Few words about me. My name is Emek and I was born and raised in Denizli-Turkey, famous for UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pamukkale and Hierapolis. I have to tell you, if you haven’t been there, you are missing out!

I graduated as a city planner from the Faculty of Architecture in Middle East Technical University in Ankara; got my master’s degree there and worked as a research assistant while continuing my PhD in the Urban Policy Planning program. After my contract with the university ended, I worked in private sector. Around that time came the best decision of my life: applying to the University of Helsinki’s Urban Studies PhD program and moving to Helsinki!

I fell in love with Helsinki while I was visiting my cousin, years before my move. I knew instantly, this was going to be a long-term relationship. You know why? If you fall in love with Helsinki in November, it means things will only get better.