M. Haluk KULA
Secretary General
Born in Istanbul in 1953, Haluk Kula graduated from Istanbul University’s Department of Press, Broadcasting and Public Relations and later studied at the Academy of Business Sciences. He specialized in exterior insulation and restoration of old buildings and historical structures.
Before retiring, he taught “Facility Management” at Istanbul University for seven years. He has also designed numerous websites and developed various projects in digital communications. He currently serves as the volunteer Secretary General of the Yücel Cultural Foundation.
Secretary General
Born in Istanbul in 1953, Haluk Kula graduated from Istanbul University’s Department of Press, Broadcasting and Public Relations and later studied at the Academy of Business Sciences. He specialized in exterior insulation and restoration of old buildings and historical structures.
Before retiring, he taught “Facility Management” at Istanbul University for seven years. He has also designed numerous websites and developed various projects in digital communications. He currently serves as the volunteer Secretary General of the Yücel Cultural Foundation.
Aslıcan KÖMEÇOĞLU
Scholarships Coordinator & Administrative Affairs Manager
Born in Istanbul in 1986, Aslıcan Kömeçoğlu is a graduate of Kocaeli University’s Department of Environmental Engineering. Following her experience in the private sector, she joined the Yücel Cultural Foundation in 2018.
Kömeçoğlu is responsible for scholarship applicant selection and evaluation processes. She also manages communications with regional directorates of foundations, banks and other public institutions, and coordinates correspondence received through the Foundation’s email system.
A mother of two, Kömeçoğlu is known for her attention to order and organization in the workplace and approaches her responsibilities with a strong sense of accountability.
Scholarships Coordinator & Administrative Affairs Manager
Born in Istanbul in 1986, Aslıcan Kömeçoğlu is a graduate of Kocaeli University’s Department of Environmental Engineering. Following her experience in the private sector, she joined the Yücel Cultural Foundation in 2018.
Kömeçoğlu is responsible for scholarship applicant selection and evaluation processes. She also manages communications with regional directorates of foundations, banks and other public institutions, and coordinates correspondence received through the Foundation’s email system.
A mother of two, Kömeçoğlu is known for her attention to order and organization in the workplace and approaches her responsibilities with a strong sense of accountability.
Ece DİKMENLİ
Social Media Coordinator
Born in 1995, Ece Dikmenli graduated from Sakarya University’s Department of Labour Economics and Industrial Relations and Anadolu University’s Department of Management Information Systems. She is currently continuing her undergraduate studies in Journalism at Sakarya University as well as her master’s thesis in Social Policy.
She has held various roles in media and human resources, gaining experience at organizations including CNN Türk, Otokoç, Poldy Yazılım and TV100. She also has entrepreneurial experience in social media. For the past ten years, she has served as a licensed table official for the Turkish Basketball Federation at national and international levels.
Dikmenli joined the Yücel Cultural Foundation in 2023. As Social Media and Events Coordinator, she contributes to artist and university collaborations, press relations, promotional activities and venue rental processes, while managing all of the Foundation’s social media communications.
Social Media Coordinator
Born in 1995, Ece Dikmenli graduated from Sakarya University’s Department of Labour Economics and Industrial Relations and Anadolu University’s Department of Management Information Systems. She is currently continuing her undergraduate studies in Journalism at Sakarya University as well as her master’s thesis in Social Policy.
She has held various roles in media and human resources, gaining experience at organizations including CNN Türk, Otokoç, Poldy Yazılım and TV100. She also has entrepreneurial experience in social media. For the past ten years, she has served as a licensed table official for the Turkish Basketball Federation at national and international levels.
Dikmenli joined the Yücel Cultural Foundation in 2023. As Social Media and Events Coordinator, she contributes to artist and university collaborations, press relations, promotional activities and venue rental processes, while managing all of the Foundation’s social media communications.
Ekremcan BAKIR
General Coordinator
Born in Istanbul in 1989, Ekremcan Bakır graduated from Kadıköy Anatolian High School and completed his undergraduate degree in International Trade at Boğaziçi University. He also studied Sociology, Human Resources Management, Culinary Arts, Web Design and Coding, and Visual Communication Design at Anadolu University.
After completing his undergraduate studies, he began working at Divan A.Ş. (Koç Group), where he held positions in reporting, production planning and human resources. His work focused on learning and development, organizational development and employee engagement. He also coordinated the Simphony project as part of Koç Holding’s digital transformation goals.
Between 2012 and 2021, Bakır served voluntarily as Human Resources Coordinator for MAGMA & Boğaziçi Jazz Choir. Through Kültürlerin Sesi (Voice of Cultures), a joint project with the Yücel Cultural Foundation, he became acquainted with the Foundation and joined it in 2019 as a part-time Project Coordinator.
Working full-time at the Foundation since 2021, Bakır is actively involved in the organization and programming of its performance center as well as research and development, website management, translation, digital marketing and video editing.
General Coordinator
Born in Istanbul in 1989, Ekremcan Bakır graduated from Kadıköy Anatolian High School and completed his undergraduate degree in International Trade at Boğaziçi University. He also studied Sociology, Human Resources Management, Culinary Arts, Web Design and Coding, and Visual Communication Design at Anadolu University.
After completing his undergraduate studies, he began working at Divan A.Ş. (Koç Group), where he held positions in reporting, production planning and human resources. His work focused on learning and development, organizational development and employee engagement. He also coordinated the Simphony project as part of Koç Holding’s digital transformation goals.
Between 2012 and 2021, Bakır served voluntarily as Human Resources Coordinator for MAGMA & Boğaziçi Jazz Choir. Through Kültürlerin Sesi (Voice of Cultures), a joint project with the Yücel Cultural Foundation, he became acquainted with the Foundation and joined it in 2019 as a part-time Project Coordinator.
Working full-time at the Foundation since 2021, Bakır is actively involved in the organization and programming of its performance center as well as research and development, website management, translation, digital marketing and video editing.
M. Enis ERTUNA
Corporate Relations Coordinator
Born in Istanbul in 1974, Enis Ertuna completed his undergraduate studies at Marmara University’s Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences and earned a master’s degree in International Finance from the same university. He also holds numerous certificates in personal development areas such as body language, time management and managerial skills.
He has worked in finance, sales and management at organizations including DenizBank, BilgeAdam Information Technologies and MESAM (Musical Work Owners’ Society of Türkiye). His path crossed with the Yücel Cultural Foundation in 2019, and he played an important role in the development of bursverenler.org, one of the Foundation’s projects.
He retired in 2024, but soon returned to active duty and continues to contribute to the coordination of inter-foundation collaborations and scholarship processes.
Corporate Relations Coordinator
Born in Istanbul in 1974, Enis Ertuna completed his undergraduate studies at Marmara University’s Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences and earned a master’s degree in International Finance from the same university. He also holds numerous certificates in personal development areas such as body language, time management and managerial skills.
He has worked in finance, sales and management at organizations including DenizBank, BilgeAdam Information Technologies and MESAM (Musical Work Owners’ Society of Türkiye). His path crossed with the Yücel Cultural Foundation in 2019, and he played an important role in the development of bursverenler.org, one of the Foundation’s projects.
He retired in 2024, but soon returned to active duty and continues to contribute to the coordination of inter-foundation collaborations and scholarship processes.
Gözde KAYA
Kültür Avcıları Coordinator
Gözde Kaya graduated from Kocaeli University’s Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technologies in 2019 and completed Anadolu University’s Web Design program in 2022. Combining her background in educational technologies with teaching experience, she worked as an Information Technologies teacher at Bahçeşehir College and İSTEK Uluğbey Schools.
Her volunteer experience includes work with Spor İstanbul, the Community Disaster Platform, AFAD, AKUT, the Community Volunteers Foundation and various civil society organizations. She has gained experience in project writing and management, educational technologies, volunteer management, event coordination, strategic communication and team leadership.
Kaya began contributing to the Yücel Cultural Foundation as a volunteer in 2024 and, from 2025 onward, supported the Foundation’s activities as a Project Assistant and Volunteer Officer. As of September 2026, she will join the Yücel Cultural Foundation full-time as Coordinator of the Kültür Avcıları project and assume responsibility for its coordination.
Kültür Avcıları Coordinator
Gözde Kaya graduated from Kocaeli University’s Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technologies in 2019 and completed Anadolu University’s Web Design program in 2022. Combining her background in educational technologies with teaching experience, she worked as an Information Technologies teacher at Bahçeşehir College and İSTEK Uluğbey Schools.
Her volunteer experience includes work with Spor İstanbul, the Community Disaster Platform, AFAD, AKUT, the Community Volunteers Foundation and various civil society organizations. She has gained experience in project writing and management, educational technologies, volunteer management, event coordination, strategic communication and team leadership.
Kaya began contributing to the Yücel Cultural Foundation as a volunteer in 2024 and, from 2025 onward, supported the Foundation’s activities as a Project Assistant and Volunteer Officer. As of September 2026, she will join the Yücel Cultural Foundation full-time as Coordinator of the Kültür Avcıları project and assume responsibility for its coordination.
Yavuz HARDAL
Security and Maintenance Officer
Born in Ankara in 1953, Yavuz Hardal entered working life at a young age and worked for many years as a foundry worker in various factories. He was wounded while completing his military service during the Cyprus Peace Operation and was granted veteran status.
Hardal has worked under the umbrella of the Yücel Cultural Foundation since 2002. Known affectionately as “Yavuz Abi” by many young people, particularly those involved with MAGMA & Boğaziçi Jazz Choir, he has become an exemplary volunteer through his dedication beyond regular working hours and the care he brings to every Foundation event.
Security and Maintenance Officer
Born in Ankara in 1953, Yavuz Hardal entered working life at a young age and worked for many years as a foundry worker in various factories. He was wounded while completing his military service during the Cyprus Peace Operation and was granted veteran status.
Hardal has worked under the umbrella of the Yücel Cultural Foundation since 2002. Known affectionately as “Yavuz Abi” by many young people, particularly those involved with MAGMA & Boğaziçi Jazz Choir, he has become an exemplary volunteer through his dedication beyond regular working hours and the care he brings to every Foundation event.
Yunus Emre BENLİ
Projects & Volunteers Coordinator
Born in Malatya in 1990, Yunus Emre Benli graduated from Trakya University’s Department of International Relations and is continuing his studies in Sociology at Anadolu University. He has been actively involved in civil society organizations working with young people for more than ten years.
After serving as a trainer in projects run by the Community Volunteers Foundation, Edirne Municipality Youth Council, Youthart Association and UNICEF, Benli joined the Yücel Cultural Foundation in 2022 as Projects and Volunteers Coordinator.
Benli designs training programs and events aimed at empowering young people. He also shares his enthusiasm for an active life through nature-oriented interests including cycling, camping, swimming, hiking and photography.
Projects & Volunteers Coordinator
Born in Malatya in 1990, Yunus Emre Benli graduated from Trakya University’s Department of International Relations and is continuing his studies in Sociology at Anadolu University. He has been actively involved in civil society organizations working with young people for more than ten years.
After serving as a trainer in projects run by the Community Volunteers Foundation, Edirne Municipality Youth Council, Youthart Association and UNICEF, Benli joined the Yücel Cultural Foundation in 2022 as Projects and Volunteers Coordinator.
Benli designs training programs and events aimed at empowering young people. He also shares his enthusiasm for an active life through nature-oriented interests including cycling, camping, swimming, hiking and photography.
Gürhan ÇETİNKAYA
Accounting and Finance
Born in Şişli in 1987, Gürhan Çetinkaya graduated from Yıldız Technical University’s Faculty of Business Administration in 2009. He has worked as a certified public accountant for more than 15 years and manages all of the Foundation’s financial processes with great care.
His meticulous approach often functions as a second layer of control, helping identify and correct details that might otherwise be overlooked. Travel and an active lifestyle are among his greatest passions; he has visited many countries and made sport a regular part of his daily life.
Accounting and Finance
Born in Şişli in 1987, Gürhan Çetinkaya graduated from Yıldız Technical University’s Faculty of Business Administration in 2009. He has worked as a certified public accountant for more than 15 years and manages all of the Foundation’s financial processes with great care.
His meticulous approach often functions as a second layer of control, helping identify and correct details that might otherwise be overlooked. Travel and an active lifestyle are among his greatest passions; he has visited many countries and made sport a regular part of his daily life.
Sami ALTUNDAĞ
Software Specialist
Sami Altundağ, a member of the Yücel Cultural Foundation’s Board of Trustees, contributes significantly to the Foundation through his expertise in software development. In addition to the Foundation’s official website, yucelkulturvakfi.org, he developed the software infrastructure of the bursverenler.org and sanateserleri.org projects, playing a leading role in the Foundation’s digital transformation.
Altundağ is also closely interested in technology and good agricultural practices. He lives in Northern Cyprus with his academic spouse and their son, and continues to support the Foundation’s work actively through regular weekly online meetings.
Software Specialist
Sami Altundağ, a member of the Yücel Cultural Foundation’s Board of Trustees, contributes significantly to the Foundation through his expertise in software development. In addition to the Foundation’s official website, yucelkulturvakfi.org, he developed the software infrastructure of the bursverenler.org and sanateserleri.org projects, playing a leading role in the Foundation’s digital transformation.
Altundağ is also closely interested in technology and good agricultural practices. He lives in Northern Cyprus with his academic spouse and their son, and continues to support the Foundation’s work actively through regular weekly online meetings.