Rana Özçelik
Could you introduce yourself to us?
My name is Rana, I’m 19 years old. I have been in Sweden for about six years. Currently, I am in my final year of high school.
How did you start writing?
When I was little, we used to have a designated reading hour at home, and I would always see my parents reading books. I would join them, even though I didn’t understand much at that time, and read magazines or books with them. I enjoyed reading the writings, and the more I read, the more I aspired to write. I have had an interest in writing since a young age.
In elementary school, I would try to write stories on my own. In middle school, I started writing compositions on different topics. When my father read what I wrote, he would say, “My daughter will become a writer.” I also set that as a goal for myself.
I am someone who loves doing research on various topics, so over time, I started writing research articles.
Would you mind sharing your experience with the Young Çağlayan?
I got to know the Young Çağlayan in 2021 through an acquaintance. After attending some talks for a while, I joined a writing workshop. I benefited a lot from the workshop. This experience helped me develop myself in the field of writing. After the workshop, I wrote and submitted my work, and my first piece was published in this way. Afterwards, I continued writing as much as I could.
What are your sources of inspiration?
When I write my articles, I usually draw inspiration from the books and magazines I read. The writings in the Çağlayan and the Young Çağlayan magazines, in particular, serve as a great source of inspiration for me.
How would you describe the Young Çağlayan in three words?
Expressing a lot with a few words is a skill reserved for masters. If you’d like, I can write an article to describe the Young Çağlayan for you, but I’m not skilled enough to do it in just three words.
What activities have you been involved in at the Young Çağlayan?
I was involved in the social media activities at the Young Çağlayan for a period of time. In addition to that, I contributed to the digitalization and archiving of the Sızıntı, Yeni Ümit, and Yağmur magazines.
Do you have a message for our readers?
To make the most of the challenging period we are currently going through and to savor the moment, I recommend that they travel among various types of writings in all fields in order to live in the present and experience it fully.
(February 6, 2023)
Bilal Uygur
Could you introduce yourself to us?
My name is Bilal Uygur, I’m 22 years old, and I’m currently studying Educational Sciences in Berlin. Most of my days are filled with the busyness of university life. Whenever I have the opportunity, I engage with books, games, TV shows, and anime. Oh, and I have a love for football, too. 😊
How did you start writing?
I wasn’t someone who was particularly curious about writing initially. Even reading books felt challenging for me. However, as I developed the habit of reading books, my perspective on many things began to change. With my father being a writer for magazines, I also became interested in writing. With his encouragement and support, I started writing.
Would you mind sharing your experience with the Young Çağlayan?
I got to know the Young Çağlayan through my father. He was aware of the formation of the Young Çağlayan team and asked if I wanted to join. So, I joined the magazine team with almost no experience.
What are your sources of inspiration?
My biggest sources of inspiration are books, I guess it wouldn’t be wrong to say so. It’s always enjoyable to research topics that I have read and been deeply influenced by or admired. Of course, the authors of those books are equally fascinating. Besides that, I can list the games I play, the anime and movies I watch, and the experiences I gain in life as sources of inspiration. So, I can’t really say that there is something exceptionally special from which I draw inspiration.
How would you describe the Young Çağlayan in three words?
Exciting, energetic, mature.
What activities have you been involved in at the Young Çağlayan?
I assisted in the social media team for a while, contributing to the posts. Currently, I’m trying to support by writing only.
(February 4, 2023)
Tuğba Özkan
Could you introduce yourself to us?
My name is Tuğba, and I live in Germany. I am a graduate of the teaching department. I have had an interest in reading and writing since a young age. Maybe that’s why I chose to become a teacher. Thankfully, this interest still continues.
How did you start writing?
Like many others, I started writing encouraged by my teachers. I would participate in school competitions and be part of the writing team for special occasions. I loved keeping a diary and writing poetry. I had written quite a lot. Of course, when I look at those writings now, I find them childish and funny, but they are also very precious to me. I also believe that reading a lot of books has influenced my passion for writing. Certain lines in books are very valuable to me, and I underline them immediately. I used to have a notebook dedicated to that purpose. Sometimes I am afraid that this desire, this love, will disappear. Because reading and writing are fundamental needs for me. They are something that brings me closer to myself, truth, my imagination, and freedom.
What are your sources of inspiration?
Sometimes it was the lines in that notebook I mentioned earlier that motivated me to write. Other times it was the events, sorrows, and longings I witnessed in life. It seems that the pen is drawn towards whichever emotion I am experiencing. At least, that’s how it is for me, I think. And then there are calm and melancholic background music. 😊 Sometimes, with those melodies, I get overwhelmed by such emotions that what pours out of my eyes accompanies what flows from my pen.
How would you describe the Young Çağlayan in three words?
Unity, volunteerism, and enthusiasm. During my time here, I have felt and witnessed these emotions a lot. The articles are read together, evaluated together, programs are organized, and the supportive atmosphere generated by the volunteers motivates those who want to write. You are not alone. Moreover, all of this is done voluntarily. You can also fulfill your spiritual needs through the unity in this environment. May God bless those who contribute to the Young Çağlayan.
Do you have a message for our readers?
I have often heard from my elders, “Write everything. Writing is like therapy. It is good for a person, it makes you feel relieved.” Maybe in previous years, I didn’t think much about this aspect of writing. I used to look at things more from a literary perspective. However, over time, I started to feel this truth. For example, I find it very difficult to write about things I struggle with psychologically or want to forget. Sometimes, a person can’t express their feelings verbally, and I feel the same way, so I avoid it. This shows me the connection between psychology and writing. Therefore, inspired by my elders, what I would say is, “Write everything, young people.” 😊Don’t think, “I can’t produce a literary masterpiece!” Let literary works not emerge, but let the activity you engage in be beneficial to you. I’m sure everyone has experienced certain trials and found solutions. This may be the best way to understand and communicate them. Don’t keep them personal. Write, pour your heart out. If you consider it too personal, that’s perfectly okay, but ultimately, it can be quite liberating. That could be my humble advice. Also, an elder once told me, “If individuals who undergo this phase do not write based on their own experiences, there is a risk that our children might end up reading accounts written by others, accounts that are not truthful.” That had a great impact on me. Let’s write the truth, let’s write the beauty granted during this period. Let’s write in a way that prevents others from distorting our experiences.
If God wills, I also have such a thought. My daughter is still very young, and she won’t remember what she experienced when she grows up. That’s why I’m trying to keep a diary for her.
I might have rambled a bit, but when someone’s writing is published somewhere, it boosts their enthusiasm even more. Perhaps friends will submit their work to the Young Çağlayan, and if the editorial team deems it suitable, the articles will be published. This way, the journey can continue. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
(February 4, 2023)
Serhat İlhan
Could you introduce yourself to us?
Hello, I’m Serhat. I’m 25 years old and I’ve been living in France for a year and a half. I improved my language skills here and applied to universities to continue my education. I’m currently waiting for a response.
How did you start writing?
Although I wouldn’t classify myself as a writer, I started writing during my high school years. After reading books in our school’s extensive library, I realized that there were storms brewing inside me, and I found solace in writing. I attempted to write a 40-page science fiction story. The positive reactions from my friends greatly motivated me. Then, I tried writing poems. Recently, I wrote pieces titled “Letters from the Baby Prison Veteran, Part 1 and 2.”
What are your sources of inspiration?
My source of inspiration is the thought of being beneficial to people. I wanted to adopt the saying of our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, “The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind.” In this era where words fly away but writing remains, I believed that writing was the most correct method and started writing. I told myself the following: You are responsible for the journey, not just the victory. Being on this journey, continuing on this path, is my greatest hope.
How would you describe the Young Çağlayan in three words?
I can describe the Young Çağlayan with the words wisdom, Knowledge of God, and Love of God.
Do you have a message for your readers?
I recommend our readers not only to read the articles but also to spread them among their surroundings, to ignite other hearts with this flowing fountain, and ultimately, to reflect their own enthusiasm in the magazine.
(February 14, 2023)
Hacer Çalı
Could you introduce yourself to us?
I am Hacer Çalı. I am 35 years old, married, and a mother of one child. I am a history teacher. We have been living abroad for about seven years. I am a homemaker.
How did you start writing?
Writing is a necessity for me. I express my emotions through writing and find relief in it. I have loved books since the first grade of elementary school. My father was a role model for me. He always had Necip Fazıl Kısakürek’s book Çile and a crossword dictionary in his hand. My father’s library was very intriguing to me. I would stay up all night reading and finishing books. I would make a list of the books I read. In high school, I developed a desire to write as I read more. I have written acrostics and poems. During my university years, book fairs became my favorite events. I loved having signed books. I started building my own library. I didn’t want to give away my books to anyone. Unfortunately, when I went abroad, I had to leave my library behind, and I was very saddened. Exile and longing encouraged me to write even more. I expressed my sorrow over the events happening in Turkey through writing. I shared a few short writings on my Instagram account. Later on, I established contact with the Çağlayan team in Romania through an occasion. I participated in one of the Young Çağlayan’s activities with the writing workshop. I am very happy. I am not a writer. I am someone who tries to write. Unfortunately, for the past few years, I haven’t been reading books as regularly as before. It becomes a bit difficult for inspiration to come when I don’t read. I wish I could write every month. Hopefully, one day it will be granted.
What are your sources of inspiration?
My sources of inspiration are primarily my father, then the books I read, events happening around me, and the nature, which is God’s artwork.
How would you describe the Young Çağlayan in three words?
For me, the Young Çağlayan can be described with these three words: hope, action, and sincerity.
Do you have a message for your readers?
As a reader, my initial message is directed towards myself: to remain loyal, demonstrate respect for the hard work put into it, and read every page of the Young Çağlayan diligently every month. Additionally, I aim to follow our magazine on social media, show my support by liking and commenting on posts. May our magazine continue for many years, may its activities increase exponentially, God willing. I hope that many brave, hardworking, and energetic new faces join us. I love our magazine very much. Thank you all.
(February 27, 2023)