MA International Relations Political Science Statement

MA International Relations Political Science Statement Turkey

As a young man with a keen interest in Turkish politics and history, I feel a profound connection to my homeland. Holding both Canadian and Turkish identities, I find that this dual perspective enhances my ability to objectively understand issues important to Turkey from various ideological viewpoints. My family relocated to Canada when I was 7, but I have returned to Turkey many times, most recently not long ago. My passion for politics and international relations is fueled by my love for my homeland and a deep respect for democracy, transparency in governance, human rights, and equal justice for all, irrespective of religion or ethnicity. These themes have been central to my undergraduate studies at the University of XXXX in Canada, where I am pursuing a degree in Political Science with a Minor in Sociology.

My experience as a democracy protestor facing police dogs in Turkey has empowered me to think independently and dream of progressive change in my country of origin. This is why I am applying to your program. I believe my extracurricular activities have prepared me well for success in your program, particularly my volunteer work with XXXX International Peace and Brotherhood Platform - Başkent Uluslararası Barış Ve Kardeşlik Platformu, Canada and Turkey (2011 – Present), a civilian initiative focused on creating a world that respects human rights beyond religious, linguistic, racial, and political views. I have also volunteered extensively with Özel Güney Gelişim Koleji, Turkey (2012), a private school in Mersin, where I helped organize a one-month summer camp to improve children's English proficiency, taking on various teaching and leadership roles. Additionally, in Canada, I volunteered with the local chapter of the Green Party of Guelph.

I wish to study at XXXX University because I consider it the premier program in Istanbul, and I want to be in Istanbul during these historic times of rapid change. I hope to contribute to successful negotiations that will enhance institutional transparency and accountability in our government. I aim to help make Turkey more just and prosperous, building frameworks for political and developmental growth, with or without Europe. Rather than focusing solely on Turkey's relationship with the West, I aspire to view Turkey as an independent player with multiple options, paying particular attention to its relationships and potential collaborations with the Developing World, especially Africa and Latin America. Although my French currently surpasses my Spanish, I am steadily improving in both languages and hope to master them over the next decade, aligning with my interests in the Developing World. Cuba has been particularly exciting during my travels as a student.

I want to explore the underlying causes that have led the Middle East to become a hub of conflict and contribute to new perspectives on Turkey’s relationships with Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. I aim to promote democracy and democratic institutions throughout the region and assist Turkey's neighbors in democratizing while we continue to solidify our democratic gains at home. Turkey has a unique opportunity to act as a peacemaker between Shia and Sunni, helping to build a future Middle East that offers its citizens peace alongside civil and human rights.

I also look forward to an in-depth study of Turkish history, focusing on the rise of major social issues, Kurdish and other ethnic minority challenges, and the need for significant improvements in human rights. I am optimistic that Turkey will progress in resolving its Kurdish issue through economic and constitutional means, moving towards a more prosperous and democratic society that contributes to security and stability in the Middle East and globally. This is why I hope to be accepted to study at Koc University, as I see your program as a leading institution for examining these issues from a Turkish perspective.

I aspire to contribute to scholarship on Turkish issues, particularly regarding progressive social change. As a political science major with a sociology minor, I aim to combine my strengths to better understand how ethnic conflict in Turkey has evolved over centuries, especially concerning the Kurds. I hope to shed new light on critical Middle Eastern issues and contribute to developing new spaces for international and critical reflection on contemporary challenges.

My primary professional goal is to teach at a university. I plan to complete my MA and then pursue a PhD, participating in conferences and seminars, eventually working with a think tank or NGO engaged in my areas of specialization, while remaining actively involved in research. I have been involved in regional politics and come from a politically active family. I am a competitive candidate due to my extensive travel across Turkey and my deep understanding of the country. I am fluent in English and Turkish, and as a Canadian, I hope to be valuable in Western-Turkish relations, especially given my passion for networking with organizations focused on Turkish issues.

Above all, I wish to dedicate my life to research in International Relations, focusing on conflict and peacemaking. I intend to pay special attention to the history of the Arab Spring and the emergence of democracy in the Middle East.

Thank you for considering my application to your program.

MA International Relations Political Science Statement