Quick and Brief Q&A!

Yes, it’s little me on the cover.

Let’s get to the point!

• Are you trying to look Japanese or Korean?

Absolutely not. My appearance is a natural reflection of my heritage, not something I intentionally modified to resemble a specific ethnic group.

My lineage is largely rooted in Central Asia, more so than in Europe or Anatolia. Central Asian ancestry often manifests in physical traits similar to those of East Asian populations.

• If I remember correctly, some time ago you mentioned you were Turkish. Did you get surgery for your eyes then?

Again, no. I have never undergone any form of surgical alteration.

The structure of my eyes comes naturally from my maternal side, which traces back to Central Asian Turkic and Mongolic peoples. Let me elaborate.

What many people do not realize today is that Turkic ethnic groups, long before their migration to Anatolia, were primarily Central Asian nomads. Due to the extreme environmental conditions of the Eurasian steppes, especially Siberia, where snow covers the ground for most of the year, Turkic peoples developed certain protective physical features. Narrow, slightly upturned eyes helped reduce exposure to snow glare and freezing winds, similar to the adaptations seen among Mongolic and Tungusic groups. We’re almost like cousins!

As the Turkic tribes migrated westward into Anatolia and beyond, intermarriage with local populations led to a gradual diversification of physical traits. Over centuries, especially during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, Turkish people integrated European, Middle Eastern, and Slavic genetic influences.

Today, most Anatolian Turks display predominantly Mediterranean or Caucasian features. However, our Central Asian appearance survives, particularly among the Yoruks, traditional semi-nomadic Turkic people who live mostly in rural Anatolian villages and mountainous regions.

• Now that you have been living abroad for a while, do you feel disconnected from your own culture?

Not at all. In fact, living abroad has only deepened my appreciation.

The bond that Turkish people, especially those conscious of their heritage, feel toward their traditions and language is exceptionally strong. Our civilization has a continuous history stretching back more than 5,000 years, from the ancient proto-Turkic tribes of Inner Asia to the complex societies of the modern Turkish Republic 🇹🇷. This long-standing cultural consciousness means that we continue to practice our customs, speak our language, and cherish our traditions no matter what.

• Did you get into ancient history to escape modernity?

Not modernity but modern societies. I won’t elaborate further.

• Do you believe in the ancient Greek religion? / Do you worship Egyptian gods? If so, why?

I do not, although I profoundly admire, respect, and study them.

My journey toward understanding belief systems began with questioning the traditions I was born into. Raised as a Muslim, I obeyed its tenets for many years. However, as I began to question its traditions, something inside me felt wrong, so I started digging.

I began by studying the Abrahamic religions critically, which naturally expanded into a broader exploration of world religions, including Eastern spiritualities like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, and even Austroasiatic religions. This journey eventually brought me to Tengrism, the ancestral belief system of my people.

Tengrism is an ancient religion that centers on the worship of Tengri, the eternal sky god, alongside a deep reverence for natural spirits. Originally an animistic system. It was the dominant belief system among the Göktürks, Xiongnu, Xianbei, Bulgars, Huns, Mongols, and various other Inner Asian peoples. It served as the state religion for empires like the First Turkic Khaganate, Khazaria, and the Mongol Empire.

Fast forward, after the founding of the Republic of Turkiye in 1923, interest in pre-Islamic Turkic heritage was brought back to light. Intellectuals like Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Ziya Gökalp championed the revival of Turkic cultural elements, though they did not publicly abandon Islam. Organizations like the Grey Wolves adopted Tengrism symbolically, replacing the Arabic “Allah” with the pure Turkish “Tanrı” in their oaths: “Tanrı Türkü Korusun!” (“May God Protect the Turks!”).

Today, although not a widely practiced organized religion, Tengrism survives in various forms, particularly among the Yakuts, Altai peoples, and other Siberian Turkic groups.

If you are interested, I would be happy to write a more detailed article explaining the core of the belief, rituals, and worldviews of Tengrism, which, interestingly, requires far fewer rites than most major religions.

• Are you a practicing pagan?

No, I am not. However, it is important to understand that remnants of ancient spiritual traditions, particularly shamanistic customs, continue to influence everyday life in many Turkic cultures, including my own.

Shamanism, which formed the spiritual backbone of ancient Turkic and Mongolic societies, is based on animism—the belief that all entities, objects, and phenomena possess a spiritual essence. While most Turkic peoples eventually adopted major world religions like Islam or Christianity, many pre-Islamic customs survived in folk traditions, blending into daily life almost unconsciously.

Several examples of shamanic practices are placing metals such as scissors and knives on a deceased person, not throwing anything into the fire and not stepping on ashes, not pouring water or other liquids onto fire, pouring water to the street after a departing traveler, telling a dream to a flowing water, and burying a baby’s umbilical cord. Weird, right?

• Are you obsessed with mythology?

Well, I’m intrigued. Obsessively.

• Are you an astrology person?

I wouldn't exactly call myself someone who believes in astrology in a literal sense, but I do find it fascinating. Astrology, much like many other belief systems, reflects the human need for meaning, for understanding our place in the cosmos. I find it intriguing how people across different cultures have developed their own systems to interpret the stars, the planets, and how those interpretations impact their lives. I don't follow horoscopes or astrology as a guide for my decisions, but I enjoy learning about its history and cultural significance.

• Are you in some kind of secret intellectual group? Because you give the VIBES!!!

Unfortunately, a girl can only dream. Though I entertain the hope that I might be worthy of one someday.

• Are you a classicist?

Well, almost. Guilty as charged. I'm still a philology student, but I aim to be a flawlessly qualified classicist and Egyptologist someday.

• Do you really follow the philosophical teachings you tell here? I always thought that they couldn’t be followed due to modernity.

Yes, I do. Modernity indeed has its own set of challenges that occasionally make philosophies seem irrelevant, but I find that Stoicism and Existentialism offer functional teachings. Stoicism teaches stability and emotional detachment from external chaos, which seems like a perfect fit for navigating our fast-paced world. Existentialism, with its focus on individual meaning and responsibility, speaks to the inherent absurdity of life, and it’s up to us to find meaning in a world that may seem meaningless at first glance. These philosophies aren't easy to follow, but that's exactly what makes them rewarding. In the midst of “modern” chaos, they provide a kind of guide to living authentically and with purpose. If you truly want to live according to a philosophy, modernity won't stop you, it’ll just give you more material to test it against!

• Are you judging everyone silently?

This is an interesting question, and I’d love to know what made you think that. Who am I to judge anyone? I don’t think of myself as superior to anyone—except, of course, for bigots and people who actively choose ignorance over growth. It’s still not about judging but more about always leaving room for empathy, because we’re all navigating this peculiar life in our own ways. I just happen to be keenly aware of the paths I choose.

• Are you a loner by choice or because you think no one understands you?

Neither, really. I’ve always believed that human connection should be mutual; it’s not just about giving or receiving, but both. Too often, I’ve found myself putting in all the effort to understand others, only to realize that it’s not being reciprocated. So, I pulled back. Out of necessity. I value connection sincerely, but I’ve learned that it has to come from both sides. Without it, one can only offer one’s own energy to the void. I find much more peace and fulfillment in solitude because it’s where I recharge and reconnect with myself. Maybe others don’t understand anybody or even themselves fully, but in time, I’ve learned to accept that as well. My peace is more important than forcing connections that aren’t meant to be. Besides, I still have my books and the ancients, to be exact, Plato!!!

• Do you feel disconnected from your peers? You are much more mature for someone who is 21.

I feel disconnected from most of my surroundings, but it's not because I suppose I’m intellectually ahead or anything of the sort. Life has a way of pushing you to grow up quickly, whether you’re ready for it or not. There’s no real pause button, and the older I get, the more I realize that not everyone around me is keeping pace with the demands that life presents. Some people get stuck in patterns that prevent them from moving forward, and some have their own struggles that are invisible to the rest of the world. I’ve learned to accept that, but it also makes it hard to relate.

Despite all the hardships, I still find happiness in the small victories. I’m not at peace yet, but I’m happy with how far I’ve come.

• Are you introverted?

Honestly, it depends on the day. I think most people label me as an extrovert because I’m a happy, excited, and confident person, feeling comfortable in public speaking or social gatherings. But I feel equally comfortable and at peace in solitude. One day, I might be in the mood to stand in front of a crowd and present something passionately. The next day, I’ll find it hard and nervous enough to raise my hand in class or even speak up in a small group. My family is full of extroverts, so I sometimes feel like I’m an outlier. But I’ve come to accept that my energy ebbs and flows depending on the situation and my mental state at the time. Sometimes, the quiet is necessary, and sometimes, I crave the external energy of others.

• Are you intentionally unfriendly or…

I didn’t even know I came off as unfriendly! In fact, I’m usually the one to step out of my comfort zone and make the first move, whether it’s meeting new people or offering help. But I get it. Sometimes, the way you come across in your words or actions doesn’t match your intentions. If I’ve ever come across as distant, it wasn’t intentional. I’ll admit, I tend to be introspective, and sometimes that can read as cold or detached, but it’s just how my brain works. If I’ve said anything that made you feel uncomfortable or dismissed, I apologize for that.

• How do you commit to studying languages?

No secrets, no tips, no magic tricks. There’s no secret to commitment; it’s all about consistency and dedication. The process of learning a language is much like preparing for a long journey. You have to map out your path, pace yourself, and remain persistent. I personally approach language study the same way I’d approach any subject I’m passionate about: with a clear purpose and a structured plan. The thing about languages is, they’re not just words on a page; they’re a window into a culture, a way of thinking. It’s not about the act of memorization alone, but engaging with the culture that shaped it. I’ve learned through experience that when you take the time to connect with a language on a personal level, it moves from being just a tool to becoming an extension of who you are. And that personal connection is what keeps me committed. For me, it’s about growth, not just intellectual, but emotional and personal growth. My passion for learning comes from a deep desire to better myself, to understand the world, and to explore the richness that different languages offer. Find your purpose, plan, and commit.

• How do you manage your time so that it’s enough to do all that?

For me, time management isn’t about meticulously color-coded planners, it’s about mental organization and discipline. When I was juggling multiple responsibilities—soccer, band, linguistics club, student council—I learned that I could only thrive if I had a mental framework in place. I’m talking about the internal strategies that guide me. I’ve found that when you’re constantly juggling various tasks, the real challenge lies in not letting your energy be drained. I don’t rely on having everything written down, though I admire those who do; for me, it’s about prioritizing, organizing my thoughts, and being realistic about what I can handle. It’s about balance too: understanding that some days will be more demanding than others, and being adaptable when that happens. Just plan the day in hour head beforehand.

• What inspires you the most?

Inspiration, for me, comes from a variety of sources, but the most significant one is internal. My own drive, my curiosity, and the constant need for self-improvement are what fuel me the most. There’s a joy in personal growth that can’t be imitated by external validation. I’m inspired by the little victories that build into larger accomplishments, the moments when I push through my own boundaries, when I learn something new, or when I connect an idea in a way that clicks.

The future inspires me. There’s a vision I hold for what could be, and that pushes me forward.

And finally, you—the people I engage with, the ideas we exchange. I’m inspired by those who push me to think deeper, to question my assumptions, and to grow beyond my comfort zone. It’s not just the destination that inspires me; it’s the journey and the individuals who share it with me.

• How can someone be both so solitary and yet so good at public affairs?

When I’m alone, I can dive deep into my thoughts and feelings, away from the noise of the world. But when I speak, I bring that inner world into the light, sharing it with others. It’s a balance between contemplation and expression, but I find that both are crucial for my mental and emotional well-being. The quiet meditation of solitude advises the public affairs, both are parts of who I am.

• Are you more of a dreamer or a realist?

I’d say I’m both, but I lean into the balance between them. To dream without grounding those dreams in reality is to set yourself up for disappointment. But to focus only on the realities of life, to ignore the innovative possibilities, is to miss the very reason we live. To grow, to challenge the status quo, and to visualize something better… Dreams are what give you direction, purpose, and hope. Realism, on the other hand, is the structure that keeps you focused on what’s achievable, what needs to be done to make those dreams real. Life isn’t either/or; it’s about finding that delicate symmetry between reaching for the stars and knowing the steps you need to take to get there. For me, it’s about harmony, letting the dreams advise my path, but ensuring that the steps I take are grounded in the realities of our world.

• What are the 3 things you would take with you to an abandoned island? (Sorry about my bad English!)

This is a tough one, because it depends on how long I’d be stranded. But here’s what I’d choose:

First, a writing set—pens, pencils, and plenty of A4 paper so I could be better than Dafoe and actually live the experience I write. (OF COURSE I’M JUST JOKING PLEASE HE’S A GENIUS)

Second, a solar-powered cassette player with a few carefully chosen cassettes. Music is a lifeline to the soul, and I’d need at least one comforting sound to keep my spirits up, which I will not get sick of.

Finally, a machete. Practical.

And before I close the session, I must tell you that communication is what matters, not the grammar. You’ve done just fine!

Last but not least, thank you all for your thoughtful, often hauntingly sharp questions. I genuinely enjoyed answering them. Some felt like conversation, others like quiet little rabbit holes I didn’t expect to fall into. I’m not sure when the next session will be, but I’d be more than happy to do another sooner if more questions come up. My comments and DMs are always open. Until then, take care—and don’t ever stop asking!

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