The fire of philosophy is stoked in Ankara

In an age where attention is stolen, and reading, debating... in short, almost every activity exceeding 2-3 minutes has become an antique, I had a strange experience in Ankara. 

I had grown weary of students' lack of focus. However, two developments gave me hope.

The first is the Cinema and Philosophy course I teach at a foundation university in Ankara. Do not let the name mislead you. Our subject is not essentially cinema. It is a course opened as an introduction to philosophy. However, since I was certain that students would have difficulty reading philosophy, we cover philosophical concepts through films. I must confess that the students give me hope from time to time. Interesting comments, good questions... It makes one dream. Still, I am cautious... I fear disappointment. 

The second is altogether strange. We have gained friends of philosophy from various professions and various ages. A strange community of people curious about philosophy, and in a real sense, about truth and wisdom. We came together at Origon Atölye in Beytepe, Ankara. The novelty here is that I discovered them late. Indeed, they have been sailing in philosophical waters for some time. On the occasion of this event, I was able to deepen our philosophical conversations with my friend Yasin Gurur Sev, who brings Ancient Greek philosophical texts to the Turkish reader and works almost like a translation bureau. How much one learns while explaining... 

At a time when our intellectual life is scattered, polarized, and weakened, Origon Atölye brings together people who have turned toward the truth with their questions and interpretations. It is not just us, either. Adem Beyaz, the wunderkind of Turkish philosophical publishing, also gives seminars on Analytical Psychology. I hear that in addition to his skill in making Jung understandable, Adem Hoca does wonderful work with his ability to keep interest alive and always whet the appetite for more. 

Origon Atölye is about to get even stranger. On November 18, 2026, together with my academic friend Yakup Kalın, who traces the path of a meeting that reflects the dream Nazım Hikmet noted in his Epic of Sheikh Bedreddin, we will talk about Stoicism.

Yakup Hoca's doctoral thesis is an intellectual feast where Nazım's dream is realized and Spinoza and Bedreddin converse. I had the opportunity to write an article titled The Doubtful Story of Skepticism with Yakup Hoca and Gurur Hoca, whom I met while watching that intellectual feast. Our article has been published. New projects are on the way. 

Our work at Origon Atölye will also be good for these new projects. The workshop's participants, with their questions, make us even more eager to bring our projects to life. 

I am of the opinion that this interest I see in Ankara is no coincidence. Non-academic production in Turkish philosophy continues without slowing down. Young people are increasing their output through communities and websites, and with podcast channels. Moreover, they are moving beyond the old philosophy-themed political squabbles. The Öncül Felsefe team is doing wonders. 

Contrary to what is thought, philosophy in Turkey is deepening and spreading. But the fire of philosophy is undoubtedly being stoked in Ankara. We cannot be proud enough of our city!