For many, France is not just a country; it is a symbol of safety, freedom, and a new beginning. However, for hundreds of thousands of migrants who go to France, the hardest part of starting a new life is often the inability to reunite with the families they left behind. For every individual separated from a spouse, child, or parent, this wait is not merely an administrative process—it is a human ordeal.

The Legal Face of Separation

Many migrants living in France wish to bring their families to join them after gaining legal status. Yet, this right often remains in the shadow of complex procedures and long waiting periods. For a father requesting family reunification, this process is not just a transaction handled on paper; every document and every day of waiting symbolizes time spent away from loved ones. In this process, where separation is measured not just in kilometers but in bureaucracy, we see a conflict between the language of law and human emotions. On one side are documents, decisions, and inspections; on the other, a mother’s yearning to embrace her child once again.

Family Unity: Human Dignity as a Right

The French Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights recognize the "right to respect for family life" as a fundamental human right. Furthermore, if a child is involved, the "best interests of the child" are taken into consideration. This principle imposes a responsibility on states to enable their citizens and the foreigners residing in their country to build a life worthy of human dignity. Family unity is not just a legal concept; it means the protection of the family—the smallest and strongest unit of society. Therefore, family reunification in France should be evaluated not only within the scope of migration policy but at the very core of human rights law.

The Invisible Struggle of Migrant Families

Every day, thousands of families prepare letters, petitions, and files to reunite with their loved ones. Applications for family reunification have increased as migration abroad has risen. Every day, thousands of families apply for visas to settle overseas. A mother waits months for a response to reunite with her child; a father checks his mailbox every day with the hope of meeting his family. The common thread in these stories is the testing of a basic human need—the right to be together—against legal hurdles.

Migrant families often carry a psychological burden as well as a financial one. Long waits, uncertainty, communication difficulties, and bureaucratic coldness leave deep marks on their inner worlds. Many children only see their mothers or fathers on a phone screen for years. This situation is not just an individual pain; it is a societal trauma.

The Point Where Law Meets Conscience

As a legal professional, what is felt most in family reunification cases is this: behind every file, there is a human story. Although family reunification requests are referred to as "administrative applications" on paper, in reality, they are an effort to touch a human life again. The purpose of the law is not to separate people, but to unite them and to bring justice closer to human emotions. For this reason, the right to family reunification must be evaluated not only under "aliens' law" but also as a matter of the "law of conscience."

The Value Behind the Reunion

Family reunification is not just a visa or a residence permit; it is the drying of a mother's tears, a child’s ability to hug their father again, and a family meeting at the same dinner table. Therefore, for every migrant in France, a family reunification file represents a person's most fundamental longing: the right to be together. And it must not be forgotten that protecting family integrity is not only the responsibility of the law but a common responsibility of humanity.

Att. Aykut Yavuz Expert in Aliens and Citizenship Law

Epictetus once said:

"People are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of them."

When I first read this, I thought it had absolutely nothing to do with logistics. I was wrong. Over the years, I’ve realized that the greatest storm in a customer’s mind is often created not by the product itself, but by how that product reaches them—or more accurately, the lingering uncertainty of whether it will arrive at all.

When I transitioned from the world of logistics to the jewelry industry, this was what surprised me most. Here, people aren't just selling jewelry. They are selling emotions, commitments, and sometimes the most significant moments of a lifetime. An engagement ring, an anniversary gift, a mother’s birthday present... If these are delayed or arrive damaged, it goes far beyond a standard return request. A breach of trust occurs. And broken trust is much harder to restore than a return form is to fill out.

The Decision Is Made Before the Box Is Opened

The moment a customer places an order, an invisible stopwatch starts ticking in their mind. Will it come? When will it come? Will it arrive undamaged? Until these three questions are answered, that person is not your customer; they are simply someone waiting.

Viewing the delivery process as a purely physical operation is one of the biggest mistakes made in this industry. In reality, that process is an extension of the sale. In some cases, it is the sale itself.

Is the tracking number sent? Is there a thank-you note inside when the package arrives? Is the product wrapped correctly? Does it create a "feeling" when the box is opened? All of these shape the customer’s perception of the brand. And that perception is what determines the second order.

I learned this through experience. Tables and metrics eventually say the same thing: the vast majority of customer complaints are not about product quality, but about the delivery process. Delays, lack of communication, damaged packaging, wrong addresses. These may seem like technical problems, but their emotional impact runs much deeper: "This company did not value me."

Delivery Is Different in the Jewelry Sector

Delivery is important in every sector, but in jewelry, its importance is multiplied.

First, there is the matter of value. Jewelry carries both financial and emotional weight. When a customer agrees to have a stone or gold worth thousands of pounds delivered to their mailbox, they are giving you incredible trust. You are obligated to honor that trust.

Then, there is the matter of sensitivity. A diamond ring that isn't packaged correctly can get scratched during transit. A poorly secured necklace arrives tangled. A carelessly taped box sends a message: "Your order is just a box to us." No one says this out loud, but everyone hears it.

Finally, there is the matter of timing. A large portion of jewelry purchases are tied to special occasions. A birthday, an engagement, an anniversary... The customer orders two days before the big event. You deliver it one day late. From that moment on, no one will talk about the jewelry store or the beautiful product. The only thing that will be remembered is: "It didn't arrive on time."

Composure Requires a System

Marcus Aurelius, while ruling an empire for years, wrote: "Do it at the right time, do it correctly, and leave the rest."

In the delivery process, what wears down most is not trust itself, but the capacity to maintain that composure. When an order is delayed, a package is lost, or an angry customer calls, the strength of the system is revealed.

If there is no system, there is panic. If there is panic, the customer feels it. And if the customer feels it, they are influenced not just for that moment, but for their next purchasing decision.

What does a good delivery system include?

1. Clear Communication: Inform them when the order is received. Inform them when it is shipped. If there will be a delay, call the customer before they call you. Managing expectations is always cheaper than managing problems.

2. Quality Packaging: This is not a cost item; it is an investment. The moment of "unboxing"—especially for emotional products like jewelry—is the confirmation of the purchase decision. If that moment is good, the customer feels justified. If it's bad, even the most beautiful product loses its luster.

3. Traceability: The customer wants to know where their product is. This is a fundamental need. Today, there is no excuse for not meeting it.

4. Last-Mile Sensitivity: Choosing a courier company is a strategic decision. Fast, secure, or cheap? You cannot have all three at once. In the jewelry industry, the answer is clear: Security comes first, speed second, and price third.

The International Dimension: Trust Is Twice as Fragile

If you are selling to international customers, the delivery process takes on an entirely different dimension. Different customs procedures, different legal requirements, and different cultural expectations. Above all, the customer doesn't speak the same language or live in the same time zone.

When something goes wrong under these conditions, the difficulty of communication doubles the problem. But when something goes right—when the product arrives complete, on time, and with care—that customer becomes your most loyal advocate. Because you have shown them that you can successfully navigate a challenging process.

In international jewelry shipping, customs documents, insurance coverage, and certificates of origin are critical. Failing to prepare these perfectly will leave even the finest product stuck at customs. A product stuck at customs is trust that hasn't reached the customer.

Delivery Is a Message, Not Just Logistics

In the end, I realized this: the delivery process is actually a silent letter written from the brand to the customer.

That letter might say: "I took great care for you. I kept your product precious. You can trust that I will keep my word."

Or it might say: "We packed it and sent it; we don't care about the rest."

Both messages reach the customer. One arrives with the box, the other with the impression. And the impression lasts far longer than the box.

The jewelry industry is built on trust. We certify diamonds, we assay gold, we verify stones. But we cannot "certify" the delivery process. We can only let the customer experience it. And they experience it every single time.

Therefore, delivery should not be seen as an operational detail, but as the final—and perhaps most lasting—link in the customer relationship.

Epictetus was right. People are not disturbed by things, but by their thoughts about those things. Our job is to shape the content of those thoughts. And the most powerful tool we have for this is a box that arrives on time, with care, and correctly, every single time.

The jewelry sector is destined to shut down during every economic fluctuation unless it evolves from "buying and selling gold" to "producing value-added jewelry." The path out of the crisis must be built on these five fundamental pillars:

Transition from Raw Material Financing to Knowledge and Design Orientation In the sector, the power of capital—of money—is no longer sufficient on its own. In this new era where knowledge precedes money, companies must allocate the majority of their budgets to design and technology rather than gold. Designers should not be viewed as a "cost" but as a "source of revenue." To enable our more than 500,000 talented designers to dictate global trends, "Design Villages" or "Centers of Excellence" should be established, directly funded by chambers and associations.

Democratization of Exports and SME Mobilization It is essential that exports are no longer monopolized by a few large firms. Audit mechanisms must be established to ensure that state incentives reach small but talented manufacturers (SMEs) who remain in the shadow of the giants. Instead of merely hosting protocols at international fairs, NGOs should set up collective "Turkey Pavilions" where small producers can showcase their products and provide consultancy to SMEs on everything from logistics to customs.

Overcoming the Registered Economy and Bureaucratic Hurdles The jewelry sector is being pushed into the informal economy due to the heavy tax burden and bureaucratic obstacles in raw material procurement. This is the greatest barrier to institutionalization. Sector representatives must negotiate with the state to agree on facilitating models such as "Raw Material Procurement in Exchange for Exports." Incentives should be distributed transparently, based directly on the "number of employed designers" and "export volume."

Marketing and Branding: The "Turkish Jewelry" Image The prestige of Italian jewelry in the world market stems not only from gold quality but also from its design narrative and marketing power. An "Umbrella Brand" should be created that blends Anatolia's thousands of years of jewelry culture (Hittite, Urartian, Ottoman) with modern lines. Digital marketing and e-commerce channels must be prioritized to reach the global end-consumer directly through the power of social media.

NGOs Operating as an "Executive Board" Chambers and associations must cease being "protocol offices" and start operating like professional consultancy firms that solve the sector's problems. Each regional chamber should establish a "Market Research Unit" and a "Legal Commission." Data regarding which countries prefer which types of jewelry or which gold carats are in demand should be shared freely with members. The rhetoric of "we will" must be replaced by reports and concrete results.

Either Design or Liquidation Money no longer works alone. Today, the only way to survive the global turbulence is to add "intellectual sweat" to gold. The day the sector stakeholders invest their capital in original design, branding, and qualified young minds—rather than in products that imitate one another—jewelry will become a true industry. Crisis is an end for the visionless; for the brave and innovative, it is the beginning of a new era.

We designers speak of light’s journey across a stone, the perfect harmony of metal and form, micron-level calculations, and flawlessness. We imbue the sparkle of a gemstone with meaning for hours. Yet today I realize that the greatest radiance in my life was hidden within my mother's silent compassion.

Because design is not merely a line drawn on paper or securing a stone in its setting. Design is the name of an unseen patience, an endless care. The meticulous patience I show today while working on a collection, standing tall even in stormy moments, and being able to see that "hidden star" in the heart of an ordinary stone—I learned these not from a workshop bench, but from the deep imprint my mother left on my soul.

Over time, I noticed this: while we think we are shaping the world outside, we are actually born into a life already designed with great sacrifice. Our mothers raise us stitch by stitch, prayer by prayer; sometimes by giving up their own colors. And their labor remains so pure and priceless that it cannot be measured by the carats of any diamond on earth.

A mother's mark is like a hidden signature tucked inside a jewel. It might not be noticed at first glance... but that silent signature determines the entire character and true value of the work.

Trends change, collections grow old, gold is melted and polished again... But that noble spirit a mother imparts to a person remains the only true jewel that even time cannot erode.

That is why this month, I have dedicated my column not to technical details, stone cuts, or market analysis, but to that silent mastery that first touched my soul. To that power that taught me not just to look, but to "see."

I thought I had been designing jewelry for years... As it turns out, I was merely multiplying the light I inherited from my mother. Because some lights cannot be bought; they can only be inherited.

Happy Mother's Day to all women who leave that light in our lives.

We started to bring something into existence. What moved us was the excitement of a vision turning into reality, the moment that first line on a blank paper gained meaning, and a design touched someone else's soul. Our starting point—the main source of our motivation—was the "full" side of the glass.

Baggio’s Penalty and the Designer’s Fate Over time, we were taught a completely different perspective: focusing exclusively on what is missing. This view became so dominant that, as designers, we found ourselves forced to defend our own existence. It is much like one of the most unjust moments in football history: Roberto Baggio’s famous penalty in the 1994 World Cup final.

Today, everyone talks about Baggio’s final shot that went into the clouds—his "mistake." But if we look at the full side of the glass, it was he who carried Italy to the final on his shoulders, reaching that point with impossible goals. Without those goals, Italy wouldn't have even stepped onto that final pitch. But the world loves looking at the empty side of the glass so much that it can erase thousands of efforts with a single second of error.

The fate of designers today is no different from Baggio’s. You create hundreds of successful works, elevate a brand, and build an identity; yet at the end of the day, your entire shift is spent trying to explain yourself to minds that only see a small "missing" detail or the "empty side."

Closed Rooms, Restricted Minds When we look at the industry today, we are faced with unemployment, pressure, and a process we can call "silent bullying." Designers, who keep companies afloat, are virtually locked in a room and expected to create a miracle.

How can a mind expand while looking at the same four walls, at the same desk, five days a week in the same loop? Design is not just a production process; it is a nutritional process. Seeing, traveling, touching, breathing... These are not luxuries; they are the raw materials of design.

Expectation of Efficiency Without Investment The truth is, while firms expect maximum efficiency from the designer, they avoid investing in them. Producing "better" with the same environment, the same limits, and the same perspectives is an impossible equation.

A designer is not just an employee; they are the brand's window to the world. And perspectives develop not by being closed, but by being opened. The free talent that brought Baggio to the final only shone when it found space. Confining a designer to a room is the same as confining them to the penalty spot.

Time to Change Direction Perhaps it is time to change direction. We must stop obsessively searching for flaws on the empty side and remember the full side. To see what works, to accept what creates value, and most importantly: to give the person producing this value the space they deserve.

Because the full side of the glass is not just an optimistic outlook; it is the sacred point where creativity begins. If we lose that, nothing else matters. If you see a designer only as a "mistake-prone machine" or an "operator rushing orders," tomorrow we won't find a single drop of water to defend in that glass. Because what fills the glass is not technical skill, but that person's desire to create.

Now we must decide: Will we drown in flaws, or will we see the jewel that transcends those flaws and make room for it?

Remember; the world turns not with those who only judge results, but with the courage of those who run tirelessly to that penalty spot. Let designers open up to the world instead of being trapped in a room. Because only a free mind can make the glass overflow without needing to explain why it is full.

Because the same data transforms into different meanings in different minds.

Same Reality, Different Interpretations

There are three fundamental perspectives within an organization:

1. Sales sees growth.

2. Finance sees risk.

3. Operations sees feasibility.

They look at the same data, but they do not reach the same conclusion.

This is not a mistake. Each looks from a valid standpoint within their own area of responsibility. But the structure we call a company is not just the sum of these different perspectives; it is their alignment.

The Real Divergence is Not in Data, But in Interpretation

The most common misconception in modern companies is the belief that the problem lies in a lack of data.

Yet, in most organizations, there is a data overload. The real issue is the meaning assigned to this data.

The exact same figure is:

• An opportunity for Sales.

• A risk for Finance.

• A burden for Operations.

Therefore, a decision is born not from the data itself, but from the meaning attributed to the data.

Decisions Do Not Form in a Single Place

In an ideal structure, a decision comes from a single center. It is clear, fast, and holistic. In reality, however, the decision-making process in many organizations is fragmented. A proposal is first evaluated in terms of growth.

Then, it is re-examined from a financial perspective. Afterward, it is reshaped once again based on operational realities.

This process is not wrong, but by its very nature, it transforms the initial state of the decision.

Speed, Decision, and Operations

In most companies, the speed perceived from the outside is not the same as the internal speed of decision-making. Operations flow fast.

But decision processes are slower. This difference is invisible but impactful. Because speed is a determining factor not only in execution but also at the exact moment a decision is formed.

A Difference in Perception, Not Communication

At this point, the solution is generally thought to be better communication. Most of the time, the problem is not communication. The problem is that looking at the same data does not generate the same meaning.

In other words, the issue is not about talking; it is about understanding the same thing.

When this is not achieved, no matter how advanced the system is, decisions will naturally fragment.

Fragmented Truths Do Not Produce Holistic Results

Each department can successfully achieve its own KPIs. Sales hits its target, Finance manages the risk, and Operations gets the job done. Yet, the company as a whole might not produce an equally healthy result. Because local truths do not always generate global alignment. Companies often try to optimize the outside world.

Yet, the real chaos is on the inside.

It is not the data, but the meanings attributed to that data that are different.

"People are not disturbed by things, but by the views they take of them." > — Marcus Aurelius

Companies are a bit like this, too.

They look at the same data, but they cannot see the same reality. And most of the time, the difference begins not in the data, but in the perspective.

As global logistics is being rebuilt on speed, we are still struggling with "missing document" messages. The USA's new customs regulations, China's port capacity moves, the Gulf's transit corridor investments… While our competitors are laying the ground, we are, from time to time, still discussing the cracks in the same ground.

Don’t get me wrong. Turkey’s logistics infrastructure has truly grown over the last decade. Denying this would be both unfair and blind opposition. But growing is not enough; gaining speed is essential.

What our sector needs most right now is not a new port, but a new mindset. I call this "Trust Logistics." What does the receiving country feel when they see a product of Turkish origin? Do they say, "It is high quality, it arrives on time, its documentation is clean," or does a question mark still appear in their minds?

Ask this question to yourself: How certain was the answer?

In a meeting I had with a client in Germany, he told me frankly: "We trust your Turkish suppliers, but the process reliability is not yet at the level of Poland." A painful observation. But it is one that should be taken to heart.

Process reliability comes before product quality. Because the buyer experiences the process before seeing the product. Clarity in the bidding process, transparency in shipment tracking, every delay at customs, every missing document at the port of arrival—all of these send a single message: "Can we trust you?"

And the world is now asking this question more harshly. The USA’s new tariff regulations are not just a matter of tax; they are a herald of the redrawing of the global supply chain. In this picture, what does Turkey want to be? An inevitable transit point, or a value-producing export hub?

You cannot be both at the same time. A choice must be made.

I want Turkey to stand on the side that produces value. To achieve this, as a sector, we need to speak with a common voice, defend common standards, and open paths together instead of putting obstacles in each other's way.

Every container standing on the pier is a promise. An exporter has promised to deliver on time. A carrier has promised to transport safely. A customs officer has promised to clear without error.

Logistics, ultimately, is a chain of promises kept. And the strength of a chain is equal to its weakest link. Let us strengthen our link.

As someone who grew up playing with Legos and clay and developed through drawing, I have always had a tendency to look at objects differently. I wasn't just interested in "what something is," but "how else it could be." Could a line curve differently? Could a form be further simplified? Could an object feel familiar yet still surprise? Back then, I didn't call it design, of course. But looking back today, I realize I entered the mental world of design at a very early age.

Design often does not reveal itself at first glance. Its true power lies in the balance between the trust provided by familiarity and the impact created by the unexpected. We intuitively understand how to use an object when we see it; but a few seconds later, a small detail, a subtle curve, or an unexpected solution catches our attention. Design emerges right there: at the intersection of familiar functionality and surprising form.

Therefore, design is not merely about something looking beautiful. Design is a way of thinking. It is a way of approaching a problem. It is not just how an object looks, but how it works, how it feels, and how it relates to humans.

Esthetics here is not just an ornament. On the contrary, it is a language that makes functionality visible and renders experience meaningful.

When reflecting on design, the role of esthetics must not be ignored. Esthetics is often misunderstood and perceived merely as visual decoration. However, in good design, esthetics is a natural extension of function. The balance of a form, the flow of a line, or the simplicity of a surface all come together to define the user’s relationship with the object. Here, esthetics appeals not only to the eye but also to intuition.

Looking at the world of design, we see an area where science and art intersect. On one hand, there is measurement, proportion, function, and solution; on the other, there is emotion, perception, and esthetic experience. Design emerges where these two fields work together. Perhaps this is why design is both a technical and a cultural production.

At this point, it is impossible not to mention the role of imagination.
As Albert Einstein said:
“Information will get you from A to B; imagination will take you everywhere.”

The evolution of design often stems from this understanding—from the courage to step outside the known.

We see a similar thought in Pablo Picasso. His frequently quoted words are:
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
From a design perspective, this is not just an esthetic thought; it is a method of development. Because design requires first understanding, and then reconstructing.

Perhaps the true power of design lies here: In sensing needs that people have yet to describe. Sometimes, a user does not realize what they need until they encounter the object.

Steve Jobs’ well-known quote expresses this strikingly:
“People don't know what they want until you show it to them.”

Good design does exactly that. It preserves the familiar but introduces our minds to a new possibility.

Wishing you to produce designs that are beautiful, impressive, esthetically powerful, and functional...
 

It is clear that social life and the environment (milieu) corrupt the individual and destroy human virtues, especially where the population increases and corruptive cultural activities intensify. A human first feels a need, then acquires it, then gravitates toward comfort. Later, through peers and advertisements, they adorn themselves with all kinds of materials presented to them. Subsequently, they plunge into prosperity and extravagance, beginning to spend thoughtlessly and eventually losing their purpose in life.

When economic affairs take a turn for the worse, the process reverses. Individuals who have grown accustomed to easy money and irresponsible spending begin to complain. This process ultimately creates an idle (useless) social class that cares only for itself and its stomach. As their income decreases, members of this class lose their way and continue their lives by incurring debt. Eventually, as the debt burden increases, the resulting pressure causes them to lose their ability to think clearly and perceive reality correctly.

This class poses a serious threat to the future of the country and society because, regardless of what they are given, they have become idle and insatiable in thought and lifestyle. This inertia and insatiability accelerate the collapse of a society. They fail to see any breakthrough, development, or benefit achieved in the country; they do not consider being constructive or producing ideas because they have become addicted to consumption and live within a debt spiral. A class has been formed that is accustomed to ease, addicted to consumption, and seeks money without working. They only criticize and demand limitlessly.

What needs to be done here is to create the necessary infrastructure to reintegrate this idle segment into the economy and help them become useful individuals again. By providing them with experience-based work in economic and social fields, we must ensure they both earn an income and stop viewing themselves as idle or useless.

It is not the reformers and administrators who create societies and their order; rather, it is societies that give birth to reformers and their ideas. If those same societies are not at the desired level of consciousness, they will blindly oppose innovations and regulations. In such cases, these attempted reforms cannot go beyond being failed initiatives.

But that certainty did not form in a single day.

Guided by the book, I spent an entire year asking myself questions before starting school:

What do I want?
What do I enjoy?
What can I handle?
How compatible are my desires with my mental comfort?

I called this my own little expedition of self-discovery. I knocked on the door of hundreds of questions. With every answer, I got to know myself a little better.

One day in our Basic Art Education class, our teacher Ahmet looked at the class and said something unexpected:

“Everyone should quit school now. Start again at Evren’s age. I won’t see you next week!”

The classroom fell silent. Everyone turned to the teacher in confusion. They asked why he had said that. I was just as surprised.

His answer was thought-provoking.

In many places abroad, the age limit for admission to fine arts education is around 23. Because at that age people tend to make more rational decisions, are less affected by environmental influences, and are more likely to continue what they start with consistency.

I was the oldest in the class. The others were between 17 and 19.

There were extraordinarily talented students in the school. Their drawings were so strong that they seemed capable of competing with Rembrandt, Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Michelangelo.

Even though I had fairly earned my place in the entrance exam, a thought sometimes crossed my mind:

“How will I ever catch up with them?”

But as time passed, I began to see another reality.

Some came to morning classes hungover from the night before. Some postponed assignments with the overflowing energy of youth. Others simply didn’t come. Because it seemed as if they had endless time ahead of them.

For me, it was different.

I had started school late, and one thought constantly echoed in my mind:

I have no time to lose.

I must graduate before the age of 30 and enter the business world as soon as possible.

Perhaps that was exactly what kept me standing.

They had plenty of time. But I saw that for some of them, that time never came.

Meanwhile, with that sense of urgency—and the joy of studying a field I truly loved—I continued my path. I graduated as the top student of my department, fourth in the faculty, and received the Jury Special Award.

Then my Istanbul adventure began: job offers, transfers between brands, international travels… Along with the energy of my passion for my work, an unexpectedly wide network formed among designers.

That road eventually led me to become Turkey’s number one in Jewelry Design.

But there was an important handicap: I loved my work, yet the sector did not want me to do it in the way I loved. Because the system that generated the most profit in the sector was different.

One of the greatest struggles in my design journey was this: creating an artistic, original and new language within the jewelry that the market called “commercial pieces”.

Perhaps the hardest battle of my career was getting my mission accepted.

But today, when I look back, I can easily say this:

I never worked.

I practiced my art.

If someone asks what mattered most to me in this profession, my answer would be simple:

Turning my work into art.

Life sometimes blocks the roads. Sometimes hope fades. Sometimes a person’s strength runs out.

But the human mind is a strange mechanism.

Just like the phantom pain experienced by people who have lost their limbs, the mind can continue to feel something that no longer exists.

Human motivation can disappear in the same way. The driving force we once believed would last a lifetime can suddenly fall silent.

At that moment, reminder habits step in.

Through repeated actions, the mind finds direction again—just as muscles grow stronger through training.

And over time, you realize a simple but powerful truth:

Whatever you do, if you continue training regularly by remembering and repeating what already exists, the results slowly begin to take shape.

Because success is often not the work of talent, but of consistency.

Talent is a spark.

But what keeps the fire alive is consistency.

So keep reminding yourself:

Never forget what you want.

And let me end with a sentence from Mümin Sekman:

“No effort is ever wasted; if nothing else, it builds muscle.”

That stone, which the family had used as a doorstop for years, was actually one of the world’s largest star sapphires: the Black Star of Queensland.

This story is the most naked reflection of the existential struggle we face in today’s design world. Because the value of a gem is not only in its own light, but in the vision of the one who looks at it. Today, in design offices and creative departments, how many “733-carat” souls are being treated like doorstops, crushed under the weight of day-saving tasks?

Talents Lost in the Shadow of Illusion

When we examine the origin of the word “prestige,” which the industry relentlessly pursues today, we encounter a striking truth. The Latin word praestigium means deception, trickery, and illusion. Tragically, in this deep crisis the industry is experiencing, it is not the gems that truly create value that are elevated, but those who manufacture “prestige” through illusion.

Inflation is not only happening in numbers; it is also happening in the value given to talent. Today, many talented designer friends of mine are unemployed, while many others are simply trying to survive in jobs far beneath their abilities. In a system where vision has shrunk into cost calculations in Excel spreadsheets, designers—just like that sapphire—are turned into doorstops in the hands of those who cannot recognize their value.

Those who wander through Pinterest boards claiming “I follow trends” are merely the storefront of this illusion. Pinterest is not a library; it is a comfort zone—and comfort zones are where creativity dies. A true designer knows that trends are not read on screens but within life itself, within the hidden light of that muddy stone. Pinterest may keep you updated, but it does not make you a designer. Being a designer means having the courage to step beyond the digital noise and see the gem no one else notices.

You Shine Where You Belong, You Fade in the Wrong Room

As Rumi once said: “Only a jeweler understands the value of a jewel; others do not.”
The tragedy behind today’s wave of unemployment and devaluation is not the designer’s lack of talent, but the absence of a jeweler who can recognize it.

The place where you feel worthless is not the place where you are talentless; it is simply a place where your language is not understood. The greatest mistake a designer can make is expecting a blind person to interpret colors.

Waiting for applause in institutions with narrow vision—rooms where creativity is seen as an “extra”—is condemning that sapphire to gather dust behind a door. A designer can only create wonders under a roof that believes in them, that understands design not as decoration but as strategy and spirit.

Success is not only your brilliance; it is the courageous partnership you form with those who possess the vision to recognize that brilliance.

Holding on to Your Own Light

Being a designer often means walking alone. We all know how the roads that crowd during success become deserted during crises.

But remember: ambition may carry you somewhere temporarily, while ego blinds you. Perseverance, however, is quiet and unshakable.

If today you feel like you are behind a door, in a place where your value is unrecognized, the fault is not in the stone but in the eyes that treat it like a doorstop.

My fellow designers: the day we stop seeking applause from those shallow crowds chasing empty “prestige,” and the day we leave the rooms that shrink our potential, will be the day our journey to find our own jewelers begins.

That black stone was a doorstop for nine years, yet in essence it was always a star sapphire. Do not lose your light within a system that treats you like a doorstop. Protect your gem until you find your jeweler—because true art shines not only under the right light, but before the right eyes.

Live your value not like a doorstop, but like the hidden star within that black stone.
Sooner or later, a jeweler will see the light within the mud.
 

Türkiye, with its deep-rooted production capacity, strong export potential, and design expertise, is one of the world’s leading jewelry centers. Therefore, major European fairs should be seen by the Turkish sector not only as commercial showcases but also as platforms to test competitiveness and establish new partnerships. The Vilnius event offers significant opportunities, particularly for Turkish manufacturers aiming to expand into Central and Eastern European markets.

Key themes of the fair included sustainable production, ethical supply chains, and digital design technologies. These topics demonstrate that global consumer trends are no longer driven solely by aesthetics and price; environmental awareness, traceability, and originality have become decisive factors. Turkish jewelry companies that closely follow this transformation and adapt their production processes accordingly will gain a competitive advantage internationally.

The contemporary designs exhibited at the fair also revealed the rapid rise of personalized jewelry. The growing demand for limited-edition and unique designs, alongside mass production, presents an opportunity to highlight Türkiye’s strong tradition of hand craftsmanship. Blending Anatolia’s rich cultural motifs with modern design language could be a key strategy for differentiation in global markets.

The Vilnius fair also highlighted the rise of mid-sized European design brands, prompting new business model considerations for large-scale Turkish manufacturers. Transitioning from contract manufacturing to brand- and design-oriented production would contribute to higher value-added exports.

Another advantage for Türkiye is its strategic geographic location. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Türkiye has the logistical infrastructure to quickly convert international connections into trade. Events like the Vilnius fair can therefore serve as strategic bridges to new markets.

In conclusion, Juvelyrikos Paroda reveals current trends in the European jewelry sector while delivering important messages for Türkiye. Sustainability, design-driven production, branding, and digital transformation will shape the future of the Turkish jewelry industry. By combining its deep-rooted craftsmanship with modern technologies, Türkiye can further strengthen its position in the global jewelry market.

Is an era in jewelry coming to an end?

When we look at the last five or six years, the world has entered an ever-accelerating flow. We paused with the pandemic, were shaken by wars, and lost our balance amid economic fluctuations. Gold rose, currencies rose, costs rose. It wasn’t only the numbers that increased—uncertainty did too. The jewelry sector found itself right at the center of this process.

For producers, the picture is familiar: demand narrows, risk increases, decisions become harder to make.

But perhaps what we are experiencing today is not an ending, but a signal pointing in another direction.

The Sparkle Hasn’t Disappeared, It Has Shifted

Jewelry has never been a stranger to crises. It has seen wars, famine, and migration. There were times when people shared their bread, and times when they sold their rings. Yet jewelry has always carried meaning. It has represented power, connection, memory, and resilience.

What has changed today is not the existence of jewelry, but the way we look at it. It is no longer just about display; it is about story. Craftsmanship now speaks as loudly as weight. Character stands out against the perfection of mass production. People are asking “why” rather than “how much.”

A Realistic Acceptance in an Age of Speed

Let’s be honest. We live in an age of fast consumption. Much of the world runs on the logic of “buy, use, replace.” Ready-made products are accessible, aesthetic, and often flawless. Mass production is not a bad thing. On the contrary, it is a strong response to the needs of our time.

As a designer, I don’t deny this. I also choose, filter, and buy ready-made products that suit me. And yes, they are beautiful.

That is precisely why defending craftsmanship is not an easy romantic gesture. It requires persistence. Because craftsmanship is not an alternative to speed; it exists outside of it. It doesn’t answer everyone’s needs, but speaks to the desires of some. While mass production keeps the world turning, handcraft adds meaning to it.

Standing Apart Within Abundance

Technology is advancing at a dizzying pace. Artificial intelligence designs, algorithms set trends, tastes transform instantly. In such a system, ready production is natural, necessary, and inevitable. But within this abundance, slow-made work stands apart—because it becomes rare.

This is not a contradiction. The digital world is not the enemy of craftsmanship; it is its filter. Where everything starts to look the same, labor becomes immediately visible. A piece with a story stays in circulation longer. When the workshop door opens to the internet, small producers gain the ability to speak to the world.

If There Is a Changing Direction

Yes, a familiar order may be fading away. But this is not the end of jewelry, design, or the designer. It is the unraveling of old formulas.

An understanding focused solely on selling “products” is giving way to another direction—one where meaning, stance, and labor are what truly speak.

This transition is not easy. Because surviving in a new world with old habits is difficult. But crises do not destroy creativity. They pressure it. And under pressure, we simplify. As we simplify, we become clearer.

Where Is the Hope?

Jewelry is not so much a necessity as it is an object of witness. At life’s turning points, people still want to make something tangible—birth, loss, connection, memory. These never completely disappear from any economic chart.

Moreover, today’s consumer is more conscious. They want less, but better. They seek work that is more personal, more original, more honest. And that still means a strong space for the designer.

And sometimes, the darkest periods are when the most authentic work is born.

Perhaps the real question is not what is ending, but what we choose not to leave behind as things change.

Whenever the economic climate comes up for discussion, we often hear a familiar defense:
“Shopping malls are packed, so there can’t be a crisis.”

However, when this argument is analyzed through sectoral data, security standards per square meter, and Turkey’s total leasable retail space capacity, a very different picture emerges. A data-based projection shows that even if all shopping malls in Turkey were filled to full capacity at the same time, the total number of people inside would be approximately 5 million.

Mathematically, this means the following:
Around 94% of the population, nearly 80 million people, are not part of that photograph.

As designers and brand managers, we often focus on this visible 6%, but to understand the bigger picture, we must correctly read the silent majority. The perception that “shopping malls are full” is not an indicator of economic prosperity; it is a sociological illusion of visibility.

The Lipstick Effect and Changing Consumer Behavior

The concept known in economic literature as the Lipstick Effect is the most accurate key to understanding today’s reality. In times when large investments become difficult, consumers turn toward smaller, more accessible luxuries that make them feel good. The movement in shopping mall corridors is, in fact, a reflection of people’s need for morale, comfort, and social interaction during challenging periods.

At this very point, the responsibility and vision of the jewelry and accessories sector must evolve. Luxury is no longer defined solely by unattainable price tags. In the new world, luxury means products that are accessible, meaningful, and elevated through design.

The Power of Design Over Material

The reality of the “remaining 80 million” revealed by statistics offers a new roadmap for the design world. Today’s consumer no longer pays only for the weight of the material or the number of carats. They invest in the product’s story, craftsmanship, and the emotion it evokes.

Our mission is to create added value through the power of design without being crushed under the pressure of high-cost materials. Mastery does not lie in placing expensive stones side by side, but in transforming accessible materials into objects of desire.

At the point we have reached today, luxury is not a number in a wallet; it is a need within the soul. What matters is not the size of the price tag in the display window, but the sense of value that the design conveys to the individual. Our role is to melt the coldness of material with the warmth of design and become part of the story of those remaining 80 million.

Let us not forget:
The most precious piece of jewelry is not the one locked away in a safe, but the one that shines with hope around a woman’s neck, alive within everyday life.

This year, the introduction of a 7-day visa scheme and the use of Greek names for the islands were recorded in public memory as an example of a lack of principles. The concept of a principled stance—something our nation has never been particularly good at, yet something that nations which do not sever ties with their past are expected to uphold—is clearly demonstrated by so-called “principled” nations, especially the Greeks. It is evident that they have erased Turkish names from former Ottoman lands within their own borders. We have abandoned the Turkish names there, and we also know very well that they have no tolerance—and never will—for Turkish place names even on land and sea territories within Turkey.

While Greeks insist on calling Istanbul “Constantinople” and the Dardanelles “Dardanelles,” there is, unfortunately, a group racing to call the island my ancestors named “İstanköy” as “Kos,” and the island my ancestors called “Kilimli” as “Kalimnos.” As long as Greece insists on using Greek names within Turkish territory, we are obliged to be just as “principled” and to adopt a similar stance. The meaning of this is to force a neighboring country that has its eyes on my homeland to abandon such ambitions. However, this cannot be explained to people among us who have lost the meaning and essence of these issues.

From Greece’s own political perspective, the visa option it offers may be appropriate and even commendable in terms of social consciousness, but it is not appropriate for us. Nevertheless, many politicians and media outlets interpreted this, in a state of helplessness, as a “visa gesture for Turkey.” If there is to be any talk of goodwill or gestures, the only ones who have made a gesture are the Turkish people themselves—those who, instead of sharing their money with Turkish tourism operators, agreed to spend it with Greek tourism operators, even though there are countless tourist destinations within their own country.

Meanwhile, domestically, hospitality and guiding services must be carried out in accordance with the Ahi tradition, by respectful, well-educated individuals or institutions who truly understand tourism and who are loyal to the customs, traditions, and values of the country they live in. In addition, pricing and accommodation options in tourism facilities must be improved, and inspections must be properly conducted.

Records show that Turkish tourists, who spend an average of four or five days a year in Greece, have spent around 250 million euros there. From the perspective of Greek politics, this results in two gains. First, to raise the number of tourists coming from Turkey and the amount of foreign currency transferred from Turkey to the highest possible level. Second, Greece has gained an opportunity for cultural propaganda.

Those who constantly fail to appreciate the beauty of their own country, who seize every opportunity to criticize it, who exaggerate what they eat and drink abroad on social media, who then go on to insult and belittle their own land, and who never tire of praising the Greek islands—sadly, we are in a pitiful state. Greeks have found the opportunity to impose their culture on these admirers and to draw them into their own ranks.

When Greece adopted a hostile stance toward Russia during the Ukraine War, the Russian people did not forgive the Greeks. In 2022, the number of Russian tourists visiting Greece dropped sharply to around 35–40 thousand. Do you know why? Because the Russian people understood that every euro transferred to Greece through tourism would turn into a bullet fired at Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. In my opinion, Russians—who love to travel—will keep Greece off their list for a long time. When it comes to national sensitivity in tourism, Russians are a nation worth taking as an example.

So what does the increase in the number of Turkish tourists choosing Greece, and the parallel regular transfer of hundreds of millions of euros from Turkey to Greece through the tourism sector, mean? Let us explain it this way: According to Turkish tourist data, Turkish tourists have covered 3% of Greece’s defense expenditures. Put differently, the annual “gift” of Turkish tourists to Greece amounts to the cost of at least three F-16 fighter jets.

This serious weakness of society must be curbed. From the perspective of today’s social psychology and sociology, this seems almost impossible. Our society—and Middle Eastern societies similar to ours—continues to shop at Starbucks and similar brands despite global calls for protest and boycott. Those who say things like “this is not my problem” or “what business do we have there” are in a state of exhaustion and are practically in a vegetative state.

Transforming this social indifference into a principled stance is not easy at all. Here, the opposition has a great responsibility. Our education system should not merely be revised; it must be rebuilt from scratch. Village institutes, community centers, and similar structures must be reopened in line with today’s conditions, and education must be redesigned with national consciousness at its core.

Frankly, with this education system, the cadres being raised are turning into politicians, journalists, media commentators, and groups who have lost their sense of national consciousness—people who present Greece’s visa-based tourist lure to the public as a “visa good news.”

The United States, European countries, and those aligned with them are complicating and paralyzing the system by categorizing rights instead of upholding universally accepted rights to life. For example, societies are deeply divided over issues such as animal rights, women’s rights, and gender neutrality. In the United States, some states seek to secede from the union, while nationalist movements in Europe cannot be contained. If this process cannot be halted, civil war may become inevitable.

During the global pandemic, it became clear that shifting industrial production to distant geographies disrupts supply chains, leading to inflation, high costs, and shortages of goods. During the Russia–Ukraine war, Europe confronted both its energy dependency and its weakness in defense. The West had experienced similar internal problems and wars in the past, but this time the situation is different. During the Cold War, the main reason for the West’s superiority over the East was the atmosphere of freedom it provided. Europe emerged from its own darkness by prioritizing science and building a framework of rights and freedoms. Yet today, in the universities of the West that once emerged from that darkness, concepts such as rights and freedoms have lost their value; protests against what authorities do not want are prohibited. Those who support the oppressed are granted no rights at all. The Berlin Wall, which divided Germany in two, was once called the “Wall of Shame.” Today there is one Germany, and because of what it once did to its Jewish citizens, it now supports the actions of Israeli decision-makers. The West has strayed so far from its own values that Russians who fled to Europe to escape the war environment in Russia are returning to their country as angry Russian nationalists due to the discrimination they experienced. The same danger exists in our country as well, where rhetoric and behavior toward Syrians, Afghans, and other foreign nationals have escalated into xenophobia.

The climate of freedom that once strengthened Western art has disappeared. We have entered a period in which some of the world’s most respected artists cannot find stages simply because they are Russian citizens. It must now be stated clearly: history is likely to repeat itself, and Europe seems poised to return once again to its own dark age. For this reason, the coming period will be difficult and arduous for the world and for humanity. Although the future imagined for people appears more digital and more convenient, it is clear that this will not be the case. A future is being offered in which people receive a universal basic income, think about nothing, and are entirely dependent on digital devices. Although this may sound appealing, humanity is rapidly heading toward extinction, living like chicks raised in coops—fed at set times, with night turned into day and day into night. Although it is very difficult to stop this course, what must be done is a return to humanity’s factory settings: a way of life that understands the wisdom of existence, seeks to learn ancient knowledge, and can meet its own needs from the land. The processes unfolding in today’s world confirm these thoughts.

In this context, it becomes necessary to recognize the importance of the African continent—where digitalization is slower and whose past is marked by internal conflicts and colonization—in the coming economic and sociological period. As an NGO (Fastiad), based on our long-standing foresight and efforts, we believe that the African continent, once associated with slavery, can today become a continent capable of saying “stop” to the enslavement of humanity. We know that the conditions exist for humanity to be rebuilt, that resources are abundant enough for the world, and that even these lands alone contain sufficient resources to sustain all of humanity if shared fairly in every sense. For this reason, we strive to be present on this continent as Turkish businesspeople and cultural ambassadors, and to build bonds of solidarity. Time continues to prove us right. With hope for a beautiful and peaceful future…

Yet on the ground, there is a factor that doesn’t directly appear on the balance sheet but quietly erodes profitability: delivery windows.

Today, in a city like Bursa, where production relies on time sensitivity, a 15–30 minute deviation in delivery is not just an operational hiccup; it is a strategic breaking point affecting competitiveness.

Operational Detail or Strategic Commitment?
Delivery windows are often misunderstood.

This concept is not about when the goods leave the facility but about the time frame the customer expects and you commit to.

In Europe, a delivery window:

• Is not an operational note.
• Is not a logistics preference.
• It is a contractual clause.

And when this window is breached:

• Penalties may be applied,
• Priority may be lost,
• The next contract may quietly be at risk,
• Sometimes no penalty is applied.

But trust erodes.
And this is a loss that cannot be compensated with money.

Where Bursa Companies Go Wrong
On the ground, especially in automotive, textile, and machinery exports, I often see three recurring mistakes:

Delivery Promises Driven by Sales Reflex
To avoid losing orders, narrow delivery windows are promised.
However, factors such as:

• Road conditions,
• Border crossings,
• Vehicle availability,
• Seasonal peaks

are often not considered.
Operations then scramble to meet the promise.

Misreading European Discipline
The perception that Europe is flexible is still widespread.
Europe is not flexible—it is predictable.

Flexibility exists but:

• It is predefined,
• Its limits are clear,
• It is part of the system, not an exception.

Misunderstanding this often traps Bursa companies in a difficult game unknowingly.

Focusing on Average Time and Ignoring Deviations
Many companies work with average transit times.
Yet customers ask:

"How often does this supplier meet the promised time?"

Average 48 hours is less important than:
"Does the supplier meet 48 hours consistently in every shipment?"

What European Customers Really Care About
For many European buyers, the decision criterion is:

• 60% success with a 6-hour window?
• 98% success with a 24-hour window?

Most often, the second is preferred.
Many Bursa companies unintentionally:

• Promise narrower windows,
• Work at higher costs,
• Keep freight the same,
• Increase risk,
• Reduce profitability.

How 30 Minutes Can Erase Profit
An example from the automotive supply sector:

Delivery was 25 minutes late. No penalty was applied. Invoice was issued, shipment completed.

Yet in the next period, the customer added a backup supplier clause.
Freight wasn’t discussed, but volume dropped.

Delivery windows rarely appear on invoices but quietly impact the balance sheet.

Realistic and Applicable Approach for Bursa

Delivery Windows Should Be Determined by Operations, Not Sales
Sales set targets, but delivery promises should reflect logistical reality.

Track Deviation Rate, Not Average Time
Instead of asking "How many days does it take?"
Ask "How often do we miss our promise?"

Position Narrow Delivery Windows as Premium Service
Not every customer gets a narrow window.
If provided, it must have a cost or trade-off.
Otherwise, a narrow window becomes a burden, not an advantage.

Bursa’s Advantage
Bursa is fast and responsive. It produces solutions in crises.
Now it’s time to take this reflex a step further:
Sell predictability, not just speed.

Because today’s export competition is won not by being faster, but by being more predictable.

In conclusion, a delivery window may seem minor, but if mismanaged:

Profitability,

Trust,

Sustainability

…all erode simultaneously.

As Bursa’s exports grow, it cannot ignore this silent loss.
Sometimes in logistics, the difference is not the distance traveled, but the minute of the promise made.

When you sit down at a table in the logistics sector, the conversation doesn’t take long.
At some point, the topic inevitably turns to price.
In fact, most of the time, it’s the only thing discussed.

Freight rates have dropped.
The market is in bad shape.
You can’t do business at these numbers.

But this is not the real problem.
The real problem is that for years, we’ve been talking from the wrong angle.

Because logistics is not a transportation business.
Logistics is a risk management business.

A Clear Reality I Learned in the Field

Over the years, across different companies, different files, and different crisis moments, I’ve seen the same picture again and again.

When a customer asks you for a price, they are not actually asking for the price.

In one meeting, a customer looked at the price list and asked this:
“What happens if this number changes?”

We both knew that wasn’t the real question.
What they were really asking was this:
“If this goes wrong, will you still be here?”

In logistics, you don’t buy kilometers.
In logistics, you buy service.

But we are still trying to explain this with price lists.

Transportation Is Visible, Value Is Not

Transportation is the part everyone sees.
The vehicle, the road, the distance, the time.

Value, on the other hand, is mostly invisible:

• When there is no delay,
• When production does not stop,
• When an alternative plan is activated,

No one says thank you because nothing went wrong.

Yet logistics creates value precisely through these problems that never happen.

This is where the big misconception begins:
We cannot price what is invisible.

How Is This Handled in the World?

Today, logistics companies in Germany do not sell transportation.
They sell service levels.

On the same route, there are three different agreements:

• Standard delivery
• Time-guaranteed delivery
• Premium service including crisis management and flexibility

The road is the same.
The vehicle is the same.
But the responsibility is not.

That’s why the price is not the same.

In the Netherlands, contracts are not built on a “we carried it, we’re done” mentality.
Risk scenarios are discussed.
The possibility of disruption is put on the table.
Alternative route planning becomes part of the price.

In the United States, the matter is even clearer:
What is sold is not transportation, but solutions.

In these countries, price discussions are short.
Because the value has already been defined.

Why Are We Struggling?

Turkey is not weak in logistics.
It has strong field operations, fast reflexes, and a structure that produces solutions in times of crisis.

But we have one shortcoming:
We don’t like to explain value.

For three main reasons.

First, habit.
For years, the question was “Who is the cheapest?”
That reflex does not change easily.

Second, the inability to measure.
The impact of a one-day delay on production,
the gain from resolving a crisis,
are often not translated into numbers.

You cannot defend what you cannot measure.

Third, language.
We say, “We can do it too.”
But the customer wants to hear this:
Why and how do you do it better?

In Turkey, the problem is not cost.
The problem is that value is not put on the table.

How Would This Model Work in Turkey?

Not by copying.
By adapting.

The solution is not complex, but it requires discipline:

• Breaking transportation into services,
• Defining clear responsibility for each service,
• Talking openly about risk,
• And giving each of these a name.

Standard transportation is one thing.
Time guarantee is another.
Crisis management is something entirely different.

When you put all of them at the same price,
you actually sell none of them.

A Short Note From a Crisis Moment

In one shipment, an alternative route was activated.
The transport was expensive, yes.
But production did not stop.

Afterwards, no one talked about the freight rate.
Only one sentence remained on the table:
“Good thing you were there.”

Sometimes logistics is not won on the road,
but at the table.

Logistics Is a Matter of Trust

In logistics, the meaning of this is clear:
Not saving the job once,
but staying on your feet every single time.

And in no country is this cheap.

Transportation gets cheaper.
It always does.

But service does not get cheaper.
Because service requires knowledge, experience, and responsibility.

The Turkish logistics sector has the strength to make this transformation.

The real question is this:
Will we defend the price,
or will we build the value?

Because the real load
is not on the trailer of the truck;
it is on the shoulders of vision.

There is one thing I never changed in these 25 years:
I have never produced a single design without giving it its due or by turning to cheap workmanship.
There were times I gifted my work, times I worked without expecting anything in return—but I never compromised on value.

Over the years, the fact that my name was known as the “final stop” was no coincidence.
If true quality is desired—if proportion, craftsmanship, and aesthetic sensitivity matter—the path somehow leads back to my desk.
This is more of a responsibility accumulated through years than a success.

2025, however, has been a completely different year for the sector.
Economic waves shaped not only budgets but also perspectives.
This crisis made a long-existing, silent division much more visible:

The invisible boundary between those who truly understand quality and those who believe everything can be sustained through cheap production.

There is no need to draw this boundary out loud; those who know the craft can already read the difference in silence.

Design may seem easy from the outside.
From university education to workshops, from years spent at the bench to waiting patiently at the polisher’s station…
Each step forms the foundation of this craft.

But the real illusion emerges here:

Even after all the education, sleepless work, and workshop experience, learning a design program—much like learning a language—is its own process, and sometimes even a single program is not enough to become a competent designer.

Yes, technology provides enormous convenience.
Yes, programs give us unprecedented speed.
But true capability does not lie behind the screen;
it lies in the eye’s sense of proportion, the hand’s memory, and the internal mathematics accumulated over years.

This was also the sector’s biggest test this year.
The difference between “fast and cheap” and “quality and lasting” becomes especially clear during times of crisis.
No direct criticism is necessary; time quietly reveals who represents what.

At the end of 2025, I can say this with great clarity:
A crisis does not push quality aside; on the contrary, it makes true quality even more visible.

Cheap workmanship may save the day,
but the future is always built by those who see details, who understand the weight of craftsmanship, and who do not underestimate the value of labor.

This is the true summary of my 25 years.
At no point did I express my value with words, but with my work.
This year was no different.

Being a designer in a consume–instantly–forget era is not easy.
But the bond built with those who understand quality is like a compass that never loses direction, even in the toughest times.

As 2025 closes, I remain exactly where I’ve always been:
Beside art, craft, aesthetics, proportion, and integrity.
And I enter the new year with the same quiet yet powerful determination.

But somewhere, a quiet rupture is happening:
We are not losing design, we are losing the designer.

The Silent Profession: The Designer’s Quiet Withdrawal
In recent years, I have received many messages from young designers. Almost all of them say something similar:
“We are stepping away not because we are insufficient, but because we are made to feel worthless.”
This sentence summarizes the design world in Turkey. In some management layers of institutions, an approach is growing that applies pressure on the designer rather than giving them space.
Managers who should encourage creativity see idea generation as a “waste of time” and original thinking as an “unnecessary risk.”
Designers, instead of developing themselves, turn into instruction-following machines.
Originality is quickly replaced by repetition, inspiration by procedure, and production loses its soul. In such an environment, creative minds do not work—they only appear to work. Every designer who quietly withdraws represents a silent loss for the industry.

Without Ignoring Good Examples…
Of course, there are valuable companies that respect their designers, nurture them, and honor their ideas.
I have always considered myself lucky to have worked in such places throughout my career. However, the purpose of this article is not to blame anyone; it is to present a general picture of the industry. And in that picture, alongside good examples, there are also quietly lost motivations, undervalued ideas, and young minds lost due to poor management practices.

No System Can Erase the Trace of Mastery
Today, technology is not what devalues design. The real problem is the management approach that distances humans from the center. We still have many of the world’s best masters. We still produce work that can compete with Italy in quality.
But while designers are seen as “the creators of culture” elsewhere, in our country they are often seen merely as “employees.” If a country wants to rise in design, it must first elevate the way it views designers.
And it is not titles that determine this, but human relationships.

Titles Are Short-Lived, Human Impact Lasts
Positions change, business cards are renewed, offices switch hands. But after years, only one thing remains: how people speak about you. The real influence of a manager is not measured by how many instructions they give, but by how much space they provide, how much they listen, and how much support they offer. Those who establish authority through humanity rather than pressure today will build the strong teams of tomorrow.

Final Word: A Country’s Design Future Starts with Its People
Design is a country’s aesthetic memory.
Those who preserve this memory are not titles, ranks, or corporate policies, but approaches that value the designer, nurture them, and allow them to create.
And let’s not forget:
It is not technology that will advance design—it is the genuine value given to designers.

Accordingly, nation-states initially focused on agriculture-based production and later built a new order based on industrialization. Countries that led the Industrial Revolution developed rapidly, and subsequently sold the machines and spare parts they produced to underdeveloped or developing countries, providing training on how to operate them. In other words, the pioneers of the industrial revolution created nations that would provide cheap labor as subcontractors and assembly producers.

This was by no means a negative process, because the countries that led the industrial revolution exported industrial production to underdeveloped nations—even if only in the form of assembly or subcontracted work—creating employment for millions of people and generating new business areas and sub-sectors.

Turkey, due to its geographical proximity to Europe, became an advantageous example, especially in the textile sector. China, on the other hand, was chosen as a subcontracting base by major textile and technology producers, and later leveraged the know-how it gained to become a leading producer competing globally. This is why China is considered the largest example of transitioning from subcontracting to an industrial revolution.

Recently, there has been criticism in Turkey regarding large textile producers moving their production bases to countries like Egypt, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Economic policies are being questioned, but we must first foresee that a country cannot continue indefinitely as a subcontracting and assembly-based economy if it wants to grow. If countries persist in such employment and production models, their development process cannot be completed.

In Turkey, we observe that the textile sector, along with other assembly and subcontracting industries, is shifting toward what we call “light in weight, heavy in value” production areas. Meanwhile, unskilled labor is being replaced by skilled and technically trained employees, transitioning production toward value-added sectors. The defense industry provides the best example of this evolution.

As Turkey discovers more of its underground and surface resources, we will collectively witness the rapid industrialization of these sectors. By processing our resources—from rare earth elements to boron—we can achieve a major economic leap similar to China. Of course, training skilled technical teams is crucial; without proper management and leadership, the outcome could be disastrous.

Currently, Turkey is striving to embrace the “Digital Industry” concept, making investments and initiatives in this direction. In this new era called the Information Age, societies and states that cultivate software expertise, human-centered conscious structures, and the ability to read global markets and seize digital opportunities will gain power, and geographical or mental boundaries will become irrelevant. Those who can harness these digital opportunities will hold influence in the next century.

As humanity creates new values, old governance models and corporate structures are undergoing transformation in response to evolving markets. Industry 4.0 will usher in a new phase, redefining everything. Developing countries that miss this transition may have to wait for another opportunity to grow and gain influence. To avoid missing these processes, the new initiatives and strategies I mentioned earlier are essential.

At this point, Turkey has started striving to break this cycle and avoid falling behind in the new era of change. The contribution and influence of the Turkish state and business leaders in preparing for this new period is clearly visible. Supporting companies and organizations active in sectors such as mining, defense, energy, food, and water resources is highly important. This strategic approach should be considered a fundamental responsibility for both individuals and the nation, in terms of our present and future. Investors and workers alike must recognize that production in Turkey is evolving, and we must plan accordingly.

In its debut issue, Habergold Lifestyle Magazine successfully reached a diverse audience and client base in five foreign languages, receiving full marks from the industry without a single negative review. More than just a “lifestyle magazine,” it also contributes to the economy by helping Turkish companies enter international markets. It brings not only Turkey but also the seven language-speaking countries directly to its readers and the business world.

Five years ago, the team began its journey with the question, “How can we bring Turkish companies’ products to international markets?” and quickly achieved remarkable success. Initially, three major companies were featured in each issue of the “digital fair magazine,” while the plan gradually expanded to support medium-sized enterprises in accessing new markets. However, after encountering firms unfamiliar with export processes—such as preparing proforma invoices—the team revisited its strategies and developed new roadmaps.

In the jewelry sector, exports are largely dominated by the same companies, hindering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. Where chambers and institutions fail to provide sufficient support, export associations have played a crucial role. Habergold Lifestyle Magazine has successfully bridged this gap—of the ten companies featured in its first issue, five have since begun exporting.

Originally planned as a biannual publication, the magazine now releases only once a year due to the demanding nature of gathering information and reaching clients. Nevertheless, every year it continues to serve as a bridge for Turkish companies to access international markets in seven different languages.

With its second issue incorporating German and Spanish, Habergold Lifestyle Magazine now provides access to information on 361,958 companies, connecting manufacturers with buyers around the world.

With its new issue set to be published on September 15, 2025, Habergold Lifestyle Magazine continues to be a powerful meeting point for the global business community.

As someone who has been involved in jewelry design and the industry for many years, I often encounter the same question in my conversations with young people:
What will the world of jewelry look like in the future?
How will the new generation of designers, master craftsmen, brands, and consumers enter this era?

The truth is, the game has been reset.
Artificial intelligence, digital production, automation, sustainability, and new forms of communication…
All of these are fundamentally changing the way we create, promote, and embrace jewelry.

Today, a designer is no longer just someone who draws;
they also need to understand the materials, technology, and consumer behavior data.
As knowledge quickly becomes outdated, the ability to learn, adapt, and be creative has become the most valuable skillset.
“In the past, mastery was in the hands; now it is in the mind and ideas.”

Information is everywhere.
But what matters is how you interpret and make sense of that information.
Artificial intelligence can generate design ideas, create renders, and even suggest trends;
but which idea touches people, which turns into a story—that is still determined by humans.

On the production side, the landscape has changed as well.
With 3D printing, laser cutting, and digital modeling systems, craftsmanship now moves hand-in-hand with technology.
Handwork is still very valuable, but without digital intelligence to support it, sustainability becomes challenging.
“The new mastery is finding the balance between hand and machine.”

On the consumer side, a new awareness has emerged.
People now look not only at sparkle, but also at story, origin, and ethical production.
Questions like “Where does this stone come from?”, “Is this gold recycled?”, “What does the brand represent?” are being asked more and more every day.
So, value is no longer just material—it is measured by meaning.

In the past, people would choose a profession and stick with it for life.
Now, everything is changing: styles, production methods, even perceptions of value.
A designer now needs to be ready for multiple roles; one day a producer, the next a digital artist, and then a storyteller.
“Now it’s not about a single profession, but navigating within changing professions.”

Knowledge in the jewelry world is changing rapidly.
But one thing remains constant: human creativity.
Designers who can preserve, develop, and balance it with technology will shape the future.

In short;
it’s no longer just about making a beautiful piece of jewelry,
it’s about understanding the changing game and being able to reset it.

Because truly, the game has been reset.
And this time, it’s not just craftsmanship on stage; technology, meaning, and consciousness are also present.

For designers, this situation is not just a financial issue; it also places pressure on production motivation, creative processes, and professional identity.
Yet, one striking reality emerges amid this scenario: production is still ongoing despite the difficult conditions.
This clearly demonstrates the resilience of the industry and the inner strength of designers.

Facing the Reality

The jewelry sector has long struggled with the irregularities of the free market.
These inconsistencies create a serious imbalance, especially for designers.
A profession centered on creativity now revolves more around the question, “How can we produce more cost-effectively?”
Designers often have to follow market trends rather than generating original ideas.

Additionally, the challenges young designers face when entering the industry have become a separate issue.
Many talented individuals leave the sector or move abroad due to insufficient support.
This represents a significant future loss in terms of skilled workforce.

Not Staying in the Crisis, But Managing It

This period also offers an opportunity for the industry to reassess itself.
No one can afford to fall into the illusion that “everything will return to the way it was.”
The rules of the new era are clear: be flexible, embrace digitalization, and remain open to innovation.

AI-assisted design tools, 3D modeling systems, and digital platforms provide designers not only with production ease but also an independent space for expression.
Resources that were once accessible only to large brands are now available to individual designers as well.

This becomes a significant advantage for designers seeking “alternative production and presentation methods” during crisis periods.
Many independent designers who establish their own brands and reach their audience directly through social media can partially escape the pressures of the traditional market chain.

2025 and Beyond: A Realistic Yet Progressive Approach

The scene I observed at the October 2025 Istanbul Jewelry Show was livelier compared to last year.
Producers were cautious but determined. Perhaps major investments were not being made,
but everyone was committed to their work and believed in the recovery process.

Moving forward, it is crucial to turn hope into a strategy aligned with reality, rather than merely an “emotional wish.”

As designers, we must:

Plan realistically. Accurately read demand trends, production capacity, and target audiences.

Prioritize digitalization. AI tools and online promotion are no longer optional; they are essential.

Rethink collaboration. A sector culture that emphasizes collective solidarity over competition is a key factor in managing crises.

Conclusion: A Slow but Steady Recovery

Crises cannot be resolved in the short term in any sector. However, every crisis brings a new equilibrium with it.
In the jewelry industry, this balance is evolving toward a more conscious, digital, and collaborative structure.

If we are still able to produce, still able to develop ideas, still able to share — that in itself is a sign of resilience.
In this process, we will witness not a lost, but a transformed industry.

For designers, hope does not mean ignoring reality;
it means not losing direction while navigating through it.

And that is exactly what we are doing.

Ranked among the top 10 countries in global gold jewelry production, Turkey is steadily progressing toward becoming one of the largest production centers in the sector. Looking at the past two years, jewelry and precious stone exports reached 13.6 billion dollars in 2023. The United Arab Emirates ranked first among the main export markets, followed by Iraq, the United States, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.

When evaluating the position of the jewelry sector in 2025, it is necessary to consider whether the industry has advanced or fallen behind compared to 2023, and what gains have been achieved in the process.

Design and branding play a key role in the sector’s development. In highly competitive global markets, original designs and strong brand identities differentiate products from their rivals and enhance customer loyalty. Large-scale companies, benefiting from economies of scale, reduce production costs and increase profitability.

However, for small-scale companies without branding, creating their own brand, adding value to their products, and reaching consumers directly are of great importance. In this respect, investing in branding processes is a critical step for small businesses to achieve long-term sustainability.

Considering Turkey’s industrial structure, if we take 2023 as the starting point, large-scale enterprises accounted for 52.6% of total turnover, while their contribution to production value was 58.4%—significantly higher than that of SMEs. This clearly demonstrates that as scale increases, so do productivity and added value. As for 2025, we leave it to our readers to evaluate the progress of the jewelry industry.

The jewelry sector, with its high value-added structure, is one of the fields where design and branding are most prominent. Personalized designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and aesthetic details create both emotional and visual value for customers.

Large companies, thanks to their strong financial structures, can allocate more resources to R&D and design investments, developing innovative products. Compared to small firms, they also enjoy competitive advantages through larger marketing budgets and global distribution networks.

Among Turkey’s strategies to strengthen its competitiveness in this field, the Turquality program and KOSGEB supports stand out. Turquality provides financial support to companies with branding potential, helping them become global brands in international markets. KOSGEB, on the other hand, offers design and production support to entrepreneurs, enabling SMEs to expand their scale. Thanks to these supports, brands can deliver more unique and higher-quality products while transitioning to more efficient production processes.

In conclusion, Turkey’s jewelry sector, with its increasing export volume, strong production infrastructure, and design-oriented approach, is becoming an increasingly important player in global markets. Supported by branding, design, and government incentives, the industry is expected to secure an even stronger position in the international arena in the coming years.

Can Foreigners Marry in Turkey?
Yes, foreigners can marry in Turkey, but there are certain rules that must be known and followed:

Legal age: The legal age for marriage in Turkey is 18 for both men and women. For individuals who are 17, court approval is required.

Marriage eligibility certificate: Foreigners must present a marriage eligibility certificate obtained from their home country and certified by the competent Turkish authorities. This certificate shows that the person has no legal impediment to marriage.

Identity documents and translation: Passports or ID cards must be translated into Turkish and notarized.

Health report: A legally required health report must be obtained for marriage in Turkey.

Marriage procedures are usually carried out at Civil Registry Offices or Marriage Departments. In some cases, consular approval may also be required for foreigners.

Status of Foreigners Married in Turkey
Foreigners who get married in Turkey are considered legally married under Turkish law. However, in some countries, official registration or recognition may be required for the marriage to be recognized in their home country. Therefore, a foreigner married in Turkey should inform the competent authorities in their country about their marital status.

Can Foreigners Divorce in Turkey?
Yes, foreigners married in Turkey can also get divorced in Turkey. There are certain conditions for initiating divorce proceedings:

The foreigner seeking divorce must be residing in Turkey or married to a Turkish citizen.

Divorce cases are filed at Family Courts and conducted according to the provisions of the Turkish Civil Code.

In some cases, recognition (enforcement) procedures may be required for the divorce to be valid in the foreigner's home country.

Important Points to Consider
Foreigners must provide all required official documents completely during marriage and divorce procedures.

Divorce proceedings can be mutual consent or contested, and Turkish law applies different procedures depending on the situation.

Foreigners who divorce in Turkey must present official documents and court decisions to ensure that the divorce is recognized in their home country.

Conclusion
In summary, foreigners in Turkey can both marry and divorce, but for the procedures to be legally valid, all required documents must be complete and the procedures carefully followed. Marriage and divorce in Turkey are sensitive matters that require attention to ensure legal recognition both in Turkey and in the foreigner’s home country.

Instagram: aykutyavuzlaw

Graduating with high honors from Altınbaş University’s Jewelry and Accessory Design Department, Ayşen Tokluoğlu has crowned her strong academic background with hands-on industry experience. She has worked full-time at Assos Diamond and provided design support to leading companies such as Zen Diamond. In addition, she has contributed to the industry by offering brand consultancy services to various jewelry brands.

Her design philosophy reflects an original perspective that embraces transformation with time rather than resisting it, combining meaning and aesthetics. Inspired by nature and the human inner journey, Ayşen aims to create designs that tell simple yet profound stories. She regards jewelry not merely as an accessory but as a personal mark and a timeless medium of expression.

As a finalist in the JTR Jewelry Design Competition, Ayşen Tokluoğlu has also proven herself on a national level and continues to add value to the sector in the fields of design and brand strategy.

"I don’t create designs that resist time; I create designs that transform with it."
 

The event organizer, Mr. Sait, greeted us warmly and paid special attention to the companies arriving from Turkey. His affection for our country was evident in every gesture. His hospitality made us feel right at home, and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to him once again.

The city of Tiznit was exceptionally well-prepared for the fair. From the moment we entered, the entire atmosphere reminded us that something meaningful was about to happen. We could sense that the event would be a success, as the whole country seemed to embrace it. Along the roads, promotional banners and flags gave us a glimpse of what was to come.

Of course, this would not be possible without the invaluable support of the Kingdom of Morocco, which prioritizes development and trade. The efforts of the mayor and municipality of Tiznit, regional politicians, government officials, and most importantly, the local community cannot be overlooked. As FASTİAD, we wanted to contribute to Morocco’s economic efforts and encouraged participation in the fair from Turkish companies in the jewelry industry. Together, we set up our booths and took part in this important event.

A particularly beautiful moment was the cultural presentation prior to the fair’s opening—local Moroccan dances and performances gave visitors an authentic taste of the country's rich heritage.

The Minister of Culture and Traditional Arts of the Kingdom of Morocco also attended the opening ceremony. We had the opportunity to meet and introduce him to our association and its activities. During this exchange, we shared our idea to produce a documentary—led by the renowned screenwriter Fehmi Gerçeker—about the city of Essaouira, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. He expressed his full support for the project with great enthusiasm.

The public participation in the Tiznit fair was overwhelming—at times, the crowd was so dense it became almost impossible to move. At one point, we, the members of the association, stepped outside to enjoy Morocco’s famous mint tea.

The Moroccan market’s potential, its strategic ties with neighboring countries and regions, and its significant trade volume make it an essential gateway for companies seeking to establish a lasting presence. Moreover, due to its strong links with the rest of Africa, Morocco is a key entry point for businesses aiming to grow and establish a brand across the continent.

In this context, our association supports both Turkish companies aiming to enter the Moroccan market with a focus on production and/or sales-marketing, and local Moroccan firms seeking promotion and technical assistance.

To be honest, jewelry designers are not often seen as artists in this industry. Because technical mastery and production processes take precedence, the resulting work is usually viewed as "functional" rather than "artistic." As someone with an art education, this perception has always made me reflect. I do not only create producible designs — I also question the meaning of every form and the emotion behind every surface.

To highlight this distinction and affirm my identity as an artist, I have worked not only digitally but also with traditional methods. I created and exhibited hand-sculpted pieces to express this approach physically. Over time, people around me began to call me an "artist" rather than a "designer." I never asked for this title; the language of my work gradually evolved into it.

Digital sculpting programs like ZBrush have provided me with powerful tools in this journey. These kinds of software allow for both detailed expression of artistic ideas and offer great convenience in preparing for production. Traditional craftsmanship still holds great value, but there's no denying how digital technologies — especially among Gen Z — have accelerated the field. What a master once learned over a lifetime can now be acquired in just a few years with the right digital training.

In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence into this process has ushered in a new era in jewelry design. AI-based systems may not yet be capable of solving micron-level production details, but this is only a matter of time. In the near future, it may be possible to generate both the visual and the production-ready mold of an aesthetically rich design with a single command.

Today, I still draw, carve molds, and manually oversee every step of the process. But I know this field will evolve even further when technology, intuition, and artistic sensibility are combined. And we are right in the middle of that transition. I want to be one of those who not only observe it — but shape it.

Because as a designer, I do more than produce — I create meaning, witness transformation, and sometimes open the path forward.

Conclusion:
When I first began, I simply knew what I loved. I felt something within me wanted to take shape and become visible. Through education, observation, production, and time, that voice became clear. Looking back today, I realize I have built not just a profession, but a stance — an identity.

I became someone who understands both sides of the fine line where jewelry connects technique and art. I expressed myself through handmade sculptures and learned to preserve the spirit of my designs in digital platforms. In this process that bridges the old with the new, tradition with innovation, I respect the habits of the industry while pushing the doors of the future.

With the heritage of the past, I write the language of the future. Every line, every form — is like a sentence spoken to the spirit of its time.

In the face of this tragic reality, international organizations that claim to have been established to protect human rights—and with them, the right to life—to establish peace and ensure justice, remain in deep silence. Institutions such as the United Nations (UN), NATO, and the European Union (EU) either hide behind a façade of neutrality in every moment of crisis or, through their silence, stand on the side of the oppressor. We learned the names of these institutions back in our school years, believing they existed to defend humanity and justice. But before long, we were met with the harsh truth: this is far from the case.

This stance is not mere indifference—it is a blatant hypocrisy and the reflection of a systematic policy of self-interest. These so-called peacekeeping organizations have never truly stood with the oppressed; they have always acted in line with their own agendas. While the right to life is being violated, while hospitals and schools are being bombed, while babies and children are being slaughtered, the indifference of these institutions exposes their true nature.

Today, the concept of human rights has become hollow—nothing more than a term casually thrown around in international seminars or academic settings, with no real application in practice. The brutal realities unfolding before the world’s eyes prove that these principles remain confined to paper.

The silence of the international community reveals that these organizations were never founded on the basis of humanity, but on power and self-interest. With each passing day, justice grows quieter, consciences become more numb, and the law is systematically rendered ineffective. It is not the rule of law that prevails, but the law of the powerful. Since the dawn of humankind, man has never been able to contain himself within the boundaries of the world. For the sake of expanding a handful of land, he has committed every kind of injustice—and attempted to legitimize it, placing it on a supposed legal foundation.

The world we live in today may well be witnessing one of the darkest periods in human history. Every institution, every structure, every individual that remains silent in the face of oppression contributes to the collapse of justice and pushes the principle of the rule of law to the background. Humanity, in failing to raise its voice against injustice and tyranny, is accelerating its own end. It is not only the oppressed who are losing—but all of humanity.

Atty. Aykut Yavuz
Member of the Bursa Bar Association Human Rights, Children’s Rights, and Women’s Rights Commissions

This passion led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Jewelry Design at Altınbaş University, where she also completed a minor in Fashion Design. Driven by a desire for continuous self-improvement, she expanded her education into different fields, studying Window Display Design at Mimar Sinan University and receiving specialized training in jewelry design from the world-renowned designer Cosimo Vinci. Understanding that design extends beyond creation and into the realm of marketing, she completed a master’s degree in Strategic Brand Management at Marmara University. This provided her with opportunities to offer brand consultancy in the jewelry industry.

After gaining valuable experience at leading companies such as Altınbaş-Assos Diamond and Roberto Bravo, she established her own brand, Bensy Company, as a freelance jewelry designer. Under this brand, Ece continues to provide jewelry design and consultancy services both domestically and internationally. She has developed a unique design philosophy that combines traditional techniques with modern and technological approaches.

Ece Benay Erişen is committed to creating distinctive, functional designs that reflect the personalities and lifestyles of her clients through every gemstone and material she works with. Soon, she will also be sharing her insights on art, design, and fashion through articles on Habergold, connecting with readers who appreciate timeless elegance and creative vision.
 

Between 2007 and 2009, Benzer began his professional career as a designer at Goldaş. He left this position to fulfill his mandatory military service. After completing his service, he served as the design unit manager at SoChic from 2010 to 2014, contributing to significant projects. Subsequently, from 2014 to 2016, he joined BMA Rings, where he served as the head of the design department.

Benzer has also played an active role in academia. From 2012 to 2018, he taught Rhinoceros modeling at the Bilişim Training Center on weekends. In 2016, he established his own business, founding Morelle Jewellery and the Jewellery Art Academy. He also served as a lecturer at Istanbul Commerce University’s Jewelry Engineering Department.

A major milestone in his career was serving as a jury member in the 9th JTR Jewelry Design Competition. He also founded and managed the Istanbul Chamber of Jewelers’ Jewelry Academy. As the current president of the Association of Jewelry and Accessory Designers, Benzer has shared his extensive knowledge by writing a two-part book series titled "Computer-Aided Jewelry Design."

Benzer has expanded his expertise internationally. In 2019, he provided a week-long training program for designers at LAZURDE in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He has trained students from countries including India, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Germany, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom. Through Morelle Jewellery, he creates new collections each year and exports them worldwide.

In addition to his professional work, Benzer conducts seminars and workshops at various universities and high schools. He is highly skilled in advanced drawing and modeling software such as Rhinoceros, Matrix Gold, Artcam, ZBrush, KeyShot, C4D, Maverick Render, and Stable Diffusion AI, as well as graphic programs like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe After Effects. His passion for technology allows him to develop innovative solutions for the industry using 3D printers.

In his spare time, Benzer enjoys music, painting, and crafting jewelry at his workbench, highlighting his identity as both an artist and an innovative designer.

Soon, He will also be sharing her insights on art, design, and fashion through articles on Habergold, connecting with readers who appreciate timeless elegance and creative vision.

The topic of our discussion, the Knowledge Economy, will reveal how our nation and society are perceived globally based on the work we do with accurate information. If the perception is of a strong economy and social governance, then the source of the information is deemed accurate. If the perception is negative, both economically and socially, it implies that the information is incorrect or manipulated, indicating a problem in the interpretation of the information.

One of the most important issues in both this age and the past is the overwhelming bombardment of information on individuals. The purpose for which information is instilled in individuals and society has become increasingly significant. It is widely known that many pieces of information, once accepted as true, have later been proven to be false or manipulated.

All our observations and assumptions about natural and social events, both internal and external to us, form the foundation of knowledge. If we speak of development, it is clear that we are also speaking of change. Therefore, without understanding the concept of change, it is impossible to say much about knowledge and its economy. During times of change, boundaries are crossed. Society reorganizes itself; its worldview, core values, social and political structure, art, and key institutions evolve.

This shows us that the people of our era have set sail for new historical, political, and cultural levels of development and will continue to do so every few decades or centuries. Developing countries must initiate a transition to a knowledge society by altering their development strategies. Instead of industrialization strategies based on adopting outdated technologies discarded by developed countries, they must shift to innovative strategies that revive the dynamism of the knowledge society and knowledge technologies, and develop policies to achieve this.

If this is done, it is possible that within the next ten or twenty years, surprising economic miracles could occur. Even underdeveloped (or, as I believe, left behind) countries such as those in Africa, and the poor and underdeveloped nations of the third world, could undergo rapid transformations, becoming swiftly growing economic powers in the blink of an eye.

We are likely living through the final stages of such a transformation right now. The previous transformations were inevitably linked to the West and Western history, given our involvement with the West for various reasons. Similar changes have occurred every two centuries since the 13th century, emerging as new transformations each time.

We cannot predict how the future will unfold, but we know that the center of civilization and development, which once belonged to the East, shifted to the West over time. Therefore, it is clear that the West cannot be entirely excluded from future developments. In fact, we must recognize this, as the material civilization and knowledge of the future are based on Western foundations. Science, tools, technology, production, economy, money, finance, and banking are all Western developments.

Unless we fully understand and embrace Western ideas and traditions, or unless we create something new in the areas I mentioned, none of these concepts will function effectively. This demonstrates that the people of our time are setting sail for new levels of historical, political, and cultural development and will continue to do so every few decades or centuries. The Knowledge Society will carry humanity forward to unknown or unpredictable points, such as the Digital Society and, subsequently, the Creative Society.

Both the world and Turkey are rapidly experiencing the Digital Society and digital technology, but the same cannot be said for the Creative Society and technology. This is because there are relatively few individuals, institutions, or governments that create something new, whether a product or an idea. As a result, those who do create such technology design the world and its societies. This shows us that only those who imagine, who can read, understand, and grasp the future well—the futurists—will always be one step ahead.

Haber Gold, which operates globally and focuses on the gold and jewelry sector, appeals to a broad readership. Having achieved great success with its content in Turkish, English, Arabic, French, and Russian, Haber Gold now aims to reach a wider audience by publishing in Spanish and German.

New Languages, New Horizons

The Spanish and German publications will cater to Spanish and German-speaking readers living in a vast geography, from Latin America to Spain, and from Germany to Austria. Haber Gold aims to facilitate access to information for industry professionals and enthusiasts by providing key news, analyses, and commentaries in these languages.

Editor's View

Abdulvahap Filiz, Editor-in-Chief of Haber Gold, made the following statements about this new step: "The gold and jewelry sector is a global industry, and we are keeping a pulse on this global industry. With our Spanish and German publications, we aim to reach a wider audience and ensure their access to reliable information. This step will allow Haber Gold to reach more readers worldwide and reinforce our mission of sectoral information dissemination."

Rich Content

The new Spanish and German versions of Haber Gold promise rich content filled with current news, in-depth analyses, and exclusive interviews. From gold prices to new design trends, from interviews with leading industry figures to financial analyses, a wide range of content will be available to readers.

Conclusion

Haber Gold will continue to reflect global events impartially and accurately, and will maintain this mission with its Spanish and German publications. The content offered in seven languages by Haber Gold will continue to be a valuable information source for professionals and enthusiasts in the jewelry sector.
 

Jewelry making is one of Turkey's traditional crafts, involving the skilled craftsmanship of high-quality work and the adept processing of precious metals. However, in recent years, strict regulations introduced to combat smuggling in the industry have made it difficult for many jewelry businesses to thrive.

Several reasons account for this. Firstly, with the increase in inspections in the sector, the complexity of rules that businesses must comply with has increased. Particularly, strict regulations aimed at preventing smuggling in the jewelry sector have made it difficult for businesses to continue their operations.

Moreover, high tax rates and increased tax inspections have increased the costs for jewelry businesses. This situation, especially burdensome for small-scale businesses, has led to the closure of many small enterprises in the sector.

However, the challenges facing the jewelry industry are not solely due to regulations. International competition and the widespread adoption of online sales platforms have also disrupted traditional business models in the sector. The increasing digitalization and e-commerce are changing consumer shopping habits, putting traditional jewelry businesses under new competitive pressures.

Nevertheless, despite all these challenges, the Turkish jewelry sector still carries a valuable legacy. The craftsmanship of artisans and the emphasis on quality remain essential elements that can help the sector survive. Additionally, embracing contemporary business models and digital marketing strategies by industry representatives could enhance the sector's competitiveness and help it gain a more effective position in the international market.

In conclusion, although the Turkish jewelry sector is going through a tough period, it has a deep-rooted past and significant potential. Finding innovative solutions and fostering collaborations by industry stakeholders can ensure the sector's sustainability and guarantee the transfer of jewelry-making tradition to future generations.

Birol Usta (I can't thank him enough) is an incredible master who worked at the Urart company. He patiently shared his knowledge with me, and after that, he joined the design team at Armaggan company and passed on his position to me. Years later, we worked together again, but in 2018, we decided to part ways due to marriage reasons.

In this process, I created two collections for the Stella Flame brand in the United States, using silver, 18k gold, and precious stones. Unfortunately, I can't help but mention that there are unscrupulous individuals in our industry who indirectly copy my molds and designs, and then sit at the same table in meetings with the intention of taking your work away by adopting cost-cutting policies. This has left me disillusioned with the industry.

The child, the pandemic, and the increase in the dollar exchange rate forced me to postpone my plans of establishing the workshop I had dreamed of. Leaving everything behind, we embarked on a new adventure with our brand MEŞŞATE.

While conducting research, I came across the Ottoman Turkish dictionary and found the word "meşşet," which is said to be derived from the word "tarak" and means "a woman who adorns other women." In some dictionaries, it is also interpreted as "a woman who adorns brides." I was deeply impressed by the meaning of this word, and it excited me greatly.

In our brand, MEŞŞATE, we create collections with metals such as 14k, 18k, 24k gold, and silver, as well as precious and semi-precious gemstone groups. We combine traditional techniques like the red old wax method with modern production techniques used today.
We work with companies that have direct in-store sales, and we also offer our customers retail service through our website for our brand's exclusive collections (currently in progress). With my special interest in archaeology and art history and the technical support I received from my mentor Birol Kılıç, we also have a separate collection related to underground artifacts.

The product you see in the image is 'LAMASSU,' a Mesopotamian protective deity represented as a human-headed bull or lion with the wings of a bird. These statues were believed to be placed in front of sacred spaces to make them secure. Lamassu statues can be found on display in many museums and art collections today.

Around the world, countries are required to make decisions regarding the deportation of foreign nationals within their borders. However, this process must adhere to certain key principles under international law and human rights. In this article, we will delve into the fundamental concepts surrounding the deportation of foreign nationals and the principles established by international law.

1. Right to Asylum and International Protection:
The issue of deporting foreign nationals is closely linked to the right of asylum. International protection law recognizes the right to seek asylum and requires a fair evaluation of asylum applications. Unless an individual's asylum claim is accepted, they should not be deported.

2. Legal Process and Fair Assessment:
The process of deportation must undergo legal procedures and a fair assessment. This allows individuals to defend their rights and challenge the reasons for deportation.

3. Risk of Human Rights Violations:
The deportation process should be carried out cautiously due to the potential risk of human rights violations. If there is a risk that individuals may face torture, ill-treatment, or death upon deportation, such actions should not be taken.

4. Reasons for Deportation:
Each country has its own laws determining the grounds for deportation. In the "Law on Foreigners and International Protection," the criteria for individuals who may be subject to deportation are explicitly outlined in Article 54. These criteria include:

Illegal entry into the country.
Posing a security threat to the nation.
Being a leader, member, supporter, or involved in profit-oriented criminal organizations or terrorist groups.
Overstaying the duration of a visa.
Carrying a contagious disease that poses a risk to public order and health.
Having residence permits revoked.
Engaging in employment without the necessary work permit.
Violating the duration of residence permits by more than ten days without valid reasons.
Having residence permit extension applications denied.
Failing to depart from Turkey within ten days after residence permit expiry, despite being issued an entry ban to Turkey.
These criteria serve as the legal basis for making deportation decisions, and they are aimed at safeguarding the security, public order, and public health of the country. It is crucial for countries to apply these criteria in a fair and consistent manner while respecting the human rights of foreign nationals.
5. Legal Representation:
Foreign nationals should have access to legal representation during or before the deportation process. This helps individuals defend their rights.

6. Non-Refoulement Principles:
International law prohibits the refoulement of individuals, which means sending them back to a place where they may face persecution or harm. This principle is applied when there is a risk of torture, ill-treatment, or other serious human rights violations upon deportation.

Deporting foreign nationals is a complex issue that must be handled in compliance with international law and human rights. While each country has its own legal procedures, they should be implemented in a way that does not violate fundamental human rights. Deportation procedures are closely monitored by the international community, highlighting the importance of protecting human rights.

 Aykut Yavuz- Attorney at Law
Email: aykutyavuzlaw@gmail.com
Instagram: aykutyavuzlaw
 

Global Reach and Diversity

The 'Habergold Lifestyle Magazine' will address a broad audience by publishing in five different languages. Through publications in Russian, French, Arabic, English, and Turkish, the magazine aspires to bridge different cultures and regions. Its outreach across these languages will encompass 133 countries, holding the potential to unite diverse actors of the business world."

"Export and Business Connection Opportunities

The jewelry sector has been regarded as a symbol of elegance and aesthetics for centuries. Companies operating in this sector may seek to introduce their products to a broader audience and enhance export possibilities. The 'Habergold Lifestyle Magazine' aims to bring together global firms and entrepreneurs to facilitate the establishment of international connections.

A New Platform Replacing Traditional Fairs

Traditional trade fairs offer valuable opportunities for companies to showcase their products, learn about the latest sector trends, and establish business connections. However, technological advancements and worldwide travel restrictions, compounded by financial constraints, may limit participation in these traditional fairs. In this regard, the 'Habergold Lifestyle Magazine' steps in by providing a digital platform for a trade fair experience.

Business owners, designers, and experts can showcase their products within the magazine's pages, stay updated on industry developments, and establish international business connections."

In conclusion,

 we can say that the "Habergold Lifestyle Magazine" stands out as a platform that brings together key players in the jewelry sector, supports global connections, and enhances export opportunities. By publishing in five different languages, the magazine will address a wide audience worldwide, representing a significant step towards adapting to the evolving dynamics of the business world. Set to launch on September 15, 2023, the "Habergold Lifestyle Magazine" appears poised to become a new meeting point for the global business community.
 

A residence permit is a legal document that foreign nationals staying in Turkey for a period longer than the designated visa duration need to obtain from the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (İl Göç İdaresi). This permit determines the period a foreign national can legally stay in Turkey and is applicable beyond the regular visa period. The legal regulations regarding residence permits are outlined in the Law on Foreigners and International Protection and the Law No. 5683 on the Residence and Travel of Foreign Nationals in Turkey.

Except for those exempt from needing a residence permit, foreign nationals are required to obtain a residence permit to stay in Turkey beyond their visa duration. This requirement is a result of international law, serving the country's interests by maintaining public health and order, preventing adverse situations, and enabling the identification and control of foreigners residing in the country.

Various types of residence permits exist in accordance with the purpose of stay in Turkey. These include Short-term, Long-term, Family, Student, Victims of Human Trafficking, and Humanitarian residence permits. Once you determine the appropriate type of residence permit for your situation, you can proceed with your application.

Residence permit applications are now processed through an online system. You can submit your application through the e-residence system on the website of the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Ensure that you fill out the application form accurately and provide all necessary information.

After completing the application form, you need to schedule an appointment with the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management to finalize the application process. Appointments can be made through the e-residence system.

Upon securing an appointment, submit the completed application form and the required documents to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Additionally, the signed application form grants you a legal right to reside in Turkey until the appointment date. Application results are typically announced within 90 days, and the residence permit card is sent to you via PTT Cargo.

What Should Individuals Do If Their Residence Permit Application is Rejected?

If your residence permit application is rejected, you have 60 days from the date of rejection notification to file an annulment lawsuit at the administrative court. It is advisable to consult with a lawyer to effectively manage this process and protect your rights.

For further information, you can contact me at:

Email: aykutyavuzlaw@gmail.com
Instagram: aykutyavuzlaw
Lawyer Aykut YAVUZ
 

Here are some important factors:

1. 
   1.    Demand and Consumer Behavior: Consumer demands and preferences will influence the future of the jewelry industry. Customer expectations, trends, fashion, and lifestyle changes may require the development of new products and the adaptation of marketing strategies.
   2.    Technological Advancements: The jewelry sector needs to keep up with technological advancements. New technologies used in production processes can enhance design and manufacturing quality, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. Additionally, digital platforms such as e-commerce and digital marketing can enable industry growth and competitiveness in the international market.
   3.    Sustainability and Ethical Values: Sustainability and ethical values have gained significance in the jewelry industry in recent years. Environmentally friendly production methods, fair trade practices, and efficient resource utilization are important factors for the industry's future. Consumer focus on sustainability and ethical values can drive the preference for jewelry brands that excel in these areas.
   4.    Export Potential: The Turkish jewelry industry has the potential to compete internationally with its high-quality and unique designs. Supporting export activities can contribute to the industry's growth. Moreover, Turkey's geographical location and cultural heritage can provide advantages in the international market.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Considering all these factors, the future of the Turkish jewelry industry will be shaped by innovative approaches, technological advancements, and sustainability-focused strategies. The ability to adapt to global trends and compete in the international market will also impact the industry's success.

Foreigners who want to get married in Turkey (or non-Turkish citizens) must provide a document from their respective authorities in their own country proving that they are not currently married. Otherwise, Turkish authorities cannot perform a new marriage. This means that couples who are already married cannot get married again in Turkey according to Turkish laws.

Email: aykutyavuzlaw@gmail.com

Instagram: aykutyavuzlaw

A guide providing information on different options and requirements for obtaining Turkish citizenship. The easiest and fastest option is to become a Turkish citizen by purchasing a property worth $400,000. Here is the application process and important points to consider.

The easiest and fastest way to apply for Turkish citizenship is through property investment. If you have purchased a property worth at least $400,000, such as a residential property, commercial property, land, or similar, you can initiate the application process by applying to the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. It is important to prepare the required documents in accordance with the legal regulations.

Verification of Property Value: After submitting your application to the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre, real estate appraisers will verify whether the purchased property is worth $400,000 or not. This is an important point as many applicants face issues in this regard.

Minimum Holding Period: You must hold the purchased property for a minimum of 3 years. Selling the property within this period may result in the cancellation of your citizenship application.

Other Important Points: As of May 5, 2022, if you and your family wish to benefit from this initiative, you need to purchase a property worth $75,000 and above. This amount applies to buyers interested in properties located in one of the 30 metropolitan cities in Turkey. You can also benefit from the program by purchasing a property worth $50,000 in the remaining 51 smaller cities in Turkey.

Residence Permit for Family Members: Under this scheme, foreign national family members can apply for a residence permit if they have shared or joint ownership of the property. This includes the applicant's spouse, children under the age of 18, and dependent adult children.

It is advisable to consult with a lawyer to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to navigate the process smoothly.

It is always recommended to check the latest requirements and procedures from official sources or seek the assistance of a lawyer.

Twitter : aykutyavuzlaw   instagram : aykutyavuzlaw

In addition to English and Spanish, Aykut Yavuz is fluent in French and has opened a YouTube channel called Aykut Yavuz French Lessons in memory of a girl who passed away at the age of 11. This channel has won the admiration and appreciation of thousands of people from different countries and provides free French language education videos from beginner to advanced levels. He also shares practical and informative French content on the @aykutyavuzfransizca Instagram account. The @aykutyavuzlaw Instagram account also features legal content in Turkish and occasionally in foreign languages.

Aykut Yavuz is both a French and Turkish citizen and has a basic knowledge of French, English, Spanish, and some local languages of African countries.

Additionally, we believe that ongoing roadworks should be completed, and incoming tourists should not face difficulties in transportation. Furthermore, there is an issue with agencies misleading tourists. Before nine in the morning, when no tradespeople are open in the market, they show tourists the Grand Bazaar from the door and then take them away. This neither allows for shopping opportunities nor for experiencing the place. Our request in this regard is that tourists should be allowed to wander freely here at least between nine in the morning and two in the afternoon. It takes time and effort to explore and get to know the Grand Bazaar, which has a 600-year history and nearly 4,000 tradespeople. Everyone should be able to come and shop comfortably in this nostalgic environment.

Another issue that needs to be resolved is the parking problem in the Grand Bazaar. We ask our governor and municipality to solve this issue soon.

In the past, people used to come here to shop from as far as Pendik, Tuzla, and all over Turkey. Knowledgeable tradespeople from many sectors used to work here. I believe this was due to the apprenticeship, journeyman, and master system, with people growing up in the trade from a young age. Nowadays, this system has been replaced by people with financial power starting directly as bosses. This leads to the sector straying from its former quality. I believe that if we all support our bazaar together to correct all these issues, many things will change and improve.

As an association, we presented our projects regarding our problems to the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Mayor of Fatih Municipality. We are awaiting their support. Recently, we met with the Istanbul Provincial Chairman of the AK Party, Aziz Babuşçu, and the Mayor of Fatih. We conveyed our issues and demands to them. In a conversational environment that included all tradespeople, the valuable administrators took notes on all the discussions and are working on them. Hopefully, the meetings will result in a positive outcome. This way, both our tradespeople, our citizens, and our bazaar will benefit.

Sometimes, when asked, I say that I graduated from Harvard University because the bazaar is a culture, a life, a great school. All Habergold readers should know that as İMKUSAD, we have started activities on behalf of our sector to keep this school standing. We are continuing our work with all our strength. Our goal is to revive the association and bring our bazaar and sector to better places.

I will write my articles in Habergold English soon, too.

In order to understand the future of the Turkish Jewelery industry, it is necessary to both be in the sector and live. When both come together, we understand that when word and deed come together with the same action, I think we call it the manifestation of language.

Recently, we see that Turkish jewelery is heading towards a very different and good destination. The jewelery sector, which is developing in every field, also shows resistance while giving exams at the intricate, complex and equally difficult stage. You can call it both renewing and resisting to not be updated.

The recent jewelery selections (Istanbul Chamber of Jewelers and Jewelery Exporters' Association) passed this year with an unprecedented participation and an ambitious and contentious race. Of course, everyone is after doing something... Everyone has their own plan and strategy... They come up with many promises in the elections... At the end of the day or at the end, which of these promises will be fulfilled and what has been added to the field, by accounting for them. landed on the field...

Anyone who does not fully understand the Turkish jewelery sector from the outside should know that the first is all Turkey and its cities, which we call the domestic market, which is the sector companies working for this market, the second is the companies exporting abroad, they have little interest in the domestic markets... Thirdly, both abroad and abroad. as well as the companies entering the domestic markets... Recently, we see that the brands that do not appear in the domestic market much are also turning to the domestic market.

In addition, as sub-sector, gold, machinery, design, showcase, candle, casting and stone companies that feed these value-added companies are also divided into categories among themselves. In other words, like the products imported or produced here...

In addition, the jewelery sector, like other sectors, is evolving towards a period in which the heads of chambers and associations, who organize and distribute all these supports equally to the producers in the sector, exhibit their managerial qualities. .

We will reflect the developments in the domestic and foreign markets, all over the world, to you as a sector. Hopefully, we will work on the above-mentioned issues, one by one or part by part, in an understandable way.

We can't tell everything because our column is limited. With this first article, we are making an introduction.. We will share the experiences of both us and the doyens of the sector, who want to do business, who want to expand abroad, how to develop from scratch, and from now on, you will look at the jewelery sector more consciously...