What was your first job as a journalist?
Being a blogger
Have you ever used a typewriter?
yes
How is social media changing news?
Social media has become a primary news source for many, and thus have changed the dynamics of consumer's relationship with traditional media
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Ben Urich from Daredevil series
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a journalist - for me, it means to be the person who spreads the actual information and news to everyone without any fear.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I believe it might be the news about Turkish kids writing hashtag and trending it
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Keeping it short and simple. Provide as much as context and your reasoning on why this story is newsworthy. Build trust with the editor
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Microsoft Word, Google Photos (to archive essential visual evidences)
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram
Who do you wish followed you?
Turkish journalist Can Dundar and Bangladeshi journalist Abu Rushd
Why did you become a journalist?
To report the truth and to research in-depth, if necessary, to educate people
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
We didn't have a high school newspaper but had a magazine. I was a contributor there and wrote on various interesting educative topics.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I am proud of many of my articles, but I think my work on Turkish President Erdogan was the best one I ever did.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
"Be courageous, keep your dignity and do not fear to speak the truth. Truth is liberation"
When's the best time to pitch you?
If you mean pitching to me - then I will suggest that any time between Thursday to Saturday is the best time to pitch
What's the best pitch you ever got?
It was about an op-ed piece on why irrational hatred was provoking mobocracy in the country. It really caught my attention
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I don't think I got any pitch that's worst
What's your favorite drink?
Orange juice
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Reading books and research papers, journals. This is where I would be, gaining knowledge for my independent research works
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I do enjoy reading articles from The Intercept, The Diplomat and even International Policy Digest
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Some might believe I might twist words and misreport, which I don't. I strive hard to report the correct news and provide actual information
