The first female captain of Lake Van

Yıldız Özdemir, who was introduced to the maritime industry 5 years ago while supporting her father-in-law, who had entered the fishing sector, decided to take her interest in the industry to a professional level. After completing all the necessary maritime certifications, Özdemir purchased her own tour boat with the support of her family and took the captain's seat. In addition to her captaincy responsibilities, Özdemir continues her academic life, pursuing her studies in the Department of International Relations at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. Successfully balancing both her maternal responsibilities and her duties as a captain, Özdemir contributes to regional tourism by transporting domestic and foreign tourists against the backdrop of Lake Van's unique scenery.

"I have loved the sea and nature since my childhood"

The first female captain of Lake Van, Yıldız Özdemir, stated that she turned to this sector after her father-in-law continued his fishing profession following his retirement. Expressing that she eventually focused on the tour boat aspect of the business, Captain Özdemir said, "I have loved the sea, nature, traveling, and communicating with people since my childhood. Of course, there are many difficulties, but I believe I have overcome these challenges; because the greatest difficulty in this job is people's search for trust.

People are always looking for solid support, a shoulder to lean on. I believe I have achieved success on this path, especially with the support I received from my family. Now, thank God, everyone trusts me; I am able to continue this work comfortably thanks to the trust I provide to my guests, both in terms of life safety and the sense of responsibility I have undertaken in my work," she said.

Stating that both female and male passengers prefer her, Özdemir added, "For example, I had an organization today; a male guest specifically wanted to work with me for a marriage proposal event. He trusted me in that regard as well. Of course, women also specifically request my presence for bay tours," she said.

"There are no other female captains on Lake Van"

Stating that she aims to be an example to other women in the region with her determination, Özdemir continued her words as follows:

"As far as I know, I have been working for a long time and I have never encountered another female captain. To my knowledge, there is no other female captain working actively; there might be interns, but there is no one currently on active duty. The most important message I would give to women is that they should never give up. What matters is not the choice of profession, but rather that whatever work they do, they perform it in the most efficient way possible, with a sense of responsibility, awareness, strength, and energy, while considering their own circumstances. When they achieve this, success will inevitably follow, regardless of the job."