In the podcast series titled 'Azınlık Hâlleri', questions such as "Who are minorities? How did minority rights emerge and evolve? What does it mean to be a minority in Turkey and worldwide? To what extent are minority rights part of the agenda for civil society in Turkey?" will be discussed with guest experts. In this podcast series, we will discuss historical and current developments in the field of minority rights, the socio-cultural lives of minorities in Turkey, and the activities related to minority rights in civil society with guest experts. Throughout the series, we will also listen to the stories and experiences of minorities in Turkey. We will cover topics such as minority rights policies at national and international levels, rights-based issues faced by minorities, proposed solutions to these problems, and methods of advocacy.

The 'Azınlık Hâlleri' podcast channel was prepared within the scope of the 'HDV Minority Rights Academy' project initiated in 2021. The academy aims to increase awareness about minority rights and promote advocacy while creating a convenient environment for generating new ideas and projects in this field.

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Episode Twelve:
Minorities and Children's Rights
Guest:
Nazan Maksudyan


In this episode of Azınlık Hâlleri, we discussed the concept of childhood and the place of children's rights in international law with our guest, Nazan Maksudyan. We explored the meaning of being a child in minority communities, from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic, delving into childhood politics. Additionally, we examined children’s agency in politics, the concept of ‘unchilding,’ and the impact of ethnic identity on childhood experiences. 
 

Episode Eleven:
Minorities and Food
Guest:
Anna Maria Beylunioğlu


In this episode of Azınlık Hâlleri, we talked with our guest Anna Maria Beylunioğlu about how food shapes individuals and societies, its connection to national identity, and its special significance for minority communities. We also explored the impact of migration on food culture and the importance of preserving local cuisines.
 

Episode Ten:
Minorities and Naming Policies
Guest:
Yeşim Bayar


In this episode of "Azınlık Hâlleri," we talked with our guest Yeşim Bayar about the history of the Surname Law, its impact on minorities, and how names have been used as tools of stigmatization. We also examined the strategies minorities have developed to resist this form of stigmatization.
 

Episode Nine:
Lausanne and Beyond: Minorities, Citizenship, and Belonging
Guest:
Lerna Ekmekçioğlu


In this episode of "Azınlık Hâlleri," we discussed how the Treaty of Lausanne was interpreted by both minorities and state elites and bureaucracy with our guest Lerna Ekmekçioğlu. We also touched on the concept of secular dhimmitude and examine the state's perspective on minorities during the early years of the Republic.
 

Episode Eight:
Armenian Institutions and Their Problems
Guest:
Ohannes Kılıçdağı


In this episode of "Azınlık Hâlleri," we discussed Armenian institutions and the challenges they face by reviewing the report titled “Tight Outfit: Armenian Institutions in Turkey, Problems and Solutions” published last year by the Hrant Dink Foundation, with our guest Ohannes Kılıçdağı. We explored the issues presented in the report and debated potential solutions.
 

Episode Seven:
Freedom of Religion and Conscience and Minorities
Guest:
Mine Yıldırım


In this episode of "Azınlık Hâlleri," we talked with Mine Yıldırım about freedom of religion and conscience and minorities. We discussed the freedom of religion and belief, how these concepts are addressed in international law, and the place of these concepts in Turkey.
 

Episode Six:
Minorities in Education Curriculum
Guest:
Kenan Çayır


In this episode of "Azınlık Hâlleri," we discussed the right to education, how textbooks address the concept of minorities, the preparation of these textbooks, and the importance of inclusivity with our guest, Kenan Çayır.
 

Episode Five:
Minority Rights in Turkey
Guest:
Turgut Tarhanlı


In this episode of "Azınlık Hâlleri," we discussed minority rights in Turkey with Turgut Tarhanlı. Under this topic, we examined the historical transformation of national legislation and the impact of the Treaty of Lausanne on the formation of the concept of minority rights in Turkey. We also touched upon the current trajectory of minority rights in Turkey and the influence of international law on this matter.


Episode Four:
Treaty of Lausanne and Minority Rights
Guest:
Baskın Oran


In this episode of "Azınlık Hâlleri," we discussed the Treaty of Lausanne and minority rights our guest Baskın Oran. We talked about the scope, significance, and provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne.


Episode Three:
Western Europe and Minority Rights
Guest:
Elçin Aktoprak


In this episode of 'Azınlık Halleri', we discussed minority rights in Western Europe with our guest Elçin Aktoprak. We explored how the concept of national minorities emerged and delved into the historical transformation of the rights of national minorities with different examples from Western Europe. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of international institutions like the European Union on minority rights.


Episode Two:
International Law and Minority Rights
Guest:
Olgun Akbulut


In this episode of 'Azınlık Hâlleri', we discussed international law and minority rights with our guest Olgun Akbulut. We discussed how minority rights emerged, transformed with the age of nation-states, and examined the legislation on minority rights in international law, both within the United Nations and within Europe, up to the present day.


Episode One:
Who are Minorities?
Guest:
Samim Akgönül


In this episode of Azınlık Hâlleri, we discussed the concept of minorities and how it has evolved with our guest Samim Akgönül. We talked about whether there is a commonly agreed definition in international law, the criteria for being a minority, and who the 'new minorities' are.


This project is financed by the European Union.