Theme: What is Normal?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Selami Ali Mh., 34664 Üsküdar/İstanbul
Selami Ali Mh., 34664 Üsküdar/İstanbul
Istanbul, İstanbul
Turkey

Bora Elçi

Student

Bora was born in 2000 in Istanbul, Turkey. He graduated from Eyuboglu Schools and he is currently studying at Uskudar American Academy as a 10th grader. He enjoys talking, reading and going on long walks. He has been doing ballet since he was four and has been dancing for six years. He likes spending time on the internet and creating new things. He also has a Youtube channel were he makes 3 to 5 minute videos on daily topics. Furthermore, he has co-created a Technology-Gaming News website in August 2015 and has been writing news daily. He was awarded second place in the public speaking competition held in Uskudar American Academy.

Derya Özçelik

Psychologist

Derya Özçelik is a psychotherapist currently working in her private practice in Istanbul, preparing for her leave to London. She studied in Istanbul University and King’s College London. She has been working with adults and couples for more than a decade, and her areas of interest are eating disorders, weight and body concerns, psychological trauma and relational problems.

Elif Okan Gezmiş

Psychologist

Elif Okan Gezmiş is a clinical psychologist and a book translator. She provides psychotherapy services for teenagers and adults in a private clinic. She is the Turkish translator of numerous psychology books and articles, including Irvin Yalom's latest work Creatures of a Day. She is also the owner and moderator of the non-profit blog psikanalitikseyler.com, aimed at promoting psychoanalytical theory and practices. 

Gordon Dobie

Teacher

Gordon Dobie is an English teacher in Uskudar American Academy.

Kaan Turan

Student

Kaan Turan is a student who moved to Turkey after living in California for 12 years.

Kaya Çolakoğlu

Student

Kaya Çolakoğlu is an aspiring synthetic biologist and a young political observer. After graduating from a private middle school in Antalya, he enrolled in Uskudar American Academy, where he is currently a freshman. During summer, he has enrolled in a three classes at a high school in the US about politics, philosophy and speechmaking, which changed his perspective almost entirely about our species and what it can do. In his free time, he sails, reads and listens to Hamilton.

Murat Barlas

Student

Murat Barlas is a junior student in high school. He was born in Istanbul in 1998 but grew up in Adana. After elementary school he moved back to Istanbul with his family and started Uskudar American Academy. He is the founder and president of the Analogue Photography Club and also a member of the English Drama Club at Üsküdar American Academy. He has a huge interest in science and wants to become an engineer. His hobbies include taking photographs, drama, and travelling.

Selen Güreş

Lawyer