Bridging Past and Present: GAPs project member N. Ela Gokalp-Aras Delivers Key Lectures at NSMES PhD Summer School
N. Ela Gokalp-Aras delivering presentation during the NSMES summer school
In August 2024, N. Ela Gokalp-Aras from the Swedish Research Institute in Istanbul (SRII) participated in the PhD Summer School organized by the Nordic Society for Middle Eastern Studies (NSMES). This year’s theme, "Exploring Migration, Urban Evolution, and Historical Continuity in a Megalopolis," provided a vibrant platform for academic discourse.
Gokalp-Aras delivered two significant presentations during the summer school. The first focused on the GAPs Project, outlining the diverse research topics and opportunities available for PhD candidates engaged in migration studies. She emphasized the project's extensive network of researchers, offering tailored guidance to students based on their thesis topics and research interests.
The second presentation was a lecture titled “Overview of Migration and Asylum Policy in Turkey: A Multifaceted Journey since 1923.” This lecture provided an in-depth analysis of the key transformations, policy changes, and legal frameworks that have shaped Turkey’s migration and asylum landscape over the past century. Gokalp-Aras also highlighted recent debates and research findings from the GAPs Project’s Turkey component.
The summer school was attended by members of the NSMES Academic Advisory Board, many of whom have conducted research in Turkey in recent years. Their presence fostered engaging discussions about the evolving migration landscape in Turkey.
Additionally, participants had the opportunity to visit prominent civil society organizations focused on migration and asylum, such as the Association for Social Development and Aid Mobilization (ASAM). These visits facilitated valuable exchanges and enhanced the visibility of the GAPs Project, paving the way for potential academic collaborations.
For more details about the PhD Summer School, visit NSMES Summer School.