RAN Newsletter 01/2024 “Heidelberg is a true university town – vibrant and lively”

When, how long and in what position did you stay at Heidelberg University?

I have been to Heidelberg University several times for research purposes. My initial visit was in 2017. At that time, I was working as a research assistant in the Department of Maritime Law and Insurance Law at Istanbul University Faculty of Law, and I had just started writing my doctoral thesis. Therefore, I was a visiting researcher at the Institute for Foreign and International Private and Commercial Law at Heidelberg University for a year to conduct my doctoral studies. Subsequently, in the summer of 2018, I returned to the same institute for three months to work on my doctoral thesis. After obtaining my doctoral degree from Istanbul University Faculty of Law in 2019, I began working towards my associate professorship. Hence, in the summers of 2019 and 2022, I came to the Institute for German and European Corporate and Business Law as a short-term visiting researcher to pursue my habilitation studies. Finally, between May and November 2023, I completed my habilitation studies once again at the same institute, again as a visiting researcher.

Why did you decide in favour of Heidelberg University?

My field of work, maritime and insurance law, is an internationally oriented field, but more importantly, a significant portion of regulations regarding maritime and insurance law in Turkish legislation spring from German law. Therefore, examining the literature related to German law is highly valuable for us, Turkish legal professionals. Hence, being able to access not only works written in German law but also comparative law literature was crucial for my doctoral and habilitation studies. Through my preliminary research, I discovered that the libraries at Heidelberg University are incredibly rich in this regard. Moreover, before my decision, I had repeatedly heard that the Law Faculty of Heidelberg University is among the leading institutions in this field. Therefore, my choice of Heidelberg University was not coincidental.

What do you like best about being in Heidelberg? What suggestions would you have for improvements?

Heidelberg is a true university town – vibrant and lively. Therefore, compared to many other cities in Europe, living here as a student and as a woman is quite easy, affordable, and most importantly, safe. I believe Heidelberg is definitely a flawless city. I hope it remains as calm and safe as it is.

How did your career continue after your (first) time in Heidelberg?

When I first arrived in Heidelberg in 2017, I had just begun my doctoral thesis, and I was a research assistant in the Department of Maritime Law at Istanbul University Faculty of Law. I completed my doctoral thesis as a result of my studies at Heidelberg University, the Institute for Foreign and International Private and Commercial Law. Later, I returned to Istanbul University and started working as an assistant professor in the same department. As of October 2023, I completed my associate professorship thesis through my studies at Heidelberg University once again and have recently applied for associate professorship. Currently, I continue working within Istanbul University- Faculty of Law, hoping to attain the associate professorship title soon.

What is your view of the German scientific system in comparison to that of your home country or to that of other countries where you may have conducted research?

When I compare within my field of study, unlike in Turkey, there are fewer law faculties and consequently fewer students studying at law faculties in Germany. Therefore, during my time in Germany, I observed that German academicians have more time for scientific research. As an example related to my field, there is a considerably larger number of scholarly works written in the field of law in Germany. It seems that German jurists have scrutinized almost every legal issue in this area, leaving no stone unturned, enabling them to closely follow current issues, which provides a tremendous wealth of knowledge.

In your opinion, what is the importance of international exchanges for researchers?

International exchange is an absolute necessity primarily from a scientific standpoint. When I consider it within my own field of study, German and Turkish law are closely interlinked. Therefore, for instance, examining the doctrines, legal frameworks, and court decisions in German law and conducting research at a law faculty in Germany seems almost mandatory. On the other hand, apart from this, I believe that especially for academics, getting to know different cultures is also incredibly important.

Do you recommend a research visit to Heidelberg University to your students or to colleagues in your scientific network?

Of course, I've already done that. Currently, based on my recommendation, I have students who, like me, came to Heidelberg University as researchers or are continuing their education in master's and doctoral programs here.

What is your opinion of the opportunities made available through the Research Alumni Network? Have you taken advantage of any of these opportunities yet? If yes, please elaborate.

I completed my doctoral and associate professorship theses utilizing the resources of your university. In fact, I became aware of Heidelberg University's Research Alumni Network only a short while ago. However, I can say this much: even if you're solely a researcher, if you've benefited from the facilities and resources of the university where you conducted your scientific studies, a connection forms. I believe that the Alumni Network is quite valuable, even solely for ensuring the continuation of this connection.