditional ethnographic approach, is gaining popularity as a qualitative research method in the social sciences. However, studies have revealed that the use of netnographic methods in the literature addressing elements of traditional culture remains limited. The study's problem statement is based on the limited adoption of the netnographic approach in studies on traditional culture, and its aim is to reveal the current status of this method in studies on traditional culture and to identify methodological gaps and potential. The research methodology was determined as a structured narrative literature review based on the principles of transparency and replicability. Five national and international databases were searched for the period 2000–2025. It was found that the proportion of netnographic studies on traditional culture in the netnographic literature was approximately %1 to 1.5% on international websites and approximately %5 to 6% on national websites. This result suggests that studies on traditional culture are quite rare in the international literature and relatively more visible in the national literature. It has been observed that the thematic density of studies on traditional culture is largely concentrated around belief and music. Consequently, netnography is an effective and essential tool for understanding the representation and transmission of traditional culture in digital environments. Therefore, to better understand cultural dynamics in the internet age, it is recommended that this method be applied more widely in traditional culture studies, but in a more thematically balanced manner.

Intergenerational Social Change and The Digital Transformation of Fatherhood

Hülya ÇAKIREsra GEDİK — 2026-04-30

As the family—long positioned at the core of social organization—evolves across generations, fatherhood is being redefined both in normative expectations and in everyday caregiving practices. This study examines how intergenerational social change reshapes understandings of fatherhood in tandem with the digitization of care and visibility. Designed as a qualitative inquiry, the research employs semi-structured, in-depth interviews with fathers selected through maximum variation sampling across age cohorts, socioeconomic locations, and family configurations. Interview narratives probe how fathers make sense of and perform fatherhood, where continuities and breaks appear between generations, and which opportunities (e.g., the visibility of involved fatherhood, co-parenting coordination) and tensions (e.g., privacy concerns, feminizing/“effeminate” labeling, technoference) emerge in digital contexts. This study aims to examine the transformation of fatherhood in the digital age within the context of intergenerational social change dynamics. The evolution of social structure and family relationships over time is also reshaping individual parenting roles. It offers the opportunity to evaluate the impact of digitalization on fatherhood practices within the context of the transformation of traditional masculine norms. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, demonstrating that fathering is co-constituted by socio-cultural context, generational effects and platform logics. The study contributes to debates on the digital transformation of fatherhood in Türkiye and generates implications for father-focused support programs and digital parenting guidance.

Algorithmic Diplomacy: AI-Assisted Decision-Making Models and Ethical Boundaries in International Relations

Hakan ÇORAAli Nazmi ÇORA ,Elnur Hasan MİKAİL — 2026-04-30

Artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming the institutional and cognitive foundations of diplomacy and international decision-making. By automating data collection, scenario modeling, and predictive reasoning, AI redefines how states perceive security threats, construct strategic preferences, and conduct negotiation processes. This article introduces the concept of algorithmic diplomacy, referring to the systematic integration of machine learning, big data analytics, and predictive algorithms into the design of foreign policy and diplomatic communication. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of complex interdependence, decision theory, and data ethics, the study develops a conceptual model that explains how AI reshapes strategic autonomy, transparency, and moral accountability in global governance. Through an interdisciplinary synthesis of recent literature, empirical policy initiatives, and case illustrations, the research illuminates both the transformative potential and the normative challenges of AI-assisted diplomacy. Findings indicate that algorithmic systems significantly enhance analytical efficiency, predictive foresight, and operational coordination, yet simultaneously generate epistemic opacity, algorithmic bias, and ethical dilemmas concerning responsibility and legitimacy. The article ultimately argues that the future of diplomacy will increasingly depend on the institutionalization of algorithmic governance mechanisms that align technological innovation with ethical responsibility. It concludes with policy-oriented recommendations designed to safeguard accountability, sovereignty, and moral integrity within emerging AI-driven diplomatic ecosystems.

International Armed Conflicts and Children's Right to Education in the Gaza-Palestine Context

İsmail DEMİR — 2026-04-30

Children's right to education is one of the most fundamental human rights guaranteed by international law; however, in conflict-ridden areas like Gaza, this right is extremely fragile. In armed conflicts, children are disproportionately affected, leading to permanent disruptions in education in areas where countries dominate. The recent military escalation in Gaza has severely damaged educational infrastructure and denied access to opportunities for hundreds of thousands of students. The psychological devastation triggered by the war has not only disrupted education but also left many children deeply traumatized and in need of urgent psychosocial support. Prolonged deprivation of education not only hinders individual development, but also perpetuates the socio-economic stability of Gazan society and traps future generations in poverty and insecurity. This crisis is exacerbated by the ongoing blockade, overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, and limited financial support for school reconstruction. Attacks on educational institutions constitute a clear terrorist act under International Humanitarian Law and fall under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, which mandates the protection of schools during partitions. Despite these legal safeguards, Palestinian children continue to face serious obstacles to accessing quality education. A holistic approach is essential for addressing these crises, including initial costs, fire regulations to foster safe learning environments, increased international assistance to rebuild educational norms, and stronger legal mechanisms within the education system. Investments in teacher professional development and psychosocial support programs play a vital role in providing long-term relief to the vast majority of Palestinians affected by disruptions. The international community must act urgently to secure Palestinian rights to education, sustain their work, maintain their hopes, and enable them to unite in a united front.

A Different Window into the Transmission of Turkish Music: 4-Hand Turkish Music Piano Arrangements

Özlem DOĞAN Nargiz EMİNOVA — 2026-04-30

Music, which plays an important role in the transmission of Turkish culture from generation to generation, is a significant carrier of social identity and historical memory. In this context, the study aimed to transmit national culture by focusing on piano music and arranging Turkish music for four hands. In the study, one Turkish music piece was selected from each of Turkey's seven regions to represent that region, and a 4-hand piano arrangement was made. These works are: Cirit Havası (Central Anatolia Region), Hış Hışı Hançer (Southeastern Anatolia Region), Iğdır’ın Al Alması (Eastern Anatolia Region), Karahisar Kalesi (Aegean Region), Çayır Çimen Geze Geze (Mediterranean Region), Ben Seni Sevdiğimi (Black Sea Region), Çemberimde Gül Oya (Marmara Region). In the series of seven works, the pieces are arranged based on the modes that can be transferred to piano music. In the arrangements, the formal structures are preserved, and techniques such as imitation, basso ostinato, and stretto are used in the harmonization. The rhythmic patterns are freely used and are included in the arrangements that feature the rhythmic striking technique, which has held a significant place in performance methods in recent centuries. The regulations also specify nuances and finger numbers to guide performers. Turkish music is transmitted thru oral, written, auditory, and educational means. Each method offers different possibilities for the survival, preservation, and dissemination of Turkish music. The Turkish music arrangements for four hands piano made within the scope of this study will contribute to the dissemination of Turkish music in the auditory field thru performance, both in educational and concert halls.

Comparative Analysis of the Past, Present and Future of the Greater Middle East

Mehmet EMİR — 2026-04-30

The Greater Middle East Project (GMEP) is the longest-running initiative in the field of International Relations in the new millennium. Within the scope of the GMEP, radical changes were planned in many actors in the Middle East region. The article investigates the beginning of this initiative, which has been going on for over twenty years, its current status and the power projections it may evolve into in the future. The study analyzes the basic foundations of the GMEP, the implementation of the initiative, strategic approaches and results, and how it may evolve into a political action in the future. In this context, in order to understand the process leading to the GMEP, the policies of the USA after the Cold War, the September 11, 2001 attacks and the subsequent implementation of the GMEP in the Middle East, the Arab Spring events and regional uprisings, and the changes in the balance of power until today were comprehensively examined. By evaluating how the GMEP initiative has progressed from its beginning to the present, comparative analyses were made on the strategies of regional actors, the USA and Western actors, and opposing great powers such as Russia and China. It is aimed to provide original contributions to the field of International Relations through the comparative analysis of the GMEP initiative, which is still relevant and continues to be implemented.

An Assessment of the Potential of Panks Tourism in Türkiye

Berna ERCANÖmer SARAÇ , Bayram Kırmızıgül — 2026-04-30

PANKS tourism is an alternative form of tourism that has emerged from the demand for educational and experience-oriented travel among women who do not have children but want to spend time with their nieces and nephews or other children in their circle. PANKS, which encompasses all generations from Generation X to young Boomers, has a spending potential of billions of dollars, especially in the US and Europe. In Türkiye, due to factors such as women's increasing economic independence and rising education levels, marriages are being postponed and the number of single women is increasing. The aim of the research is to examine the potential of PANKS tourism in Türkiye with secondary data. This study was conducted using the descriptive content analysis method, one of the qualitative research methods. TÜİK data, YÖK statistics, online travel portals, market analysis data, etc. were used as secondary data sources, and the existing data were analyzed and interpreted. According to the results, women's employment and education are increasing in Türkiye. While there has been an increase in the number of single women today, there has been a slight decrease in the rate of nuclear families. The age of marriage is gradually increasing, and in parallel with this, the age of childbirth is increasing and the total number of children is decreasing. Additionally, the trend toward voluntary childlessness is becoming more pronounced among the young population. In addition to these, divorces are also on the rise. The increase in the number of single women worldwide and in Türkiye is seen as an important market from an economic perspective, as it strengthens their bonds with children through vacations.

Reflections of Obsidian on Art and Design from Antiquity to Today

Emine ERDOĞANNimet SÖNMEZ OKULMUŞ — 2026-04-30

Obsidian stone, which has been in the field of art and design from the past to the present, has been an important material for humanity. Obsidian, which was shaped in line with the daily needs of humanity in ancient times, has gained the quality of meeting spiritual needs in the time approaching today. Obsidian, which exists in the natural environment, has been processed by human hands and used in the production of cutting and piercing tools such as knives and arrowheads. However, with the innovations brought by development and change, it has continued its existence in various fields until today. The field of art and design, which is one of these fields, has a wide range. Obsidian, which is the subject of interdisciplinary studies and has many colours according to various stages, is examined in fields such as archaeology, art history, geography, mythology, art, design and medicine. Obsidian, which is the subject of this study, continues to be used as an art and design product in areas such as architecture, sculpture, jewellery, mirrors and decor products. In addition, various mythological meanings can be attributed to the objects transformed into works by artists. The starting point of the study is the idea that there are deficiencies in the literature, although obsidian, which is mostly the subject of scientific studies, is widely studied in artistic fields. In this context, the question of the study is; in which artistic works obsidian, which has existed in the field of art from the past to the present, is used and for what purpose. The aim of the study is to determine the use of obsidian, a semi-precious stone from ancient times to the present day, in the field of art and design. During the research, literature review, field research, web resources, etc. scans were conducted. Based on the findings, art and design products obtained from obsidian stones found in the natural environment were examined. In the light of the examinations, evaluations were made and an attempt was made to contribute to the field.

Generative Artificial Intelligence in Digital Games

İpek Fatma ERTAN — 2026-04-30

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining the ways in which technology is understood, produced, and experienced, accelerating a comprehensive evolutionary transformation across social, cultural, and economic domains. One of the most visible reflections of this transformation can be observed within the digital gaming ecosystem, which stands at the core of interactive digital culture. As one of the most influential fields of cultural production in contemporary media, digital games now offer personalized, adaptive, and dynamic experiences through the integration of AI-based systems. Building upon this premise, this study examines the evolution of digital game technologies and their intersections with artificial intelligence, drawing from the historical and cultural foundations of play. Throughout human history, games have served as fundamental instruments of both individual and social interaction, and through digitalization, they have evolved into multilayered, interactive, and dynamic structures. Technological advancements have enabled digital games to transcend spatial and temporal boundaries, creating virtual ecosystems that personalize user experience and deepen interaction. In this context, artificial intelligence is positioned not merely as a technical tool but as a creative component and autonomous agent within game worlds. The study explores the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) on game dynamics through the formation of Dynamic Worlds, the simulation of player decisions, and the construction of narrative multiplicity. With AI’s capabilities of learning, adaptation, and autonomous generation, digital games are transforming from static systems into continuously evolving cognitive environments governed by their own internal logic. This transformation repositions the player from a passive user to an active co-creator of experience. Furthermore, the research discusses how human–machine interaction is redefined in the context of games from a posthumanist perspective. AI-driven digital games expand the cognitive boundaries of the human, signaling a new cultural paradigm that necessitates the rethinking of identity, representation, and existence. Consequently, it is anticipated that the future of digital game technologies will be shaped by the productive, adaptive, and cognitive capacities of artificial intelligence—transforming the game space from a site of mere technical innovation into a fundamental component of a post-human, non-anthropocentric cultural ecosystem.

Viewing Sustainability through the Lens of Pre-Service Elementary Mathematics Teachers: Instructional Practices and Institutional Policies

Mustafa GÖKTuğba Yulet YILMAZ — 2026-04-30

Sustainability is a way of life that aims to establish a balance between human activities and natural systems, emphasizing the need to pass on the world to future generations in at least its current state or in better conditions. This study aims to examine pre-service elementary mathematics teachers’ awareness, perceptions, and experiences of sustainability; their views on sustainability practices in mathematics teaching; and their perspectives on universities’ institutional sustainability policies. The research was conducted within the qualitative research paradigm using a case study design. The study group consisted of 140 undergraduate students (91 female, 49 male) enrolled in the elementary mathematics teacher education program at the faculty of education of a university in Türkiye during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data were collected through face-to-face and online surveys using an interview form comprising open-ended questions. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that teacher candidates’ perceptions of sustainability are primarily shaped around the themes of considering future generations, continuity, efficient use of resources, and recycling. In mathematics teaching, sustainability was most frequently associated with data analysis, statistics, ratio and proportion, mathematical modeling, and geometry. When designing sustainability-themed activities, participants highlighted goals such as developing environmental awareness, recycling, and conserving natural resources, while also emphasizing barriers such as curriculum intensity, exam-oriented systems, and lack of materials. The results suggest that sustainability should be integrated into mathematics teacher education programs through an interdisciplinary approach, with practical learning environments and the use of digital tools.

Analyzing the Character of Canan in the Movie Hesitation Wound within the Framework of Kohlberg's Moral Development Theory

Cumhur GÜNGÖRHamdi KORKMAN — 2026-04-30

The aim of this study is to analyze the character of Canan in the 2023 film The Line of Hesitation within the framework of Lawrence Kohlberg's moral development theory. The research was conducted according to the case study design, which is one of the qualitative research approaches. The data of the study were obtained through document analysis technique. In this context, the main data source of the research was the content and dialogues of the movie The Line of Hesitation. Content analysis technique was used to analyze the data. The research findings showed that Canan's behaviors were related to more than one of Kohlberg's six stages. Although some of her actions involve instrumental motivations at the preconventional level, in general, she goes beyond conventional boundaries and acts in line with justice, conscience and universal ethical principles. Many of the moral dilemmas faced by Canan are resolved by her at the post-conventional level. In other words, Canan turns towards what is intrinsically just and right instead of the written rules. The events in the film show that environmental and social factors have a significant impact on Canan's moral development: Power relations in a small town, family roles, and professional pressures tested Canan's moral stance, but she always found her own compass pointing to universal moral principles. Her mother's organ donation process was the most poignant test of Canan's moral maturity. Canan managed this challenging process on the basis of her own conscience and responsibility towards her mother, reaching a peak in her moral development. The results of this study can be considered as a methodological and theoretical basis for similar film and text analyses in future research.

The Course of the Cyprus Problem During the Cold War and Mümtaz Faik Fenik’s Assessments (1950–1974)

Hakan GÜNGÖRBarış Özinan — 2026-04-30

In the 1950s, with Britain’s declining influence in the Middle East, Greece’s efforts to bring its enosis claims to the United Nations, and the armed actions of the EOKA organization, the Cyprus issue ceased to be a bilateral dispute between two countries and evolved into an extension of the global rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. During this period, Mümtaz Faik Fenik criticized Greece’s annexationist policies, Britain’s ambivalent attitude, and the double standards of Western public opinion in his writings. According to him, the principle of self-determination would operate in favor of the Greek majority and endanger the Turkish presence, whereas partition (taksim) would safeguard both the security of the Turks on the island and the strategic balance of the Eastern Mediterranean. Fenik regarded enosis not only as a threat to Turkish Cypriots but also as a potential danger of “communist expansion” for Greece itself. This study examines the development of the Cyprus Problem between 1950 and 1974 within the context of the Cold War, focusing on the assessments of Mümtaz Faik Fenik, one of the leading figures of the Turkish press. The aim of the research is to reveal how Turkey’s Cyprus policy was shaped in relation to the international conjuncture through Fenik’s articles and to demonstrate the influential role of the press in foreign policy. Methodologically, the study analyzes Fenik’s editorials published in the newspapers Zafer and Havadis, comparing these texts with diplomatic documents, parliamentary records, newspaper archives, and secondary literature of the period. This approach exposes both the public opinion–forming power of Fenik’s discourse and its parallelism with government policies. The research highlights Fenik’s role in constructing a nationalist press stance during critical turning points such as the 1963 “Bloody Christmas” events, the 1964 Johnson Letter, the 1967 Geçitkale attacks, and the 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation. In his post-1960 writings, Fenik often criticized the İnönü government for its passivity while supporting the determined policies of the Demirel and Ecevit administrations. The main sources used in the article include Zafer and Havadis newspapers, documents from the Prime Ministry Republican Archives (BCA), official statements of the period, and relevant academic studies. Thus, the research aims to make an original contribution by revealing not only the diplomatic and political processes but also how media discourse helped shape them. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that Fenik’s writings on the Cyprus issue serve as significant historical evidence for understanding Turkey’s foreign policy during the Cold War, showing that the press functioned as an effective instrument of foreign policy by influencing both public opinion and policymakers

The Role Of Handıcrafts In The Creatıve Economy

Mitat KANDEMİR — 2026-04-30

The creative economy is a dynamic economic model where innovative thinking and cultural heritage come together to create economic value, and where knowledge, skills, and aesthetics are central to the production process. Crafts, as one of the most prominent areas of cultural representation of creativity, strengthen both the cultural and economic components of the creative economy. UNESCO and UNCTAD reports indicate that the global creative economy will be worth $2.25 trillion by 2022, with crafts representing a significant portion of this value. Crafts are not only an economic production area but also hold strategic importance in preserving cultural identity, supporting local development, and increasing tourism revenues. This culture, originating from the past, has survived to the present day and is expected to continue to do so through such initiatives. Products produced as daily use items have been infused with culture over time, becoming artistic works. This study examines the conceptual framework of the creative economy, the role of handicrafts within this economy, examples from Turkey and around the world, and the opportunities and threats facing the sector. Over time, these artistic creations sometimes remain in the spotlight, and sometimes, due to circumstances, they face oblivion. The changing trends within the new world are impacting many areas, from production to consumption. The findings reveal that digitalization, design innovation, and international marketing strategies are critical for handicrafts to establish a sustainable value chain within the creative economy.

Structured Abstract: In the new world order, creative economies are models that emerge from an aesthetic perspective, combining innovative ideas and designs with culture to create economic value. Handicrafts should be considered among the most decisive areas in this field, as they possess a cultural value and significance that will support the economy. They are particularly suited to supporting local development. The contribution and role of the creative economy in the field of handicrafts is diversifying and strengthening. The transformation of handicrafts into a sustainable asset and their role as a link in this chain demonstrates their importance in the digitalized world. Rapidly changing consumer habits have demonstrated the decisive role of the economy. This consumption represents the connection between economic development and culture.

Throughout history, handicrafts have served as a significant tool in transmitting the material, cultural, and spiritual values of societies to future societies. Traditional materials, diverse perspectives, and aesthetic concerns have combined to create unique designs. Today, handicrafts are considered not only crafts but also a sub-sector of the global creative economy.

Cities within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network consider handicrafts to be central to economic development. Examples of this include tile art in Kütahya and weaving in Gaziantep, Turkey. This research will examine the impact and scope of the creative economy concept in the field of handicrafts. The status of handicrafts in Turkey, global examples, and the positive and negative aspects of the sector will be evaluated. The aim is to identify current policy recommendations by presenting concrete data.

The concept of the creative economy began to emerge in the national and international arena in the 2000s. The creative economy is important not only economically but also in preserving cultural diversity and supporting local development. The concept of the culture industry was first introduced in 1947, and the presentation of cultural production to the public through an industrial logic was approached from a different perspective. Today, products are considered to possess both aesthetic and economic value.

Within the creative economy, handicrafts undertake tasks such as preserving existing cultural heritage, increasing employment in local areas, generating tourism revenues, and supporting regional brands. According to UNCTAD 2022 data, creative industries reached a volume of 2.25 trillion Turkish Lira in global trade. Handicrafts accounted for 18.7% of this share. Asian and Pacific countries lead these exports. Examples of high export volumes include India for textiles, Vietnam for bamboo and ceramics, Moroccan leather production, and Mexico for pottery. Handicraft production in Turkey has been significant since the Ottoman period. Production has been particularly concentrated in areas such as carpet and rug weaving, tile making, marbling, woodcraft, coppersmithing, and glass art. However, due to low design innovation, the global creative economy has remained limited.

The combination of traditional production methods with a modern design approach will provide the opportunity to differentiate in both national and international markets. Handicrafts are a manifestation of a society's cultural history. The motifs, materials, and techniques used in handicrafts reflect cultural values. Their preservation is not only economically but also culturally essential.

This sector, while low-capital production and labor-intensive, has significant employment-generating potential. This is particularly evident in rural areas. The exact number of people working in this sector cannot be accurately determined due to the high level of unregistered production. Handicrafts, particularly those sold to tourists, showcase the characteristics of local culture to diverse audiences. Globally, handicrafts account for 40% of tourism expenditures. Furthermore, the combination of traditional handicrafts with innovative designs creates a powerful impact. The recent proliferation of e-commerce platforms, in particular, has facilitated the entry of handicrafts into global markets. Thanks to digitalization, producers are reaching consumers across borders. Turkey, due to its geographical location, possesses a heritage rich in cultural handicrafts. This culture, originating in Central Asia, has survived to the present day, reaching its peak in the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires. The Ottoman Empire established a guild system, establishing organization in this field. They utilized these platforms particularly effectively in building a national identity. This continued during the Republican era, with the establishment of Community Centers in the 1930s, and cooperatives were established.

Today, handicrafts in Turkey continue their activities in small workshops and through industrial facilities that engage in mass production. However, the sector also faces certain challenges. These include unregistered production, a lack of interest in handicrafts among younger generations, a lack of design, branding in international sectors, and the decline in quality of traditional products due to mass production. Furthermore, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism supports craftspeople by granting them the title of "Intangible Cultural Heritage Bearers" to preserve handicrafts.

National and international producers in this field face numerous challenges. However, they receive government support for branding by registering products and developing new product designs. Digitalization and cooperatives enable the marketing of products while preserving their value. Some mass production leads to product deterioration and the disruption of traditional cultural transmission.

Branding and incentives will accelerate production, while also fostering tourism connections and supporting exhibitions and fairs will ensure the preservation of handicrafts on national and international platforms. It's crucial to seize opportunities, provide training to individuals in this field, and promote traditional handicrafts.

Ultimately, the place of handicrafts within the creative economy should not be limited solely to generating economic value. These fields of endeavor serve as a bridge that carries the identities and cultural diversity of societies into the future. The strength of the creative economy must be made sustainable through appropriate methods.

Fieldwork will shed light on research in the field of handicrafts and serve as a resource for those working on the subject. Such studies will yield results only when conducted within the field.

Two Parks, Two Periods, Two Modernities: Modernisation And Social Life In Giresun

Selin KARAİBRAHİMOĞLU — 2026-04-30

Each of the modernization reforms took concrete form and gained visibility through applications addressing new spatial needs arising from urbanization and building scale, while also affecting the social order and offering the public a modern way of life. Parks, one of the public spaces located in city centers with this understanding both in the late Ottoman period and in the early years of the Republic, have become one of the spatial and social symbols of modern life by influencing the socio-cultural interaction and perception of privacy of the periods in which they were built with the new forms of socialization they proposed. The aim of this study is to discuss the physical, functional, and semantic differences and similarities between two parks in Giresun, one established in the late Ottoman period and the other in the Republican period, which offered new socialization experiences to the public at the time of their construction, through the lens of changes and transformations in the perception of modernization, and to examine their impact on social life. Within this scope, the ideological, social, and cultural factors that shaped the parks as modern urban spaces were first examined; then, the historical and cultural context of each park was described through their physical characteristics, and their impact on social life and ideological meaning was examined. The study utilized city plans, travel notes, memoirs, newspaper archives, and written sources; the data obtained was supported by visual materials. As a result, both parks played an active role in the transformation of the city's social life. In particular, the increase in the intensity of park use during the Republican period shows that the modernization project carried out by the state found its counterpart in the public green spaces of the city of Giresun.

Examining Globalization in the Context of Local Cultures

Nuri MEHMETBEYOĞLU — 2026-04-30

This study examines the impacts of the globalization process on local cultures from a cultural sociology perspective. Globalization is a multilayered phenomenon that not only creates change in economic and technological fields but also transforms social lifestyles, value systems, and individuals' sense of identity. Local cultures, with their historical backgrounds and social identities, both transform and resist global interactions. This article discusses the effects of cultural globalization within the framework of the concepts of "cultural homogenization," "cultural hybridization," and "glocalization."
The aim of the study is to analyze the effects of global cultural flows on local identities and to reveal the adaptation and resistance strategies developed by local cultures in the face of these interactions. A qualitative approach was adopted in the research, and a conceptual analysis was conducted in line with the fundamental theories in the cultural globalization literature (Robertson, Tomlinson, Pieterse, Giddens, Ritzer). Using the example of Turkey, we also evaluate how local identities are reproduced within the context of media, education, language, and consumer culture.
The findings demonstrate that globalization not only leads to cultural homogenization but also allows local uniqueness to emerge in new forms. Local cultures are not passive recipients of global influences but rather active producers through hybridization processes. Digitalization and social media offer new avenues that increase the visibility of local identities and diversify production processes.
In conclusion, sustaining cultural diversity in the age of globalization is possible only through the unique existence of local cultures within global networks. In this context, education, media policies, and cultural heritage awareness are gaining importance as fundamental elements of cultural sustainability.

The Intersection of Digital Art and Artificial Intelligence: New Aesthetic Paradigms and Theoretical Approaches

Abdulkadir ÖZDEMİR — 2026-04-30

The intersection of digital art and artificial intelligence represents one of the most transformative artistic developments of the 21st century. This convergence not only provides a new set of tools but also fundamentally challenges established notions about the core components of art: creation, aesthetics, meaning, and the role of the artist. Unlike traditional art practices, AI-assisted art is based on a dialectical collaboration between the human artist and the machine (algorithm). In this process, the artist evolves from being the sole creator into a "curator," "code-shaman," or trainer of the system. AI, beyond being a passive tool, becomes a "creative partner" that learns autonomously, interprets data, and can produce unexpected outcomes.
The most fundamental aesthetic paradigm born from this partnership can be termed "probabilistic aesthetics" or "data aesthetics." This aesthetic understanding is grounded in the idea that the form and content of the artwork are shaped by the probabilistic inferences of algorithms trained on large datasets. The results sometimes possess a visual language that feels human-made, while at other times appear entirely alien and "artificial." This necessitates a redefinition of traditional aesthetic criteria such as beauty, originality, and mastery. Critics are debating whether an artwork generated by AI can be considered "original," who owns the artwork (the artist, the developer of the algorithm, or the dataset used?), and whether art must carry human emotion and intent.
On a theoretical plane, this new practice engages in a deep dialogue with post-structuralist and post-humanist thought. Concepts like the "death of the author" and "authorial intent" gain new meaning in this context. Since AI lacks a "author" or "consciousness" in the traditional sense, the meaning of the work becomes more dependent on the viewer's interpretation and the socio-cultural codes of the dataset that fed it. Furthermore, the anthropocentric understanding of art is challenged by a post-human perspective. AI, representing the creative capacity of a non-human entity, pushes us away from a human-centered mode of thinking.
In conclusion, the intersection of digital art and AI is not merely a technical advancement but a revolution with philosophical and theoretical depth. This field is transforming art from a purely "human artifact" into a product of the collective intelligence of human and machine, thereby reshaping the aesthetic experience, originality, and meaning itself. Future discourse will focus on understanding these new paradigms and developing a critical language to engage with them.

The Academic Anatomy of the Scientific Process Skills Literature

Mahmut POLATGökçe OK ,Deniz KAYA — 2026-04-30
The aim of this study is to examine academic publications on Scientific Process Skills (SPS) indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) database and to reveal the structural and content-based anatomy of the related literature. Within the scope of the study, 813 academic publications focused on SPS in the field of education were retrieved from the WoS database and analyzed. The dataset was comprehensively analyzed in terms of epistemic structure, performance metrics, network analysis, conceptual organization, and thematic mapping. In terms of productivity, the distribution of publications over the years and the number of citations were examined, along with the most contributing authors, studies, institutions, and countries. In the context of network analysis, co-citation networks, collaboration networks, keyword and co-occurrence network analysis, as well as emerging topics and thematic evolution were explored. Additionally, conceptual structure and thematic maps based on keywords were also analyzed. In the study, a total of 813 articles published by 2,281 authors representing 69 different countries from 1980 to the present were analyzed. According to the findings, both the number of studies on SPS and the citations to these studies have shown an increasing trend over the years. National Taiwan Normal University emerged as the most productive institution, while the USA and China ranked among the countries making the highest scientific contributions. According to the network analysis results, Kuhn, D., Harlen, W., Pedaste, M., and Osborne, J. are among the most influential authors in the field. Since 2015, topics such as "science education," "scientific literacy," and "inquiry-based learning" have come to the fore, while in recent years, areas like "ChatGPT," "scientific creativity," "systematic review," and "research skills" have attracted increasing attention. In the factor analysis conducted on studies related to SPS, it was found that 33% of the total variance was explained. It is recommended that SPS studies be enriched through integration with various disciplines to offer more meaningful contributions to learning and teaching processes.

The Relationship between Animation and Folklore

Reyhan Gökben SALUK — 2026-04-30
It is well known that animation, one of the most popular visual arts of our time, is a highly effective medium in shaping the worldview of broad audiences. Researchers concur that the art of animation offers unlimited opportunities for study in various fields such as psychology, education, sociology, and ethnology, and therefore it is considered to be an extremely practical tool. As one of the means of establishing cultural identity and intergenerational connection through traditional narratives, animation art has become a subject of interdisciplinary debate regarding its contributions to the construction of national identity and the consciousness of social belonging. In this regard, the methods, approaches, and outputs of animation films inspired by oral literature are valuable in determining social orientations, particularly in how they transmit cultural elements to younger generations. In the first part of the article, the relationship between animation art and culture in the process of national identity formation is interpreted in an interdisciplinary context. In our age, where teaching practices based on visual imagination have become increasingly popular, the influences of animation art in preserving spiritual heritage and within the framework of intercultural relations is demonstrated through specific examples. In the second part of the article, the principles of continuity and discontinuity in folklore and the ways in which cultural transmission is reshaped through contemporary technology are discussed. This multidimensional digital cultural transmission, evolving through technology within the sphere of popular culture, has the potential to open new perspectives in many fields, particularly in communication theories. This study presents an important paradigm for experts interested in the interdisciplinarity contributions of animation art to the formation of national identity and social consciousness.

Art and Women in the Periphery: Women Artists from a Class and Gender Perspective

Hasan SANKIRŞebnem SANKIR — 2026-04-30

Throughout history, women have employed various strategies to challenge the patriarchal structure of the art world. These struggles can be divided into two periods: before and after the 1960s. Although the women's movements that emerged after the 1960s contributed to raising social awareness, gender studies reveal that the patriarchal structure of the art world continues to exist. Female artists still face various obstacles in terms of being accepted as artists, gaining recognition, protection, and equal opportunities. This article aims to contribute to the literature on artistic careers by examining the position of women artists living and working in the periphery and their motivations for creating art within the framework of multiple layers such as family, work, identity, and city. Furthermore, by focusing on women artists and conducting a sociological study of women plastic artists in the periphery within the context of Turkey, this research is expected to contribute to the national and international literature. This study, which analyzes data from qualitative interviews with eight women artists, examines the dynamic structure of the art field in the periphery and the situation of women artists. The findings reveal that female artists experience inequalities based on social class and gender in their processes of encountering art, artistic orientations and choice of art, in their positions within the field of art, in their socio-economic and socio-cultural levels, and in their relationships with family, identity, and the city. It is understood that female artists have developed their own unique strategies to combat this situation.

The Nature of the Dragon Motif in the Günbet Manuscript of Dede Korkut and Its Comparison with Other Dragon Motifs

Merve Nur SEZGİNİshak ŞAHİN — 2026-04-30

The aim of this article is to analyze the motif of the seven-headed dragon in the Günbet manuscript of Dede Korkut and to comparatively examine this motif in terms of its formal and qualitative aspects alongside dragon figures in different cultures. In the narrative where Salur Kazan fights the seven-headed dragon in the Günbet manuscript, the nature of the dragon is revealed based on the text, and the relation of this figure both to Turkish culture and to similar motifs in other cultures is evaluated. The study employs the document analysis technique, one of the qualitative research methods. First, the concept of the “dragon” is defined through its dictionary meaning, and then the qualities and quantities of dragons in Turkish culture are discussed. The functions of the dragon, especially in mythological and religious contexts, are identified, demonstrating that it is both a destructive and threatening element and, at the same time, a testing force in heroic narratives. Afterwards, the formal and qualitative features of dragon motifs in Egyptian, Babylonian, Mesopotamian, Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian cultures, as well as in Greek, Viking, Indian, Persian, and French cultures, are addressed. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on the dragon’s resemblance to the serpent and how this similarity has led to the attribution of negative traits. The association of the serpent with the devil in the Torah and in certain myths, along with its role in deceiving Adam and Eve and causing their expulsion from paradise, provides an important ground for understanding the dragon-serpent relationship. The main focus of the article, however, is to determine the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the seven-headed dragon in the Günbet manuscript based on the text. In this way, the fundamental attributes of dragons in Turkish culture are revealed and, by comparison with dragon figures in other cultures, their similarities and differences are brought to light.

Kukuli Velarde’s Resistance Through Ceramics: A Critical Reading of Colonial Aesthetics Through Corpus

Setenay SİPAHİ — 2026-04-30

Peruvian-born, Philadelphia-based artist Kukuli Velarde examines issues of identity and cultural heritage in her work with a sharp sense of humour and a critical perspective. Her artistic practice engages with the enduring legacies of colonization in Latin America, particularly within contemporary Peruvian culture. She actively challenges the beauty standards imposed by the West by revitalizing the aesthetic elements of the Pre-Columbian era. Velarde’s project, titled Corpus, aims to confront Peru's colonial past and highlight the survival of Pre-Columbian sacred values. The project demonstrates that these indigenous values were not eradicated by the Spanish conquerors but were, instead, skillfully syncretized with their Catholic counterparts, ensuring their continued existence. Corpus visualizes cultural syncretic identities, centering issues such as ethnicity, immigration, and belonging, which are at the heart of 21st-century identity debates. Inspired by the Corpus Christi festival, the project features 15 ceramic figures that critically bring to light the suppressed indigenous sacred entities hidden behind Catholic iconography. Ceramic clay one of the most ancient expressive materials of Andean art becomes both a political medium and a narrative surface where syncretic identities and buried memories are embodied. This study investigates the contemporary reflections of the Pre-Columbian heritage within Peruvian ceramic art and examines how this inheritance is intricately woven with postcolonial identity issues and aesthetic sensibilities. Selected works from Kukuli Velarde's Corpus project were analysed through iconographic and symbolic decoding methods, contextualized with structural criticism directed at the artworks and the artist. Corpus does not only expose the traces of the colonial past; but transforms them into a profound form of aesthetic and political resistance.

A Forgotten Medical Journal: Modern Treatment Review (Revue de Thérapeutique Moderne) 1951-1952

Ali TOMALI — 2026-04-30
This study examines odern Tedavi Mecmuası (1951–1952), one of the almost completely ignored publications in the Turkish medical press literature, within a comprehensive historical framework. Although the journal was published for only a short period of time, it is a remarkable primary source in terms of understanding the trends of health policies of the Republican period, the dynamics of transformation in clinical practices, how the medical modernization process was understood, and the intra-professional communication channels of the physician community of the period. In the first stage of the study, the aim was to trace the existing collections of the magazine; As a result of comprehensive scanning, it was determined that the copies of the magazine were scattered in different various libraries, university archives, private collections, and second-hand bookstores. It has been understood that this disorganization is not just a coincidence, but rather points to the sustainability problems faced by medical periodicals published by private enterprises in the face of the economic and structural conditions of the period. In line with the examined copies, the journal’s founding process, publishing model, and continuity concerns, then its author staff and content diversity were systematically evaluated. The findings clearly revealed the decisive influence of two key figures, Necip Akar, known for his pharmacist and entrepreneur identity, and Dr. Asım Arar, one of the leading bureaucrats and intellectuals of Republican medicine, in shaping the orientation of the journal. Content analysis of the magazine showed that the magazine has a wide range of content ranging from clinical research to pharmacology, from public health policies to medical history and professional memory, from international scientific reports to World Health Organization data. As a result, this study revealed that Modern Tedavi Mecmuas, beyond being a functional publication documenting the circulation of medical information of the period, was one of the first private enterprise-based examples of the institutionalization process of modern medicine in Turkey.

Hallucination, Desire, and Symbolic Authority: Psychoanalytic Conflicts in Maruf

Pınar Can Tunç — 2026-04-30

In psychoanalytic literature, the father-son conflict has been extensively examined, particularly in the context of the Oedipus complex and the concept of symbolic authority, and is considered an important tool for explaining the subject’s internal conflicts. This study approaches Serdar Akar’s film Maruf (2001) from a psychoanalytic perspective, focusing on the father-son conflict. The research is qualitative and conducted within the framework of psychoanalytic film criticism.In the film, Maruf experiences the process of subject formation through his conflicted relationship with a repressive and authoritarian father. When analyzed through the lens of the Oedipus complex and Jacques Lacan’s concepts of “Father” and the “symbolic order,” the narrative foregrounds the tension between Maruf’s obedience to his father and his desire to realize his own impulses. The internal conflicts Maruf experiences reflect the tension between the symbolic authority of the father figure and his own desires.As the representative of both law and cultural norms, the father restricts Maruf’s desires, interrupting the subject’s transition into the symbolic order and the process of constructing individual identity. Maruf’s inability to express his desires and his hallucinations can be interpreted as the bodily and psychological manifestations of this conflict. The film reveals the symbolic power of the father figure in tandem with the gaps and demands present in Maruf’s internal world.

Everyday Life and Cultural Memory in Mersin: An Analysis Based on Oral History Narratives

Songül ULUTAŞ — 2026-04-30

* Mersin Üniversitesi, İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Fakültesi, Tarih Bölümü, snglulutas@gmail.com, Mersin/Türkiye, ORCID NO: 0000-0002-7605-9151.

The ‘Annales School’ adopted a different historical approach, focusing on human activities and incorporating elements beyond purely political actors as agents within history. The French sociologist and philosopher Henri Lefebvre expanded the historiographical approach of the Annales School to include everyday life, creating a new field where all the conflicts of the modern world are experienced. This perspective has brought a new dimension to local historiography, especially within the framework of the production and transformation of urban life and social relations. This study, conducted from this perspective, aims to identify the role of individuals who witness history and their daily lives in the historical development process, and to put forward an example of local historiography in Mersin. In order to achieve this goal, we aimed to analyze and interpret how different cultures leave their mark on the history of a city by utilizing the narratives of valued individuals who witnessed various periods in Mersin's history and shared their stories with us. Numerous studies on the socio-cultural history of Mersin have been conducted and continue to be conducted using archival sources and research studies. Our research problem is to seek an answer to the question, ‘What was Mersin like in the memory of individuals immersed in history?’. Our aim in this study is to obtain data on Mersin by utilizing the collective memory of individuals immersed in history, or ‘participants’. While the primary data collection method used throughout our research was oral history, qualitative analysis was applied to the gathered data. To this end, oral history interviews were conducted with valuable members of five families who have lived and continue to live in Mersin. The information provided by the interviewees about their journey of living in Mersin, the historical development of the city, and their daily lives guided our study. Apart from official historical documents, information on cultural continuity and interruptions in the history of Mersin has been identified in the experiences and memories of locally selected individuals. The traces identified from such data regarding the historical development of the city also show that the accounts of participants can be used as a source to understand the transformation of time and space. Thus, by looking at Mersin through the memories of witnesses, it was possible to determine what kinds of cultural continuity and interruptions were experienced in the historical process. Mersin is one of our cities with a young, dynamic, and cosmopolitan structure. In terms of this structure, it is the product of a synthesis that incorporates different cultures. The information conveyed by families selected from different cultures confirms this synthesis. All these synthesized products have been transferred from the past to the present as intangible heritage and continue to be transferred. Within this synthesis, there are many different elements, from Yoruk culture to Arab culture (Muslim Arab-Christian Arab), and from urban traditions to peasant traditions. Within the scope of this study, while emphasizing how different elements from the past to the present have formed a synthesis in Mersin, the power of the culture of coexistence in creating a common memory is also highlighted. Thus, it is possible to see the effects of the Ottoman Empire’s cosmopolitan structure as cultural heritage during the Republican Period.

Urban and Environmental Problems of Tourism on Avşa Island: A Sustainable Planning Approach

Nefise Burcu YAĞAN KÖYLÜ — 2026-04-30
This study examines the environmental, economic, and social pressures generated by tourism on Avşan Island and aims to develop sustainable policy and design recommendations. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the growth of second homes and the surge in seasonal population have intensified tourism pressure on the island. The rapid summer influx imposes demands that exceed infrastructural capacity, producing acute problems in water supply, waste management, and energy provision. Coastal areas exhibit erosion, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. The short tourism season renders the local economy vulnerable and prompts temporary winter out-migration. To distribute tourism across the year, the study advances a portfolio of activities centred on sport, gastronomy, and cultural heritage: wind and water sports in the Yiğitler neighbourhood; inland hiking, cycling, and bird-watching trails; and a Wine Culture Route linking Avşa, Marmara, Paşalimanı, Bozcaada, and Gökçeada. It further prioritises the restoration of the Hagios Georgios Church and the design of heritage itineraries to diversify demand. The proposals are articulated within the principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and underpinned by the regular monitoring of carrying capacity, water quality, and user density. Taken together, the approach seeks to replace short-term fixes with a long-term, nature-based, and participatory governance model.

An Enduring Melody Beneath the Dome: İbnülemin Mahmut Kemal İnal’s Hoş Sadâ and the Culture of Musical Gatherings

Dilhan YAVUZ — 2026-04-30

The Ottoman biographical tradition functioned not only as a means of recording the life stories of individuals but also as a narrative space that shaped cultural legitimacy, aesthetic values, and collective memory. Yet the reflection of this rich tradition in the field of music remained limited, largely developing under the dominance of oral transmission. Apart from exceptional works such as Atrabü’l-âsâr, the historiography of Ottoman-Turkish music long persisted in a fragmented form, grounded primarily in individual testimonies. In the early Republican period, reforms centered on Western music narrowed the sphere of legitimacy for traditional music, pushing its transmission largely into private spaces. Within this historical context, İbnülemin Mahmut Kemal İnal (1870–1957) stands out as both a tezkire writer and a cultural custodian. The musical gatherings (mahfils) held in his mansion in Mercan were not merely sites of artistic performance but cultural spaces where aesthetic values, etiquette, and oral memory were continuously reproduced. Pierre Nora’s concept of the “lieu de mémoire” (site of memory) enables the interpretation of this mansion as both a physical and symbolic locus of memory and as a cultural space of resistance in the face of modernization policies. Hoş Sadâ (1958) represents İnal’s effort to transfer this oral heritage into written form, transforming the classical tezkiremodel through the lens of modern biographical writing. While preserving its alphabetical organization, the work constructs cultural memory through subjective observations, moral and aesthetic judgments, and selective inclusion and exclusion strategies; it portrays musicians not only through their professional achievements but also by their character and social environment.This article positions Hoş Sadâ as a reconfigured extension of the tezkire tradition and as a selective politics of remembrance that re-establishes the legitimacy of Ottoman-Turkish music within the Republican context; it aims to conceptualize the interplay between biography, space, and performance within an interdisciplinary framework, offering methodological contributions to musicology and cultural memory studies.

Üsküdar Foundations According to the Shariyye Record (1596-1603)

Seher YÜCETÜRK — 2026-04-30

The foundation is an ancient, deeply rooted predecessor of the Ottoman Empire. Foundations were extensively developed during the Ottoman period and varied in scope. The Ottoman Empire, which adopted a social state approach, attempted to meet the needs of its subjects through foundations. At that point, it should be noted that the foundation's importance was recognized by both the state and the governed, and it became an established institution to be given importance for its sustainability. Throughout its existence, women volunteered to establish foundations. By using foundation leeds directly, numerous studies on foundations have been conducted leading to a vast literature on the subject. Undertaking in this context, it should be stated that this study does not aim to explain directly the foundations and their types. This study will explore the establishment and management of foundations in the classical-era Ottoman Üsküdar; the extent to which women played an active role in donating to these foundations; the roles women assumed in foundation management; the cases that brought women to the court regarding foundations; and the relationships women had with foundations—both positive and negative—as reflected in Üsküdar court records. Data from the Ottoman Empire's primary sources, the Sharia court records, present illuminating evidence regarding this point. The Sharia court records, numbered 96–106, obtained from the Turkish Religious Foundation, were first transcribed, and the resulting data were classified. Methodologically, the study employed sampling that focused on specific examples relevant to the topics. Nonspecific examples are evaluated as numerical data under relevant headings. The study was limited in temporal and spatial scope, with a planned period from 1596 to 1603. Therefore, it can be considered a micro-field study. It should be noted that this study, conducted within the limitations of time and space, does not constitute a general assessment. Increasing the number of such studies will enable more generalizable assessments in future research.