OXFORD,
Miss.—The life of Ahmet Yukleyen has been far from
boring. Born in the Netherlands to Turkish parents, he has checked quite a few
incredible things off his bucket list. But how did Ahmet end up in Oxford,
Mississippi?
It all began when Ahmet received his
high school and undergraduate education from institutions in Turkey. After
graduation, he knew he wanted to broaden his horizons and study overseas.
“I always dreamed of studying in the
United States or the UK,” Ahmet said. “The appeal of the US was greater.”
Denver, Colorado was location Ahmet
chose to pursue his master’s degree. HE began studying international relations
not knowing he would soon spark an interest in anthropology.
Ahmet began studying cultural
anthropology after reading a book on civil society in the Middle East by an
anthropology professor at Boston University. Drawn to learning more about these
cultures, he began traveling and conducting research.
“I traveled to Morocco to observe
the Islamic Movement in Morocco,” Ahmet said. “They were very much the
strongest opposition movement that was challenging the King at the time.”
According to Ahmet, Morocco was the
most different country he has ever visited. Although he speaks Turkish, Dutch
English and German fluently, language can still be a challenge when conducting
research.
“The language barrier was somewhat
difficult in Morocco,” Ahmet said. “An interpreter has to help translate
everything being said from the Arabic language.”
Ahmet’s research has gone beyond
Morocco. He has also studied several different European cities.
“I love travelling to all of these
different places because they are each so unique from one another,” Ahmet said.
“I have a special connection with each of my research locations”
Ahmet relocated to Memphis in order
to maintain a steady lifestyle with his wife. Recently, they have welcomed a
new baby girl.
“I love walking on the streets of
Memphis and not thinking that I will be recognized,” Ahmet said. “I really
don’t like New York because it is too big and crowded, but I do love Boston.”
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Ahmet
travels from his home in Memphis to Oxford where he serves as Croft Associate
Professor of Anthropology and International Studies.
“Ahmet
is a cheerful, congenial colleague,” said Edward Sisson, Associate Professor of Anthropology. “He is a very productive scholar whose many publications have
enhanced the reputation of our department.”
Sisson
says the University is lucky to have a scholar like Ahmet available.”
“Ahmet
as his research interests are very significant for the understanding of contemporary
Europe,” Sisson said. “Ahmet devotes considerable time and effort to the
support of his students, especially those working on their theses.”
Ahmet is also a greatly appreciated
by his students. He teaches several classes of all course levels.
“Taking Anthropology 101 was very
interesting, especially with Professor Yukleyen as my teacher,” said Katherine
Henson, freshman. “Very few classes are as intriguing to listen to as my
anthropology class was.”
Overall, Ahmet has lived a far more
interesting life than most his age. As for the future, he says anything can
happen.
“Who knows where my future travels
and researching will lead me,” Ahmet said. “All doors are open.”