I am currently preparing an academic article that further explores the intersection of Luhmann’s theory and translation practices centered on my PhD research. This article explores the complex role of translation in shaping social identities and their representations locally and globally. The paper focusses on the following research question: How translated works reframed the reception of Turkish identity in Europe, focusing on the power dynamics between translation, identity politics, and cultural exchange? Specifically, it examines paratextual elements of Snow by Orhan Pamuk and The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Şafak in French and British media, assessing their impact on Turkish identity representation. The study poses critical questions about the narratives presented by these media and the broader implications of how these literary works are perceived beyond their aesthetic value.

 

Building on my previous work, my near-future research will focus on enhancing the integration of sociological approaches to Translation Studies while broadening its scope to encompass different practices of translation.

 

The first draft of my upcoming book, Translation in and from Türkiye: Multimediality from a Social Systemic Perspective, co-authored with Associate Professor Hilal Erkazancı Durmuş, is scheduled for submission in September 2026. The book examines translation from the Ottoman Tanzimat era to the present by investigating how translation has enabled Türkiye’s cultural and social evolution domestically and internationally. Through case studies in literary, audiovisual translation, and news media, the book highlights translation’s dual role in fostering societal transformation while filtering external influences to align with Türkiye’s own identity. Literary translation is emphasized, showcasing its impact during Türkiye’s nation-building and recent initiatives like the TEDA Project, which supports translations of Turkish literature globally. The book also analyzes news translation’s effect on public perception, revealing ideological framing in Turkish media, as seen in the contrasting narratives of the same topic in Turkish and English versions from the same agency. Additionally, it discusses the global distribution of Turkish soap operas as a form of soft power that enhances Türkiye’s cultural diplomacy. By integrating these case studies, the book will provide a framework for understanding translation’s role in Türkiye’s cultural dynamics, enriching Translation Studies and highlighting the interplay between culture, media, and society.