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Maltepe University SOYAÇ Center is organizing the “SOYAÇ Volunteer Gatherings,” a seminar series rooted in social responsibility and the spirit of volunteerism. This series will feature important topics presented by experts in various fields, offering participants the opportunity to engage in rich discussions, knowledge sharing, and inspirational talks.
Seminar Series Details:
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Number of Sessions: 5 sessions in total
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Participants: Open to SOYAÇ volunteers and all interested attendees
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Venue: Classroom 11, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Maltepe University
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Certificate of Participation: Participants who attend all sessions will receive a certificate of participation
Session 1
“Gender-Based Vulnerability in Humanitarian Aid” with Nuran Kızılkan
The first session in the SOYAÇ Volunteer Gatherings seminar series will feature Nuran Kızılkan with a talk titled “Gender-Based Vulnerability in Humanitarian Aid.” The event will take place on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 14:00 to 15:30, at Classroom 11 in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Maltepe University.
About the Speaker: Nuran Kızılkan and Aid Convoy Association
Nuran Kızılkan is the founder and current president (as of November 2023) of the Aid Convoy Association, a humanitarian aid organization providing essential relief—including food, clothing, medicine, and other necessities—to people affected by war, natural disasters, or other emergencies. The organization also offers psychosocial support and rehabilitation services in disaster zones. Further information about her work and the organization can be found on official NGO websites and social media platforms.
Session 2
“Population and Migration in the 100th Year of the Republic” with Assoc. Prof. Didem Danış
The second session, titled “Population and Migration in the 100th Year of the Republic,” will be led by Assoc. Prof. Didem Danış on Friday, March 29, 2024, from 14:00 to 15:30 at Classroom 11.
About the Speaker: Assoc. Prof. Didem Danış
Assoc. Prof. Aslı Didem Danış Şenyüz is a faculty member in the Department of Sociology at Galatasaray University and a founding president of the Association for Migration Research. Her academic career spans nearly 20 years, with a focus on migration, urban sociology, and demographics. She received her Ph.D. from EHESS in France, with a dissertation on Iraqi transit migrants in Istanbul. She has taught at universities in Turkey and France and has published extensively on migration networks, gender in migration, and urban integration processes.
Session 3
“The Value and Rights of the Child” with Prof. Dr. Belma T. Akşit
The third session will be an online talk titled “The Value and Rights of the Child” by Prof. Dr. Belma T. Akşit, held on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 14:00 to 15:30.
About the Speaker: Prof. Dr. Belma T. Akşit
A leading social scientist and educator, Prof. Akşit has worked in prestigious universities and research institutions in Turkey. She holds a sociology degree from METU and a Ph.D. in Family Health. She has served in various academic and administrative roles, including Vice Rector of Maltepe University. Her research interests include health and social sciences, qualitative and quantitative methods, and higher education quality. She has also led projects supported by TÜBİTAK, WHO, and UNICEF.
Session 4
“Dinar (1995), Marmara (1999), and Maraş (2023): 28 Years of Earthquake Experience” with Prof. Dr. Bahattin Akşit
The fourth session will be an online presentation by Prof. Dr. Bahattin Akşit, titled “Dinar (1995), Marmara (1999), and Maraş (2023): 28 Years of Earthquake Experience.” The event will take place on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 14:00 to 15:30.
About the Speaker: Prof. Dr. Bahattin Akşit
Prof. Akşit graduated with a sociology degree from METU in 1968 and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1975. He has held various positions at METU and Maltepe University, including department chair, vice dean, and dean. He has been a guest lecturer at the University of London and Manas University in Kyrgyzstan. After a long and successful academic career, he remains recognized for his contributions to sociology.
YouTube Channel: [Link]
Session 5
“Civil Society Organizations: Becoming Socially Conscious Individuals” with Zahide Özdemir
The fifth and final session of the series, titled “Civil Society Organizations: Becoming Socially Conscious Individuals,” will be presented by Zahide Özdemir on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 14:00 to 15:30, and will be held online in Classroom 11 at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
About the Speaker: Zahide Özdemir
Currently pursuing a master's degree in Political Science and Public Administration at Kadir Has University, Özdemir completed her undergraduate studies in Sociology and Psychology at Maltepe University through a double major. Her undergraduate thesis focused on “Refugee Art Collectives and Initiatives in Istanbul.” She worked as a project assistant in a TÜBİTAK-supported study on women and earthquakes in Istanbul. Her current research, supervised by Dr. Sibel Karadağ, explores the political space available to non-citizens in Istanbul. Her academic interests include critical migration studies, political sociology, social movement theory, and humanitarianism.