I have two concepts that require explanation…
The Issue of Nomadism
Actually, I don’t really believe in definitions by titles, professions, or job descriptions. We are the children of a generation that witnessed the birth of new professions while classic ones were still in vogue. And I confess that we set out with the intention of building careers within these established frameworks. But looking back, even on the eve of the university exams, my personal dream was to be a multi-faceted person. In high school, I might have exaggerated a little when I said I would be an architect, design film sets, and pursue art; holding exhibitions, writing books, composing music, and occasionally singing on stage for pleasure. I was interested in all of them, and I didn’t want to give up any.
But just as life goes, I gradually fell into line. When I entered the Academy of Architecture in Mimar Sinan University with great enthusiasm and high grades, music fell victim first. I did not get involved in set design; the difficulties of my father’s profession had been humming in the background of my childhood for years. Only once, with mischievous enthusiasm, did I contribute to a play staged by an old friend at a theater festival. I continued drawing because it was a side hustle to my profession; until the digital world took the pens from our hands and made the mouse and the keyboard our crown jewels. I continued writing; but in the secluded corners that the struggle of life allowed, and kept them to myself.
Yet, the core of a person never changes… Versatility and variability have ultimately became the main themes of my career. First an architect, then an experience designer, then a volunteer, then a founder of an association, and finally, needing to earn money, I became a trainer and educational designer. Of course, since all of these required a legal entity, I also became a manager, accountant, HR specialist, customer representative, marketing and sales manager – in short, a jack of all trades. At one point, we called ourselves “makers”; we even founded Turkey’s first Makerspace, becoming social entrepreneurs. On the other hand, thanks to Robotel Turkey, which added meaning to our lives, we delved into the world of civil society. Instead of narrowing down to a single goal, my career path had expanded and became a wide range. The constantly changing definitions on my business cards are proof.
By mid-middle age, somewhere between the world’s COVID-19 crisis and the personal fronts, I made peace with this “fickle nature” of mine. I let myself go with the flow, pursuing things I loved, things that gave meaning to my life, and following the paths opened by opportunities. At a certain point of exhaustion I needed to do nothing; the biggest lesson I learned was how to stop. To both let go of what was over and to be able to start anew, I set out on the road. My goal wasn’t just to go, to escape; it wasn’t even to arrive somewhere. I simply embraced the incredible lightness and peace of being on the road; the liberating power of stepping outside my comfort zone; the courage that comes from being unbreakable through flexibility; and the flawed magnificence of life.
So I became semi-nomadic! I can’t exactly say that ı am a nomad; because I still have a base station, a place I call home. But the idea of being on the road, turning strict plans into intentions and chasing opportunities, has gradually become central to my life. In fact, it’s so ingrained in my veins that if I stay in one place for too long, my blood starts to boil. Thus, my life has become half traveler, half retiree.
The Witchcraft Issue
As I traveled the world, I began to appreciate its blessings; pondering how I can live harmoniously with Mother Earth, and appreciating the value of her gifts. I used to be more of a city dweller, but drawing strength from nature’s cycles, I’ve became a person of the four elements.
First, I made peace with air… I greeted the rising and setting sun; I amused myself with the clouds; I bent down and resisted the wind in the storm; I sought healing from the moon and stars. As the days passed, I began to admire the beauty of the universe more and more, and to fall in love with the myriad forms of the sky.
Second, I came to terms with water… On every route, I made the water – the river or the sea – my guide. I strolled along its banks, finding solace; I immersed myself both in the water and in myself. At times I surrendered to its current, or bowed respectfully before it and stepped aside.
Then I reunited with the earth… I began to touch the trees in my garden, pick their fruits, smell the flowers, and find peace in the sway of leaves. From there, I ventured into the streets, groves, forests, valleys, and mountains. I gratefully accepted its bountiful gifts and began to utilize them. I followed the traces, recipes, and flavors inherited from my mother. Vinegars, jams, sauces, liqueurs, wines, preserves, spices, oils, and remedies; I was a traveler on the path of what comes from the earth and returns to the earth. I collected the ashes from my stove and the compost from my garbage; I planted medicinal herbs.
And finally, I played with fire… I learned to warm myself without burning in the flames. I learned to nurture friendship with love, laughter, and passion; to nourish love with care and effort; to unite and rise together with other fires when necessary, and to give each other space and turn to ashes when appropriate. And also to simply be present when our demise is so eminent,
Over time, I started making natural dishes, natural remedies, natural flavors, and natural cosmetics; and I shared these with friends and family. Occasionally, when asked what I did for a living, I started saying “witchcraft.” Indeed, later on, my interest in history, mythology, philosophy, and esotericism led me more towards non-materialistic elements. While trying to heal my own troubles, I also became a traveler in the primeval world.
Career Matters
Nomadic witchcraft isn’t a profession in the conventional sense; it’s certainly not a career. In fact, I don’t make any money from it. I don’t sell my creations or how-to content; I simply share them with those who are interested. At most, I take pictures or videos and post them, or I share the costs.
At the same time, I’m accumulating new friendships everywhere I go. Some projects stem from volunteering, some from sharing troubles, some from work or passion, and some simply from friendships born from crossing paths.
For example, one of them is ARTEMITOS…A journey where art meets myth, where breath and body work find expression through archetypes, and where the power within us is shared through non-violent communication. An interdisciplinary women’s retreat. A sustainable travel experience where we can both nourish ourselves on our individual paths and multiply it by creating and sharing. But I will write more about this later.
Another one is…Türkiye Nomad Fest This organization, or rather the Digital Nomad community, which represents the new generation of nomadism, is the meeting point for this movement in Turkey. You can see this concept and lifestyle of digital nomadism on their website. The Türkiye’s first Nomad Festival in Alanya was organized by long-time followers of the community, leading business people in the entrepreneurial world in October 2025. And I can tell you how I got involved.
While thinking about nomad life and designing Artemitos I was introduced to the concept of digital nomadism while chatting with friends. It’s a community somewhat different from, but inspired by, the nomadic culture we know from our own ancestral history. Thanks to technology, these people have the ability and opportunity to work remotely, anywhere in the world. They travel and create at the same time. Some, like me, have a conventional home they return to occasionally; others live in a different corner of the world each season. My friend Neşen Yücel, who has been working in the entrepreneurial ecosystem for years, and her husband Patrick Bosteels, whom we recently lost, had long been followers of this community. A few years ago, they intended to organize a Nomad festival in Turkey; but the circumstances didn’t allow it. Finally, Neşen, along with two female friends who shared the same dream – Mine Dedekoca and Gizem Burtecin – rolled up their sleeves and succeeded in bringing together a new generation of nomads from all over the world in Alanya in 2025. I was proud to be a part of this gathering as the Nomadic Witch
My Experience at the Türkiye Nomad Festival
You can see the information and content of this festival, which was held for the first time in Turkey.from the site and from social media accounts As for me, I can share my impressions, comments, and what I’ve learned from it…
First of all, I salute the organizing team and bow before them with respect. They not only successfully organized an international event at a professional level, but they also transformed it into a genuine, warm, and unpretentious gathering. While the first of such an event is almost a miracle, they brought together well-known figures and veterans from around the world, mingling them with novices like myself. From the accommodation provided by the hotel to the meeting tent, from the rich and diverse program to the lively evening entertainment, they delivered a truly remarkable performance worthy of a standing ovation.
Over several days, in a series of sometimes simultaneous sessions, we covered topics such as digital nomadism, co-living and co-working environments, the tools of entrepreneurship and solo entrepreneurship, opportunities created by AI and other technologies, traveling bloggers, projects like mine, as well as art and wellness sessions. Participation was open to all sessions and we took pleasant breaks to enjoy Alanya in October. In the evenings, we got to know each other better through social circles, pleasant dinners, and fun costume parties.
Personally, I left Alanya with multiple benefits. I had the opportunity to get to know the digital nomad community, which I had only heard about and to understand how they live, what they value, and their perspectives on life. I also had the chance to present my own project and receive feedback, and as a fresh semi-nomad, I learned how I can be inspired by shared stories, what I can share with others, and what we can do together. Most of all, meeting sincere yet respectful, realistic yet hopeful, warm and elegant, kind-hearted, and vibrant people was wonderful.
Now I too am a part of this nomadic world. I’m already making plans to meet old and new comrades in other festivals in different corners of the world. Perhaps I’ll attend some festivals as a guest, others as a speaker or a workshop leader. Maybe I’ll visit some initiatives in person. But one thing is certain: this Nomad Community has created a new source of nourishment and creation for me; I am grateful.
Note: Many thanks to.Chantelle Flores for the wonderful photos she took & for sharing her story with me!