I am an artist, author, and social scientist currently serving as an assistant professor at Istanbul Bilgi University’s Department of Architecture. My expertise spans urban & regional planning, urban sociology, and urban political economy, grounded in my doctoral studies in Urban Planning from Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul. My research journey delves into the intricate realms of social and environmental justice, history-theory-criticism in planning and architecture, housing policy, and community participation. Alongside, my interests encompass history and political economy of capitalism, and hegemony. Currently, my intellectual compass guides me through explorations of post-capitalism, post-growth politics, urban metabolism, and social solidarity networks.
Beyond academia, I am a fervent activist, leveraging my role as an educator to extend my impact beyond the classroom. Collaborating with students, I stand in solidarity with local initiatives, fostering participatory and inclusive planning and design models. Leveraging my diverse skill set, I drive progressive urban and social programs by engaging with city planners, mayors, and NGOs.
Notably, my work addressing social and environmental challenges amid Istanbul’s over-urbanization in 2015 was a pivotal contribution to a group exhibition at MAXXI. As an artist combining social research, data science, and hybrid artistic mediums, I have been showcased in multiple international and national galleries and art venues, including Cantieri Culturali Alla Zisa, Palermo, and the Institut Français de Turquie. My works have been featured in worldwide magazines and newspapers such as the Financial Times, Where Magazine, Wired, Zeit, as well as esteemed publishing houses including Random House, Penguin, and De Geus.