Hello, sensitive souls of ArtTmodernmiami,
So… how are you? Summer is here. Are you soaking in the sea, sun, beaches, and vacation vibes? Alternatively, are you, like some, stuck in the city?
Whichever way it is for you, it’s all part of our life journey. Everything comes and goes—nothing stays the same. Life is made up of fleeting moments, and nothing is permanent. So let’s go with the flow. Believe me, it’s easier that way.
Last month, I launched the series “The Journey to Self: One-Way Ticket!” Some of you may have read Part 1, and even if you haven’t, I’m sure that after reading Part 2, you’ll find yourself wondering who was featured in the first part and what their answers were.
For some, migration is a beginning; for others, it’s an endless farewell. These individuals, who found ways to hold on to life in America, didn’t just bring suitcases—they carried the weight of an entire culture. Their passports may have changed, but the warmth in their voice, as they ask, “Would you like something to drink?” has not. These stories remind us of one truth: wherever you go, you live with the place you carry inside. In addition, sometimes, those live in-between who learn how to make both places feel like home.
In this second part of my article—filled with a little drama, a little longing, a bit of humor, and a whole lot of truth—you’ll feel the sincerity of these unsung heroes of migration through the questions I’ve prepared.
Enjoy the read.
EMRE BAŞER / Multimedia Artist
instagram : @mr.emre.b
Kamil Çakır: “If you could describe your life in America with a Turkish dish and your life in Turkey with an American dish, which would you choose? Why?”
Emre Baser: Mantı. It’s hard to make, but you could eat it every day.
It’s hard to define “American” food because there really isn’t an American cuisine. Whatever I name will come from another culture—even the hamburger. J
Kamil Çakır: “Do you have a skill or habit you learned in Turkey that turned you into a ‘survival expert’ in America?”
Emre Baser: This will sound like a cliché, but “practical intelligence.” The ability to approach problems from different angles. Also, the education and culture of the old Turkey. When I moved to America in 1999, I realized I had more knowledge than the average educated American.
Kamil Çakır: “What was the ‘invisible rule’ that challenged you most when you first moved to America? Looking back, what invisible rules in Turkey make you laugh today?”
Emre Baser: Personal space. It wasn’t too difficult to adapt, but in Turkey we’re used to living shoulder to shoulder. In the U.S., I realized how uncomfortable that could be. Keeping your distance while waiting in line or stepping back a bit during a conversation is now second nature to me. The neighborhood pressure in Turkey, though—tragically funny.
Kamil Çakır: “One day in America, you suddenly smelled a familiar scent from Turkey. What did you feel in that moment? What did it remind you of?”
Emre Baser: The smell of linden trees. Since linden tea isn’t commonly consumed here, the blooming trees in the parks and streets around early June really caught my attention. The scent immediately transported me back to Istanbul.
Kamil Çakır: “Was there a moment when you said to yourself, ‘I think I belong here now’? And is there still a part of you that says, ‘But this part of me remains in Turkey’?”
Emre Baser: You never fully belong to just one place. The parts of both countries you love continue to live within you. However, I think when I bought my own house, I thought, “Okay, I guess I’m from here now.”
Kamil Çakır: “If you could give advice to your past self in Turkey, from your perspective in America, what would it be?”
Emre Baser: Invest in yourself. Learn other languages. Eat healthy. Spend time with your family.
Kamil Çakır: “Can you remember a moment that felt completely ordinary in Turkey but like a ‘revolution’ in America?”
Emre Baser: Paid public toilets. J I think I’ve only seen them in 2–3 places in the U.S.
Kamil Çakır: “If you lived in Turkey today, which aspect of life would be harder? Which would be sweeter?”
Emre Baser: After living in America for so long, you unconsciously adapt to a rules-based lifestyle. I think readjusting to Turkey’s chaotic rhythm would be challenging.
For some reason, Turkey now reminds me of vacation. The sweet part would be spending time with my loved ones.
Kamil Çakır: “When did you first realize you were Turkish in America, and what reaction did you get? If that moment were in a sitcom, what would the episode title be?”
Emre Baser: I lived in Memphis, TN, for my first 10 years. People didn’t immediately realize I was Turkish, but it was clear we were foreigners. Even though I grew up in England and always spoke English, ordering food without a Southern accent made things awkward.
Episode title: “How I Couldn’t Order My Burger.”
Kamil Çakır: “Was there ever a moment when you felt like you didn’t belong anywhere—not in Turkey or America? How did you fill that void?”
Emre Baser: I’ve been feeling that a lot lately. Turkey is no longer the country I left 25 years ago. Moreover, America is no longer what I first saw either. Neither country has gotten better. I fill the void with dreams of dipping my feet into the sea in a Mediterranean country.
Kamil Çakır: “If you woke up one morning and had forgotten everything about your past, would America or Turkey help you remember who you are?”
Emre Baser: I’ve spent almost equal years in both countries, but my childhood and teenage memories are rooted in Turkey. I think they would be the ones to bring me back to myself.
BENNU GEREDE / Multidisciplinary Artist
instagram : @bennugerede
Kamil Çakır: “If you could describe your life in America with a Turkish dish and your life in Turkey with an American dish, which would you choose? Why?”
Bennu Gerede: If I were to describe my life in America with a Turkish dish, it would be kuru fasulye ve pilav (dried beans and rice). Because my life here is just like that dish—simple yet full, nourishing, and soul satisfying.
If I were to describe my life in Turkey with an American dish, it would definitely be The Widowmaker. Every time I go back to Turkey, I indulge in my pleasures: there is joy, moments that are a little too sweet, and a wild but delicious rhythm.
Kamil Çakır: “Do you have a skill or habit that you learned in Turkey that has turned you into a ‘survival expert’ in the US?”
Bennu Gerede: I learned how to handle drama in Turkey, but I mastered it in the U.S.—to the point that I even canceled my own reality show.
Kamil Çakır: “What was the ‘invisible rule’ that challenged you the most when you first moved to America? Looking back now, which invisible rules in Turkey make you laugh?”
Bennu Gerede: When I was 16, traffic rules in Turkey barely existed. However, in America, there is civilization—and that civility knocked me down three times in the driving test!
Kamil Çakır: “One day in America, you suddenly smelled a familiar scent from Turkey. What did you feel in that moment? What did it remind you of?”
Bennu Gerede: None. L
Kamil Çakır: “Was there a moment when you said to yourself, ‘I think I belong here now’? Do you still have a part of you that says, ‘but this part of me stayed in Turkey’?”
Bennu Gerede: There has never been a moment where I thought, “I think I belong here now.” In addition, I don’t think I left a part of myself in Turkey—if I had, they probably would’ve torn me apart. I don’t truly belong anywhere. I adapt anywhere, anytime. I carve out my own path.
Kamil Çakır: “If you were to compare the ‘you’ in America to the ‘you’ in Turkey, what advice would you give her?”
Bennu Gerede: The me in America would tell the me in Turkey:
“Drama? Let it go. The real power here is staying calm.”
Kamil Çakır: “Do you remember a moment that was ordinary in Turkey but felt like a ‘revolution’ in America?”
Bennu Gerede: There aren’t many ordinary moments in Turkey. J
Kamil Çakır: “If you lived in Turkey today, which aspect of life would be more difficult? Which would be sweeter?”
Bennu Gerede: If I lived in Turkey today, the hardest part would definitely be being outspoken, fearless, and brave. Turkey is no place for the free-spirited. Every step you take is scrutinized; every move interpreted.
The sweet side? The sincerity of the people in Anatolia… and the fact that I can still connect heart-to-heart.
Kamil Çakır: “When did you first realize you were Turkish in America, and what kind of reaction did you get? If that moment were a sitcom episode, what would it be called?”
Bennu Gerede: The first time anyone realized I was Turkish in America was in middle school. They made fun of me by gobbling—literally imitating a turkey.
If it were a sitcom episode, it would definitely be called: “The Turkish Delight” – it sounds sweet, but there’s a crack underneath.
Kamil Çakır: “Was there ever a moment when you didn’t feel like you belonged in either country? How did you fill that void?”
Bennu Gerede: I am an alien J Moreover, I feel like I belong everywhere. In every country I’ve lived in, I’ve lived like a local.
Kamil Çakır: “If you woke up one morning and had forgotten all your past, would America or Turkey remind you who you are again?”
Bennu Gerede: Turkey would slap me. America would caress me.
TUĞBA YAZICI / Artist/ Producer
instagram : @tugbayaziciofficial
Kamil Çakır: “If you could describe your life in America with a Turkish dish, and your life in Turkey with an American dish, which would you choose? Why?”
Tugba Yazici: I would compare my life in America to a Thanksgiving table, because I’m full of gratitude. Nevertheless, if I had to pick a Turkish dish, I’d say Aşure—because it contains everything J It’s rich, interesting, sweet, and essential.
I used to compare my life in Turkey to Fettuccine Alfredo—not exactly an “official” American dish (since immigrant cuisines dominate food culture), but still widely known. While it seems like just a basic pasta, once that rich Alfredo sauce is added, it becomes incredibly tasty—but there’s a price to pay when you get up from the table J
(Spoiler: those calories… or let’s say, the heavy responsibilities imposed on you.)
Kamil Çakır: “Do you have a skill or habit you learned in Turkey that turned you into a ‘survival expert’ in the U.S. ?”
Tugba Yazici: Absolutely! Growing up in Istanbul’s traffic raised me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I realized this the moment I moved to the U.S. For me, there’s no such thing as “long distance,” “exhaustion,” or “traffic.” If I want something, I hit the road. I take with me whatever will make the journey enjoyable—and I go get it. Everything I learn, I turn into a philosophy. That way, life stays fun and I don’t get discouraged when facing challenges. Moreover, believe me; I’ve met many people who haven’t mastered this mindset.
Kamil Çakır: “What was the ‘invisible rule’ that challenged you most when you first moved to America? Looking back now, which invisible rules in Turkey make you laugh?”
Tugba Yazici: I’d been to America many times before—both for my exhibitions and as a traveler. It was always like a dream. However, traveling and moving are very different experiences. The invisible rule in America? “We don’t care who you used to be, what you did, or where you came from. What matters is what you’ll do here, what you’ll bring to us.” When I first heard this, I wasn’t offended—but I did spend a while sitting with a sense of “nothingness.” Then I reinvented myself. In addition, if success means adapting and reaching a sense of satisfaction, then I believe I’ve succeeded.
As for Turkey’s invisible rules that make me laugh? Just thinking about them makes me smile Every country has its own dynamic. Ours is mathematical: purely emotional equations apply! Nevertheless, I won’t get into that here, because as they say: “What happens on the Green Road stays on the Green Road.” I’m exercising my right to remain silent. J
Kamil Çakır: “One day in America, you suddenly smelled a familiar scent from Turkey. What did you feel in that moment? What did it remind you of?”
Tugba Yazici: Believe me—even the smell of the earth after rain doesn’t smell the same here. However, I don’t try to chase that feeling in my new life. If I miss it, I go find it. It’s that simple.
That’s how I stay present.
Kamil Çakır: “Was there a moment when you said to yourself, ‘I think I belong here now’? And is there still a part of you that says, ‘But this part of me is still in Turkey’?”
Tugba Yazici: Sometimes I feel it, depending on the moment. Nevertheless, it’s not something I can really put into words here.
Kamil Çakır: “If you were to compare the you in America to the you in Turkey, what advice would you give her?”
Tugba Yazici: “You’re young and beautiful, darling—but you don’t need to be so tough.” Because no matter how much you explain yourself, you’re limited to how much the other person can understand.
Kamil Çakır: “Do you remember a moment that was ordinary in Turkey but felt like a ‘revolution’ in America?”
Tugba Yazici: Getting a weekly manicure and pedicure, or finding a decent blow-dry salon—everything about the beauty services industry!
Kamil Çakır: “If you lived in Turkey today, which aspect of your life would be more difficult? Which would be sweeter?”
Tugba Yazici: If I were living in Turkey now, I definitely wouldn’t be the same person I am today. However, I’m sure I’d still be successful in my field.
After all, I came to America with a green card as an “extraordinarily talented artist.” Since then, in addition to painting and fashion, writing entered my life. I’ve continued to exhibit internationally, ventured into filmmaking, and was even selected as one of the “Inspirational Women of the Year” in the UK, in the field of culture. That’s a gift of this new life—and I’m full of gratitude for it.
Kamil Çakır: “When did you first realize you were Turkish in America, and how did people react? If it were a sitcom, what would the episode title be?”
Tugba Yazici: There’s a 10-year gap between my first visit to the U.S. and when I officially moved here. Time flies! In all that time, I’ve hardly met anyone who hasn’t been to Turkey.
Almost everyone has visited, and they love Turkey and Turks. Honestly, that makes me really happy!
Turkish TV series have played a huge role in that perception—Halit Ergenç in Magnificent Century, Burak Özçivit and Kaan Urgancıoğlu in Kara Sevda! In addition, of course, Tarkan with his song Şımarık (Spoiled)… When you mix all of that with Turkish food, art, and the energy I bring to every conversation, a lovely synergy always emerges.
If it were a sitcom, I’d say it would feel like “Avrupa Yakası”—because that’s the vibe it gives me: totally fun and enjoyable. Burhan Altıntop’s line: “Ben Nişantaşı çocuğuyum!” and that whole scene… iconic. J
Kamil Çakır: “Was there a time when you felt like you didn’t belong in either country? How did you fill that void?”
Tugba Yazici: The situation of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. reminded me of the crew on Davy Jones’ ship in Pirates of the Caribbean. People stuck in limbo—clinging by their ears and limbs—going through immense transformation. Maybe going back isn’t even an option for them. We don’t always know where they came from or what they escaped. However, I choose to focus on what brings joy.
There are millions of people in America standing up for immigrant and democratic rights—and that gives me hope. I’ve always leaned on my art and faith in God. I worked like crazy—without overthinking—and I produced. There was no emptiness. Not even space for emptiness.
I once saw graffiti in the South of France that said; “Time passes, pain fades, the work remains.”
In Turkey, there were things that made me feel like I didn’t belong. Therefore, I took action—chose to seek a better world: one that was loyal, appreciative, and fair. Moreover, here I am today. When I look back, it’s like being with the wrong person in a past relationship. You feel sad, and think, “He deserved the consequences of his choices.” However, for the sake of the good times, you still want it to turn out okay.
Kamil Çakır: “If you woke up one morning and had forgotten all your past, would America or Turkey remind you who you are?”
Tugba Yazici: That’s a very tough question—and I honestly don’t know the answer. Maybe I’d start speaking Spanish J Because we don’t know what’s hidden in our subconscious. Moreover, I believe in reincarnation.
DENİZ EYÜPOĞLU / Artist – Designer
instagram : @denizeyupoglu.art
Kamil Çakır: “If you could describe your life in America with a Turkish dish and your life in Turkey with an American dish, which would you choose? Why?”
Deniz Eyupoglu: My life in America is like aşure: it contains ingredients from different cultures, ideas, and habits. It’s a mixture that makes you think, “Beans and dessert?” at first glance, but once you taste it, it makes sense—just like the diversity that coexists here (in New York) without judgment.
I’d describe my life in Turkey as a burger: a layered past—my childhood, my youth, my university years, my first apartment in Cihangir, my first job. Each layer—tomato, pickle, and sauce—symbolizes a different era. Only when they’re all together do they become meaningful and satisfying.
Kamil Çakır: “Do you have a skill or habit you learned in Turkey that turned you into a ‘survival expert’ in the U.S. ?”
Deniz Eyupoglu: In Turkey, I grew up with the mindset of “If you don’t have the money, don’t buy it.” The discipline of living without credit card debt gave me a huge advantage here. In America, your credit score is everything—even for renting a home or getting a phone plan. Living debt-free not only gave me a great credit score but also allowed me to live with my head held high.
Another important habit I gained from my years as a basketball player is knowing that I can’t do everything alone—and recognizing the value of being part of a strong team.
Kamil Çakır: “One day in America, you suddenly smelled a familiar scent from Turkey. What were your feelings in that moment? What did you remember?”
Deniz Eyupoglu: Scent usually evokes food memories, but this really depends on which state you live in. In New York, we create our own experience. If we want to remember or taste Turkey, we just head in that direction—there’s an incredibly large Turkish community here.
Therefore, when I smell something familiar, it’s rarely about food cravings. Maybe lemon cologne reminds me of visiting Turkey. It’s not about the food or a sudden trigger—it’s more about memories and the overall atmosphere I miss.
Kamil Çakır: “What was the moment when you said, ‘I think I belong here now’? And is there still a part of you that says, ‘But this part of me is still in Turkey’?”
Deniz Eyupoglu: After returning from a vacation in Turkey, I noticed I didn’t understand some jokes my friends were making. There were moments when I said, “Can you make a full sentence, please?” Some inside jokes became unfamiliar. However, the same thing happens here—I also miss some American references. So a part of me is always somewhere in between.
Kamil Çakır: “If you were to compare your American self with your Turkish self, what advice would you give her?”
Deniz Eyupoglu: “Set goals, but stay flexible. Not everything will go as planned—and that’s okay.” In addition: “You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. Just create, show up, and share.”
Kamil Çakır: “Do you remember a moment that was ordinary in Turkey but felt like a ‘revolution’ in America?”
Deniz Eyupoglu: Taking your shoes off before entering someone’s home—it’s almost a revolution here. People are surprised when you do it. In Turkey, it’s just normal. Moreover, salty yogurt! Yogurt is always sweet here, so when you put cucumber in it, people are shocked.
Kamil Çakır: “If you lived in Turkey today, what aspect of life would be more difficult? What would be sweeter?”
Deniz Eyupoglu: I’d struggle with Istanbul traffic, the general impatience, and how everyone constantly mixes into each other’s business. Nevertheless, being close to family, spontaneous hangouts, and finding warmth on every street corner would be incredibly sweet. So often, what’s difficult and what’s sweet is the same: closeness.
Kamil Çakır: “When did you first realize you were ‘Turkish in America’ and how did people react? If that moment were a sitcom, what would the episode be called?”
Deniz Eyupoglu: From the moment I was introduced, it would always start with, “This is Deniz, and she’s from Turkey.” I was never given the chance to let people guess! Then came the classic reactions: “Oh, I want to go to Cappadocia too,” or “I love Turkish food!”
If it were a sitcom, it would definitely be New Girl, and the episode would be called: “Take Me to Turkey.”
Kamil Çakır: “Was there a time when you felt like you didn’t belong in either country? How did you fill that void?”
Deniz Eyupoglu: Yes, many times. In America, you need to be legally accepted before you truly feel like you “belong.” However, it helps to realize that everyone here is foreign in some way and going through similar things.
In Turkey, I sometimes feel out of place when I can’t find the right word or don’t catch the implied meanings. Nevertheless, once you understand that it’s normal—not a big deal—there’s no longer a void to fill.
Kamil Çakır: “If you woke up one morning and forgot all your past, would America or Turkey remind you who you are?”
Deniz Eyupoglu: Both. I’d want to keep the best of both lives and leave the rest behind. America would remind me who I want to become. Turkey would remind me who I am. In addition, by bringing the two together, I could rebuild myself.
Kamil Çakir
Artist – Designer
