Emel Altay

Journalist

Emel is a graduat from the Marmara University's Department for Cinema and TV. Between 2010 and 2017 she worked at several magazines in Turkey. She is now an independent journalist writing for Journo, Zero İstanbul, İstanbul Art News, Art Unlimited, Inside Turkey, and others.

Stories by the Author

For many women’s rights campaigners in Turkey, the difficulties women have in holding on to their maiden names is evidence of discrimination.

For many women’s rights campaigners in Turkey, the difficulties women have in holding on to their maiden names is evidence of discrimination. © Chris McGrath/Getty Images

For Turkish Women, What’s in a Surname?

Many campaigners argue that the mandatory surname change after marriage is evidence of institutionalised discrimination.

10 Jan 25

Meltem Parlak is a Turkish comedian, writer and director.

Meltem Parlak is a Turkish comedian, writer and director. © Ozan Cagman

The New Wave of Female Stand-ups

Despite the sexist attitudes faced by women who take up comedy, a growing number are fighting back.

17 Nov 23

Stills from TikTok’s Labour Cinema.

Stills from TikTok’s Labour Cinema.

How TikTok is Giving Turkey’s Working Class a Voice

“I want to give the social message that everyone is equal, that’s the goal of my videos.”

10 Nov 21

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