The Journal of Kesit Academy, Year 2026 Issue 46

A Study on the Historical Transformation of Character Represantation in Western Theatre

Fatma KANDEMİR ŞAHİN — 2026-03-30

In theatre, character has historically been understood as a fundamental expressive element through which action represented. Since Ancient Greek theatre, particularly within the Aristotelian framework of mimesis, character has been positioned not as an autonomous subject but as a representational vehicle on stage. However, transformations in social, philosophical of reality in theatre, leading to a reconfiguration of the relationship between action, narrative and character. This study aims to examine the transformation of character represantation in theatre from Antiquity to contemporary practices through a comparative and interwoven analytical approach rather than rigid periodization. Character representation is therefore analyzed in relation to shifting conceptions of reality and action across historical periods. This study argues that character in theatre should be understood not as a fixed entity but as a historically contingent construct shaped by changing aesthetic and ideological conditions, contributing to ongoing theoretical debates on character representation in contemporary theatre.

Bucharest Metropolitan Governance Model: A Case Study in Contemporary Metropolitan Governance

Mustafa DEMİRKOL — 2026-03-30

This study investigates the current situation and governance dynamics of the Bucharest metropolitan area, a region characterized by rapid urbanization and a complex multi-layered administrative structure. While the existing literature often focuses on the physical expansion of the city, there is a limited understanding of the governance challenges from the perspective of local actors. To address this gap, the research adopts a qualitative case study design to analyze the effectiveness of the Bucharest Metropolitan Governance Model. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 key stakeholders, including local authorities (sectors and Bucharest municipality members) and academics. Then analyzed using MAXQDA software. The findings reveal that Bucharest exemplifies Anwar Shah’s "Uncoordinated Two-Tier Metropolitan Governance" model. The analysis highlights a critical tension: while the strong autonomy of sector municipalities (districts) allows for local responsiveness, it simultaneously creates a fragmented administrative structure, leading to political conflicts, financial dependence, and a lack of coordination in major infrastructure projects. The study concludes that although voluntary associations like ADIZMB offer potential for cooperation, structural reforms are necessary to overcome the "feudal" fragmentation of the city. Furthermore, the research provides a comparative perspective for Turkey, suggesting that empowering regional development agencies and integrating them more directly with metropolitan administrations could enhance strategic alignment and resource efficiency in rapidly urbanizing regions.

Diacritical Marks and Orthographic Typography: An Analysis of Letter Anatomy

Göknur SÖZÜNERİ — 2026-03-30

This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the position, function, and visual impact of diacritical marks within typographic structure through the framework of orthographic typography and letter anatomy. Diacritical marks—such as accents, umlauts, cedillas, tildes, and similar formal elements—are considered not merely as auxiliary components representing linguistic and phonetic differences, but also as fundamental typographic elements that play a significant role in shaping readability, visual balance, perceptual hierarchy, rhythm, proportion, and spatial relationships within typographic systems. In this research, typefaces based on the Latin alphabet were selected as the sample, and the structural relationships between diacritical marks and letterforms were comparatively analyzed through serif and sans serif type styles. During the analysis process, the spatial positioning, scale, and alignment relationships between diacritical elements and the fundamental components of letter anatomy—such as stem, bowl, counter, ascender, descender, and serif—were examined using a formal analysis method. The study reveals that diacritical marks function not only as a functional necessity in typographic design, but also as structural and aesthetic elements that strengthen visual coherence, define the identity of typefaces, and guide visual perception. In this context, the research aims to contribute theoretically to the fields of typography, typeface design, readability, and visual perception.

Curatorıal Transformatıon In Algorıthmıc Art: Spatıal And Conceptual Requırements Of New Medıa Aesthetıcs

Yeşim ERCÜMENCİLER — 2026-03-30

: The integration of algorithmic production processes into art, particularly through digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, has triggered a profound transformation in curatorial practices and exhibition spaces. This study explores the spatial and conceptual requirements of algorithmic art, which encompasses forms such as digital and AI-generated art, and examines how curatorial approaches are being redefined in this context. The inherent characteristics of new media art, such as easy reproducibility, audience interactivity, online accessibility, temporal variability, and the integration of multiple media elements, render the traditional “white cube” exhibition model insufficient. Instead, they necessitate alternative modes of presentation, including “black box” environments, virtual platforms, and augmented reality-based displays.

The relationship between algorithmic art and curatorial transformation is analyzed through a conceptual framework grounded in theoretical literature and interpreted via current exhibition practices involving spatially integrated data-driven installations. In this evolving landscape, the curator is no longer merely a selector or organizer but also an experience designer who facilitates the presentation of works shaped by human–AI collaborations. Within this framework, the emerging concept of digital curation represents a new curatorial paradigm that works in tandem with technological production processes and reimagines exhibition formats. Ultimately, this study seeks to broaden the conceptual understanding of exhibiting algorithmic art and highlight the evolving roles and responsibilities of contemporary curatorial practice.

A Conceptual Study of Arvo Pärt’s Tintinnabuli Style

Barış KARABULUT — 2026-03-30

In this article, the tintinnabuli style developed by the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt from the mid-1970s onward is examined within its historical background and conceptual framework. The study considers this distinctive musical language—toward which the composer turned through a conscious break from his earlier modernist and experimental explorations—within the contexts of postmodernism, minimalism, and sacred minimalism. Adopting a conceptual, literature-based analytical approach, the article evaluates tintinnabuli not merely as a stylistic reduction or a compositional technique, but as a holistic aesthetic stance that slows the perception of musical time, transforms the act of listening, and redefines silence as a structural element rather than a passive absence. Within this framework, the rule-based relationship between the melodic voice and the tintinnabuli voice is explored, and the qualities of a musical structure that appears transparent on the surface yet rests on a strict internal discipline are investigated. In addition, interpretations and critical perspectives in the literature are discussed through approaches that sometimes understand tintinnabuli as an expression of deep spirituality, and at other times interpret it as an aesthetic attitude that moves away from modernist complexity. Beyond this opposition, the article argues that tintinnabuli offers an alternative model of musical time and listening shaped by non-progressive processes, repetition, resonance, and ritual-like stasis. In this sense, tintinnabuli is positioned not simply as a reaction to modernist complexity, but as an original aesthetic model that reconstructs the relationship between sound and silence in a disciplined and conceptually coherent manner.

Costume Analysis of Figures in Velazquez's Las Menı̇nas Painting with Panofsky Method

Mücella ÖZKAN - Ennur KARA — 2026-03-30

This study aims to evaluate the costumes of the figures in Diego Velázquez's 1656 painting Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) from the perspective of both art history and fashion design. Erwin Panofsky's three-stage method of analyzing works of art (pre-iconographic, iconographic, and iconological) was used as a basis. Since physical costume samples were not available for the research, high-resolution images and data obtained from academic sources were examined using descriptive analysis methods. Within the scope of the study, Las Meninas, an important example of 17th-century Spanish Baroque art, was evaluated from a costume-centered approach in an attempt to interpret the social structure, aesthetic understanding, and symbolic language of the period. In the first stage of the study, the clothing of the figures in the painting was described in detail in terms of color, fabric type, shape, and accessories. In the second stage, the social classes represented by these costumes, their relationship with court fashion, and the clothing understanding of the period were evaluated. In the final stage, the costumes were examined at an iconological level in the context of Spanish Golden Age court life, gender roles, class hierarchy, and representation strategies. The study reveals that clothing in works of art is not merely an aesthetic element but also an important indicator of social structure, class divisions, fashion sense, and power relations. In this way, it offers an interdisciplinary perspective that brings together art and fashion history, developing a unique approach to understanding the clothing culture of the past. Additionally, by demonstrating that the method used can be applied to different historical works, it proposes a guiding model for similar studies.

Reading Everyday Architecture: Inferring User Profiles from Balcony Clues in Interior Architecture Education

Yaren ŞEKERCİ — 2026-03-30

This study examines how interior architecture students infer plausible user profiles from everyday architectural elements through a structured balcony observation exercise. Positioned within an upper-level course on environment and psychology, the study foregrounds environmental reading as a pedagogical skill that precedes design production and narrative construction. Focusing on two best-practice student cases, the research analyzes how observable spatial cues such as furniture arrangement, enclosure strategies, material traces, and signs of use support disciplined interpretive reasoning.
Using qualitative content analysis of student-produced photographs, annotated observation sheets, and comic-style visual narratives, the study identifies three key findings. First, when observation and interpretation are explicitly separated, students are able to formulate grounded and probabilistic user-related inferences without relying on speculative assumptions. Second, balconies emerge as analytically rich everyday spaces that reveal micro-scale variations in spatial appropriation even within the same architectural context. Third, visual narratives, when positioned after analytical reasoning, function as a consistency check that tests the plausibility of inferred user profiles rather than serving as a primary storytelling device.
The findings highlight the pedagogical value of everyday architectural elements in cultivating observational discipline, interpretive restraint, and user-oriented sensitivity in interior architecture education. The study contributes to design pedagogy by demonstrating how structured environmental reading exercises can support reflective and evidence-informed engagement with lived space.

Personal Photographs as a Memory Aid Tool: Analysis of the 5th Episode of Black Mirror Season 7, Titled “Eulogy”

M. Çağatay GÖKTAN — 2026-03-30

A person’s most valuable asset is their memories. Memory and memories play an indispensable role in defining oneself and one’s surroundings, in constructing and maintaining one’s individual identity, in interacting with the world, in connecting with the past, and in forming expectations for the future. The essence of remembering is creating associations, and there are many methods for preserving, strengthening, or preventing memories from being forgotten. Photographs play an important role in bringing back memories through association, marking the places where they are located, and securing a permanent place in the memory. At the same time, they provide the opportunity to see elements that were not noticed at the moment or during the process of the past experience. The fifth episode of the seventh season of the Black Mirror series, titled “Eulogy,” which explores the effects of technology on human life, focuses on personal photographs as a tool that helps to remember the past and has the power to reveal things that were not noticed during the experience. The episode questions how artificial intelligence tools that can bring personal photographs to life in three dimensions in a way that allows people to virtually walk through them could be incorporated into memorial rituals at funerals in a possible future, and how this technology could affect memory and emotions. This article aims to examine personal photographs as tools that aid in recollection, identity formation, revenge, and evidence presentation, focusing on the relationship between personal-autobiographical-collective memory and artificial intelligence technology within the relevant section. A qualitative research method was used in the article. The relevant section was analyzed using thematic and descriptive narrative analysis methods, accompanied by the concepts of “index” by Peirce, Barthes, Krauss, and Batchen, and “optical unconscious” by Benjamin. As a result, the protagonist of the section was able to reveal images, thoughts, and feelings related to past experiences and come to terms with his memories through personal photographs, which served as a springboard. Many things he was unaware of during the experience but realized thanks to the personal photographs completely changed his view of the past. The episode suggests that personal photographs, combined with potential artificial intelligence technologies, can be transformed from albums, boxes, or data stored forever in cyberspace into much more valuable tools, providing unexpected benefits and becoming a kind of therapeutic remedy.

The Example Of Christopher David White, Specifically In The “Trompe L’oeil” Technique In Contemporary Ceramic Art

Rasim BAĞIRLISeda ÖZCAN ÖZDEN — 2026-03-30

Abstract: Economic, cultural, and technological innovations in the field of contemporary art are leading to changes in individuals and societies. This situation allows for different perspectives to emerge between art, society, and the audience. The concept of experimentation emerging in different disciplines of art is redesigning the forms of expression, the variety of subjects/materials, and alternative perspectives presented in every field of visual arts. These changes and transformations in the visual arts are also occurring in contemporary ceramic art. The search for original forms of expression in art has been demonstrated in ceramic art through the Trompe L'oeil technique, a field where what is "natural" is presented to the viewer anew. The first examples created using this technique date back to the 5th century. Generally associated with painting, this technique has gradually come to be used by artists in every field of the visual arts. In the context of contemporary ceramic practices, the use of innovative and experimental discourses as a language of expression by artists is also evident in hyperrealistic ceramics created using the Trompe L’oeil technique. Christopher David White, who masterfully applies this technique in the context of ceramic sculptures, and his works constitute the main subject of this study. The artist's ceramic sculptures, focusing on environmental issues/concerns, in a sense re-examine the human-nature relationship. This is noteworthy in terms of artists creating new and individual languages of expression through experimental approaches alongside traditional forms and practices in ceramic art.

Reconfiguring Time and Memory: Queer Temporality in Contemporary Visual Culture

Zehra Canan BAYER — 2026-03-30

This article examines how time and memory are reconfigured in contemporary visual culture through the concept of queer temporality. Drawing on queer theory and cultural studies, the study discusses how linear, progressive, and heteronormative conceptions of time are questioned through practices of visual representation, embodiment, and memory. Within this framework, queer temporality is approached as a critical lens that enables fragmented, indeterminate, and speculative ways of rethinking the relationships between past, present, and future, rather than fixing them within stable narratives. To concretize this theoretical discussion, the article analyzes a contemporary art exhibition from Turkey, Rest in Pieces by Ahmet Rüstem Ekici and Hakan Sorar, as a case study. The exhibition employs archaeological forms, digital technologies (AI-generated images and three-dimensional printing), and curatorial strategies to render non-linear experiences of time visible and to reinterpret the relationships between body, death, and memory. By positioning contemporary visual culture as a critical site where past, present, and future are continuously negotiated, the article aims to contribute to current theoretical debates on memory, representation, and temporality.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Research in Environmental Journalism: Emerging Trends and Future Directions

İpek TOK — 2026-03-30

This study aims to elucidate the intellectual landscape, evolutionary trajectory, and prevailing scientific trends within environmental journalism from a holistic perspective. To this end, 200 documents indexed in the Web of Science database between 1989 and 2025 were analyzed using bibliometric methods, incorporating performance analysis and science mapping via the Bibliometrix package (R). The findings reveal a significant surge in publication volume since 2010, with 2024 emerging as the most prolific year. Journalism Practice is identified as the most productive journal, while Science Communication holds the highest citation impact. David Robie and Michael Brüggemann are the most productive and cited authors, respectively, with the United States dominating scholarly output. Notably, Brüggemann and Engesser’s (2017) work on interpretive journalism and climate change remains the most influential publication. Keyword analyses indicate that prior to 2018, the field primarily focused on normative issues such as ethics and human rights; however, "climate journalism" has since emerged as an independent specialized domain. The thematic map identifies "investigative journalism" as a "motor theme" driving the field's development. Furthermore, Global South-oriented studies focusing on regions most vulnerable to global warming, along with the media framing of environmental crises and solutions journalism, have been identified as rising trends. In conclusion, the study reflects that in addition to the traditional crisis-oriented focus of environmental reporting, a constructive solutions journalism approach emphasizing concrete remedies and proactive narratives has begun to emerge as a significant area of academic interest, providing a strategic framework for future research.

A Study on Visual and Narrative Strategies in Child and Adult Participatory and Anonymous Toy Unboxing Videos

Gülşah Ferrah POLATAli BAKIR — 2026-03-30

This study aims to analyze how visual, auditory, and narrative strategies used in child and adult participatory as well as anonymously presented toy unboxing videos on YouTube position child viewers within a consumption oriented framework.In a digital context where childhood experiences are increasingly shaped by media platforms, algorithmic guidance, and consumer culture, kidfluencer content transforms children not only into content viewers but also into visible consumers and performance subjects. The research adopts a qualitative approach based on James Potter’s Cognitive Media Literacy model and analyzes five selected videos from the channels Ryan’s World, Prenses Lina TV, Öykü Ada Karta, Joys Noise, and Toys and Fun through visual narrative analysis. The analysis focuses on narrative structure, camera use, color and lighting preferences, sound design, editing, product presentation, and thumbnail aesthetics. The findings reveal that despite differing aesthetic styles, these videos construct predominantly product centered narratives and legitimize consumption through discourses of surprise, curiosity, and collection completion. Overall, the study demonstrates that toy unboxing videos reconfigure childhood experience by distancing it from play based practices and reshaping it along the axes of consumption, performance, and algorithmic visibility.

Transforming Spaces and Fragile Neighborhoods: Sociological Traces of Urban Transformation in Istanbul

Işıl KUŞİN — 2026-03-30

Urban transformation has been the subject of research for many years in the fields of politics, architecture, law, and economics. From a sociological perspective, however, it has been observed that its social consequences have received relatively less scholarly attention. This study addresses the outcomes of urban transformation from the standpoint of urban sociology. Conducted as part of a doctoral dissertation, the research aims to comparatively examine the lives transformed by urban redevelopment in two neighborhoods of Istanbul's Kadıköy district—Fikirtepe and Erenköy—which are geographically close but shaped by distinct dynamics. The changing patterns of daily life in both neighborhoods are analyzed sociologically in the context of displacement and gentrification. The social consequences of urban transformation in both areas were revealed using qualitative research methods. The findings indicate that neoliberal urban planning in Istanbul has displaced local populations in both neighborhoods and undermined the sustainability of their daily lives. Key themes emerging from both areas include security, shifts in everyday routines, environmental degradation, meanings ascribed to space, inequality, and the impact of the pandemic. Although the COVID-19 pandemic broke out during the research process and introduced certain limitations, it also offered a new perspective and added richness to the study. The study concludes that contemporary urban transformation involves the ongoing reproduction of new social and environmental arrangements. As each new urban transformation project is implemented, it is built upon the ruins of the previous one. These cycles of destruction affect not only the physical structure but also the symbolic and emotional fabric of the urban landscape.

The Impact of Private Sector Business Freedom and Information and Communication Technologies on Entrepreneurship: A Panel Cointegration Analysis

Şule DARICAN — 2026-03-30

Digitalization and transformations in the institutional business environment significantly shape entrepreneurial dynamics in emerging economies. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of Information and Communication Technologies and Business Freedom on the level of entrepreneurship in emerging economies within the framework of panel data analysis. In the study, long-run coefficients were estimated using the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimator, and the causal relationships among the variables were tested through the Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012) panel causality approach. The empirical findings indicate that both ICT and ISOZG have a positive and statistically significant effect on entrepreneurship at the panel level. Accordingly, the impact of ICT on entrepreneurship is found to be 2.2%, while the effect of ISOZG is determined as 3.4%. Country-level analyses reveal that the effects of both variables on entrepreneurship are strongest in Russia and weakest in Malaysia. The panel causality results demonstrate a bidirectional causal relationship between ICT and entrepreneurship in emerging economies. Similarly, a bidirectional causality is identified between business freedom and entrepreneurship. These findings suggest the existence of a mutually reinforcing relationship among digital infrastructure, institutional freedom, and entrepreneurial activity. Overall, the study highlights the necessity of integrating digitalization strategies with institutional reforms to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in emerging economies.

A Conceptual Blind Spot İn Disability Studies: The Sociological Distinction Between Being Represented And Being Spoken For

Hasan Tahsin YAZICI — 2026-03-30

This study critically examines the concept of representation, which is widely employed in the field of disability studies, by focusing on the sociological distinction between being represented and being spoken for. With the growing influence of rights-based approaches, representation is often treated as a primary indicator of participation and visibility; however, this assumption frequently obscures the relationship between representation and the subject’s capacity to produce speech. Drawing on document analysis and discourse analysis of academic, political, and institutional texts, the study explores how representational discourses in the field of disability are constructed and legitimized. The findings indicate that representation does not always function as an empowering practice; under certain conditions, it operates as a mediating mechanism that displaces the subject’s voice, reproduces forms of being spoken for, and reinforces structural silence. The main argument of the article is that being represented is not equivalent to speaking, while being spoken for signifies a power relation that restricts the subject’s presence as a speaking actor in the public sphere. Accordingly, the study argues that representational discourses in disability studies must be critically reconsidered, and that rights-based approaches can become transformative only insofar as they enable subjects to articulate their own voices. In this respect, the article aims to contribute conceptually to sociological disability studies and to open normative and academic debates for future research.

The Population and Demographic Characteristics of Dereçine Village in the District of İshaklı (Sultandağı) District Between 1831 and 1840 (According to Population Registers)

Ayşe Gül BAŞ Mehmet GÜNEŞ — 2026-03-30

This study aims to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the population of Dereçine village, a large rural settlement within the İshaklı district of the Akşehir sub-province, between 1831 and 1840, in the light of population registers. The primary source of the study is the Muslim population register dated H. 1254 (1838), supplemented by the register of the first census dated H. 1246 (1831), as well as those from H. 1250 (1834) and H. 1256 (1840). Within this framework, the distribution of the population residing in Dereçine between 1831 and 1840 by neighborhood and household, along with the demographic trajectory during this period, is examined. Furthermore, the study analyzes personal names used by the villagers, age characteristics, physical attributes, disability status, individuals recorded as mansûre and redif, as well as findings regarding their social status and occupations.

Visualization of Ecological Problems in Virtual Spaces

Soyhan BALTACI Ertan TOY — 2026-03-30

The technological element that simultaneously develops within the art production process has directly manifested itself in artists' production practices, and accordingly, artists have evaluated the technological elements of the period and the themes they wish to convey to their audiences. Extended Reality technologies, which hold a significant place in today's new media art, have the potential to create interactive spatial designs with users or participants. Therefore, they are known as a field of exploration that artists can explore within the context of interactive art. Artists can directly intervene in performance and exhibition techniques with this technology, thus providing a bridge to the use of extended reality technologies in artistic contexts. This has accelerated the direct introduction of extended reality technologies into the literature of new media art.
Environmental Art, a multidisciplinary art field encompassing painting, sculpture, installation, and performance art, is among the common subjects where environmental elements are explored by artists. This study examines this art form, rendered using various techniques by artists, in light of Extended Reality technologies, and examines the contributions of the interactive features of current technology to environmental art and artistic experiences.art has directly shown itself in the production practices of artists, and accordingly, artists have evaluated the topics they want to reflect to the audience and the technological elements of the period. Extended Reality technologies, which have an important place in new media art today, have the potential to create an interactive space design with users or participants. For this reason, it is known as an area of discovery that artists can evaluate in the context of interactive art.
Environmental Art, which is included in the sources as a multidisciplinary art field such as painting, sculpture, installation and performance art, is among the common subjects where environmental elements are processed by artists. In this study, this art field, processed with different techniques by artists, has been examined in the light of Extended Reality technologies, and the contributions of the interactive features of the current technology to environmental art and art experiences have been examined.

Gender Inequality in the Field of Plastic Arts: A Quali-tative Analysis of the Film “Big Eyes”

Hasan SANKIR — 2026-03-30

As cultural and artistic works, films are closely related to the characteristics of the social environment in which they are produced. Films that increase the visibility of social structures and enable their critique reproduce culture and, through their visuals and narratives, reflect the production of social meanings and the power relations these meanings express.One of the phenomena targeted for sociological analysis through films is gender inequality. Films focused on the field of art, particularly biographical films about artists' lives, increase the visibility of characteristic structures in the social sphere, such as gender inequalities. This study examines the portrayal of gender-based structures in the art world in the film Big Eyes. In this regard, the aim of this study is to examine the male-dominated structure of the art field, how women's artistic labor is rendered invisible within this masculine structure, and how gender inequalities in the art field are represented in this context, using thematic qualitative content analysis. The study revealed that the sexist structure of the art world at the time was strikingly reflected in the film. It has been understood that masculine codes have become the mechanism of the art world, that the male gender is signified as the artist, that women's artistic labor and talent are ignored, that the art community is predominantly male, and that the art world therefore has a masculine character, with women confined to supporting roles in this field. It is possible to see that reflections of these and similar appearances in the field of art during that period have reached the present day through studies and discussions conducted in the field of art.

The Invisibility of Palestine in the Axis of Orientalism in Cinema: An Analysis Specific to the Munich Film

Metin KARABURUNMustafa GÜLSÜN — 2026-03-30
This study examines the invisibility of Palestine in international discourse, particularly in the field of cinema, by addressing the historical, political, and cultural contexts of the concepts of war, genocide, and Orientalism. While outlining the definitional framework of war and genocide, the study discusses the transformation of these concepts within social memory, international law, and power relations. The Palestinian issue is placed within this broad framework, and the region's centuries-long conflict dynamics are evaluated. The study reveals how the biased and selective approach of Western states and media institutions towards Palestine shapes global perception, drawing attention to the Orientalist structure of Western-centric discourse that constructs the East as “the other.” The cultural representational power of cinema is addressed as a separate focus in this context; it discusses how the association of the East with chaos, threat, and irrationality in cinematic productions limits the visibility of Palestine. The study was designed within the framework of a qualitative research approach and was examined with descriptive analysis technique. In addition, critical discourse analysis was used in the analytical part of the study to understand the discursive mechanisms that cause Palestine's invisibility. In light of all these conceptual and thematic assessments, the study concludes that the historical reality of Palestine has been largely pushed into the background in the international public sphere and cultural productions, while Israel-centered narratives have gained legitimacy. It shows that Western policymakers and mainstream media often use language that confines Palestine to the framework of a “security threat”. This language pushes the historical context of Palestine into the background and reduces the visibility of forced migration, occupation, land loss and genocidal practices that have left deep wounds in the social memory. In this context, the research points to the need to question representations of Palestine and reevaluate them from a critical perspective.

A Research Study on the Slow City Philosophy Approach: The Case of Çekerek District, Yozgat

Gülferah ÇORAPÇIOĞLU Ali BAKIR — 2026-03-30
The social dynamics that have developed as a result of rapid urbanization poli-cies are causing social, economic, and environmental problems. The slow city movement, emerging as a new way of life and settlement structure, aims for a calm and sustainable lifestyle in contrast to this rapid pace of life. Many cities participating in this movement prefer to stay away from the fast-paced lifestyle by developing their existing potential in line with this goal. The slow city philo-sophy emphasizes that each city should define and preserve its own traditional identity and lifestyle, thus enabling each city to take a step towards a sustainable future while maintaining its unique character. The slow city movement is gene-rally shaped around environmental, economic, and equality criteria. According to research, the movement has the potential to change and transform social dy-namics, and the suggestions, requests, and criticisms of the local population gain importance in the process. Accordingly, in the process of evaluating the potential of Çekerek district in Yozgat, which constitutes the sample of this research, to be-come a slow city, document analysis and fieldwork were first conducted, fol-lowed by interviews with competent individuals familiar with the district's po-tential and with the local population. The interview findings were evaluated to-gether with the existing values of the district, and the study was concluded. This article aims to draw attention to the slow city concept, create awareness about the contributions of sustainable living spaces to the social structure, and de-monstrate the power of the slow city movement to transform social dynamics, thereby evaluating the potential of the sample district to become a slow city.

A Semiotic Analysis of Sustainability and Green Marketing: The Case of Yves Rocher’s Bois de Sauge Perfume Advertisement

Meryem SALARSoner ZORKOL — 2026-03-30

Sustainability is understood as the protection and improvement of natural, economic and social resources in a way that meets present needs while also safeguarding the needs of future generations. This article examines how companies present the concept of sustainability in advertising messages aligned with green marketing and green branding strategies, and through which visual and verbal cues they convey this notion to target audiences. Within this scope, the study analyses in detail the Bois de Sauge perfume commercial of Yves Rocher – a brand operating in 88 countries and widely perceived as a sustainable “green” brand – starring Alp Navruz and released in Türkiye in 2024, accompanied by the hashtag “#doğanınsessizçağrısı,” through a semiotic analysis. The study examines the commercial through indicator–signifier–signified tables created from selected shots. It shows how natural images, such as forests, water, plants, and sunlight, together with the actor’s gestures and facial expressions, product positioning, and hashtag use, construct themes of ecological balance, conservation of natural resources, environmental responsibility, individual well-being, and brand image. The findings indicate that the commercial foregrounds sustainability mainly in its environmental dimension, builds a holistic narrative that equates the brand with nature, and positions the product as a symbolic marker of both personal care and ecological sensitivity. At the same time, the analysis suggests that the sustainability discourse occasionally remains superficial and moves toward the boundaries of greenwashing, while the male-centred storyline and “masculine nature” imagery create a gendered and potentially contentious representation. The study thus presents an illustrative case of how green advertising practices construct sustainability discourse, seeking to contribute conceptually and empirically to debates on sustainability-oriented communication strategies in marketing.

Concepts of Homeland, Nation, Flag and Turkishness in the Poems of Bayrak Ana, the Folk Poet from Sivas

Yasemin ALTUNOrhan Fatih KUŞDEMİR — 2026-03-30

The tradition of minstrelsy (âşıklık) constitutes one of the most significant fields of Turkish folk literature through which historical experience, cultural values, and collective identity are transmitted from generation to generation. Folk poets raised within this tradition have expressed not only individual emotions but also social and national values through poetic discourse. This study examines how the themes of flag, homeland, and nation are addressed in the poems of Bayrak Ana (Fatma Umar), a folk poet from Sivas, and how these themes are structured within her poetic language. The study is based on qualitative research methods, employing text analysis and thematic analysis approaches. Poems containing national themes, either directly or indirectly, were selected from Bayrak Ana’s published poetry books and analyzed in terms of content and contextual meaning. The findings reveal that the concept of homeland in Bayrak Ana’s poetry is not merely portrayed as a geographical space but is constructed as a sacred value sanctified through martyrdom and sacrifice. The concept of nation is presented as a collective entity shaped by a shared historical background, cultural continuity, and a common sense of destiny, rather than as a sum of individual identities. The flag, on the other hand, is idealized as a sacred symbol inseparably associated with homeland and nation. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that national identity is poetically reconstructed through references to Turkish history, epic narratives, and historical figures. As a female folk poet, Bayrak Ana’s consistent and conscious use of national themes positions her as a distinctive figure within contemporary minstrelsy tradition. In this respect, the study contributes to the limited body of research on Bayrak Ana and offers a new perspective on the role of female folk poets in the construction of national identity in Turkish folk poetry.

An Examination of Career Planning of School Administrators and Teachers Working in Special Education Schools: The Case of Northern Cyprus

Merve ÇAKIRSonay DERİCİOĞLU ,Meltem HAKSIZ ,Cahit NURİ — 2026-03-30

The main purpose of this research is to examine the thoughts of school administrators, teachers in charge and teachers in general, regarding career planning in state-affiliated special education schools in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The research group consists of one school administrator, two teachers in charge, and seventeen teachers working in special education institutions affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in the regions of Nicosia, Famagusta, and Kyrenia. The research employs a qualitative research model, specifically utilizing the case study design from qualitative research approaches. The researcher applies a semi-structured interview method consisting of nine questions developed for the study. The interview form, comprising these questions, serves as the data collection tool. Content analysis, a qualitative data analysis method, is employed in the research. The findings reveal that special education teachers have goals such as becoming responsible teachers and advancing in their careers. They aim to develop in their professions to assist children in need of special education in different areas. The study also notes that demographic characteristics do not significantly affect their careers, emphasizing the importance of service duration. Inadequacies in in-service training, the lack of a performance evaluation system, and the perception that factors like job security and health, human resources, and institutionalization are deemed insignificant are also identified.

Looking at Volunteerism and Non-Governmental Organizations Through The Eyes of Students in The Context of Social Studies Course

Meryem CENGİZÇağrı ÖZTÜRK DEMİRBAŞ — 2026-03-30

The sense of social commitment develops in individuals who make up the society, depending on cooperation, mutual aid and a common attitude in their relationships with each other. In order for social commitment to develop, there must behe sense of social commitment develops in individuals who make up the society, depending on cooperation, mutual aid and a common attitude in their relationships with each other. In order for social commitment to develop, there must be a social order in society. One of the he sense of social commitment develops in individuals who make up the society, depending on cooperation, mutual aid and a common attitude in their relationships with each other. In order for social commitment to develop, there must be a social order in society. One of the structures that contributed to the formation of this order is civil society organizations. The aim of the research was to determine the awareness of seventh grade students about civil society organizations and the concept of volunteering in the context of social studies. In the study, a qualitative approach was adopted and the situation study pattern was used as one of the patterns. The group from which data was collected in the research is the seventh grade students studying in Kırşehir. Typical case sampling was used in the selection of the sample for the research. In this context, a secondary school that represents a typical case was chosen from among the many. The data in the research was obtained using a semi-structured interview form. The analysis of the study was conducted with content analysis. The findings show that the participants generally associate civil society organizations with aid activitieshe data in the research was obtained using a semi-structured interview form. The analysis of the study was conducted with content analysis. The findings show that the participants generally associate civil society organizations with aid activities. Most of the participants stated that it is necessary to ensure active participation in non-governmental organizations. The participants emphasized volunteering more as willingly performed and helping without any financial reward. However, the results of the research show that volunteer activities provide a sense of charity in the individual and the most in terms of social perspective, they provide a sense of cooperation, unity and solidarity.

Examination of 8th Grade Students' Perceptions of New Generation Science Questions

Olgu ÇAKARGülen Önal KARAKOYUN ,Erol ASİLTÜRK — 2026-03-30
The aim of this study is to examine the perceptions of 8th-grade students regarding new generation science questions. The research was conducted with the participation of 601 students enrolled in the 8th grade in Siverek district of Şanlıurfa province during the 2024-2025 academic year. Data were collected using a personal information form and the "Perception Scale towards New Generation Science Questions". Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were applied for data analysis. As a result of the research, it was determined that the general perception levels of students regarding new generation science questions ranged from moderate to high. The highest average score was observed in the willingness dimension, and the lowest score was observed in the attitude dimension. It was determined that as the students' self-efficacy levels increased, their willingness and general perception levels also increased. It was found that male students had higher self-efficacy and general perception scores than female students. It was found that students with high academic achievement, living with their families, and whose parents had higher education and income levels had higher perceptions. While students found the questions useful, they evaluated them as difficult due to their length and complexity. Students with weak reading habits were found to have more difficulty understanding the questions. It was concluded that students are interested in new types of questions but struggle to solve them. Teacher guidance, short and clear activities, and support for reading and time management skills can help students develop positive attitudes towards these questions and gain more confidence.

Depiction of Legendary Forests: Saz Style

ATİLLA YUSUF TURGUTSelahattin Çağrı Görkem DİZDAR — 2026-03-30

The 16th century marked a distinct period in Ottoman art, characterized by the emergence of new styles. During this time, the artists brought to the palace by Yavuz Sultan Selim played a significant role in the development of the saz-style. It was a rich period in which new styles and schools emerged outside the classical understanding of art, influenced by different cultures, the social influences of the period, and the Uzbek and Iranian painters working in the Ottoman palace workshop. As can be understood from the records of the Ehl-i Hiref Hassa Organization established in the Ottoman palace, it is clear that, when looking at motifs, patterns, compositions, and examples, new explorations and different styles were being worked on alongside the classical Ottoman palace understanding. It can be said that the 16th century was a golden age for Ottoman arts, with the emergence of great artists, new styles and schools, which spread to all branches of art. The saz yolu style, led by Şah Kulu, was not only a new style but also an important style that influenced all branches of art. In Ottoman tezhip art, the saz yolu style first emerged and developed in the palace workshop headed by Şah Kulu, initially providing examples in tezhip and book arts. It was so beloved and embraced that it was later enthusiastically applied in many art fields such as ceramics, penwork, textiles, and carpets. The main focus of this study is to examine examples of the kalem-i siyahi style within the saz yol style, which is frequently encountered in Ottoman illumination art.

2024 Examination of the Questions in the Maarif Model 9th Grade RCM Books According to the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy

Yıldız ÖZBİLENAli KALLİ ,Asiye ACIROĞLU — 2026-03-30

This research aims to examine the cognitive levels of the questions in the updated 9th-grade Religious Culture and Ethics (DKAB) textbook within the framework of the Türkiye Century Education Model implemented in 2024, according to the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy. A total of 370 questions were analyzed in the study, which was conducted using the document analysis method.
The findings indicate that the questions are most concentrated in the "evaluating" and "understanding" levels. In contrast, the number of questions at the "analyzing" and especially "creating" levels was found to be quite limited. Given the nature of the Religious Culture and Ethics course, which is open to interpretation and personal opinion, the prevalence of "evaluating" questions—which assess students' value judgments and critical perspectives—can be interpreted as a probable reason for this distribution.
Looking at the overall distribution, it was observed that questions measuring lower-order cognitive skills (remembering, understanding, applying) constitute approximately 61% of the total. The proportion of questions involving higher-order skills (analyzing, evaluating, creating) was determined to be 39%. These percentages reveal that the majority of the textbook questions remain at a lower cognitive level.
In conclusion, this study suggests that there is not a complete alignment between the objectives of the Türkiye Century Education Model—which strongly emphasizes the development of higher-order skills such as critical and creative thinking—and the current distribution of questions in the textbook. The research recommends that, to achieve these goals more effectively, the cognitive levels of the questions should be rebalanced and revised to include more items at the analyzing and creating levels. This would more strongly encourage students to become individuals who actively process knowledge and draw new inferences, rather than passively receiving information.

The Relationship Between Teachers' Free Time Ma-nagement And Psychological Resilience

Mehmet Şakir SALARKadir PEPE ,Ali Dursun AYDIN ,Esen GÜNGÖZ ,Seval YALÇIN — 2026-03-30

Our study aimed to determine the relationship between teachers' free time management skills and psychological resilience levels, to reveal how these two variables influence each other, and to contribute to the relevant literature. Using a correlational screening model and a random sampling method, the study population consisted of teachers working in the Ministry of National Education in the Nazilli district of Aydın province during the 2024-2025 academic year. The sample consisted of teachers from various branches in kindergartens, primary schools, middle schools, and high schools in Nazilli and its surrounding villages. A total of 342 participants participated in the study: 191 (56.8%) male and 145 (43.2%) female. Survey forms were used in the study using Google Forms, and the data collection tools included a personal information form, the free time management scale developed by Wang et al. (2011), and the psychological resilience scale developed by Smith et al. (2008). Following the normality test for the obtained data, frequency and percentage calculations, linear regression analysis, and the Manova test were applied to analyze the descriptive data. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS 25.00 package program at a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of 0.05. According to the research findings, significant differences were found in the participants' leisure time management variables of marital status, administrative position, physical activity frequency, branch of study, activity preference, and age.Consequently, the research findings revealed that leisure time management skills and their sub-dimensions have a significant and positive relationship with psychological resilience. This relationship explains that as individuals increase their ability to plan, organize, and use their leisure time productively, their capacity to cope with the challenges they face and their psychological resilience also increase. Furthermore, the results indicate that both the leisure time management skills and psychological resilience levels of the participants were generally high, meaning that they were able to manage their time effectively and cope more effectively with stress, challenges, or unexpected situations.

An Examinatıon Of Meaning-Based Activities In 5th Grade Turkish Textbooks: An Analysis Within The Scope Of The 2024 Turkish Teaching Program

Abdullah GÜNEŞTuğrul Gökmen ŞAHİN — 2026-03-30
Understanding the world requires mastery of language and well-developed language skills. One way to ensure that individuals are successful across all language skills is to educate them as learners with strong comprehension-based abilities. For this purpose, Turkish language curricula are developed in Türkiye, and various activities aligned with this goal are included in textbooks, which constitute the primary instructional materials of the teaching–learning process. In this respect, the quality of textbooks, which are the main written resources of Turkish language education, is of great importance.The aim of this study is to examine the comprehension-based activities included in 5th-grade Turkish language textbooks in terms of various variables and to analyze these activities within the scope of the 2024 Turkish Language Curriculum, which was restructured in line with the Türkiye Century Maarif Model. The study adopts a qualitative research approach and employs a case study design. Document analysis was used as the data collection method, and the data were analyzed using the descriptive analysis technique. The study materials consist of the 5th-grade Turkish Language Textbooks (Books 1 and 2) prepared by the Ministry of National Education. Within the scope of the study, the reading and listening activities identified in the relevant sections of the textbooks were analyzed in terms of their distribution across themes and alignment with the learning outcomes specified in the curriculum. The findings revealed that the textbooks address the listening/viewing and reading outcomes included in the Turkish Language Curriculum developed within the framework of the Türkiye Century Maarif Model; however, it was also determined that improvements are needed in certain aspects of the presentation of these skill areas. It has been determined that this research holds an important place in revealing the state of reading and listening activities in 5th grade Turkish textbooks in middle schools.