SOCIAL SCIENCE DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL (SSD) is an e-journal that started its publication life as a peer-reviewed, indexed journal in the field of social sciences in 2016 and published its first issue in May 2016.
Disaster Awareness and Preparedness Behaviors: Evidence from a Case Study in Adana, Turkey
Disasters not only cause physical destruction but also deeply affect the social, economic, and psychological structures of societies. Due to its geological characteristics, Turkey is highly vulnerable to many types of disasters, particularly earthquakes. This study examines disaster awareness and preparedness behaviors in the province of Adana. Based on a field survey conducted with 560 participants, individuals’ disaster experiences, preparedness levels, family communication strategies, emergency kit ownership, and levels of trust in institutions were measured. Findings show that 74% of the participants have been directly or indirectly affected by a disaster. However, despite this high rate of experience, only 29.1% reported having an emergency kit, indicating a low level of societal preparedness. Moreover, the proportion of households with an evacuation plan was found to be only 38%, while participation in volunteerism and community solidarity remained below international standards. These results reveal a significant gap between disaster awareness and preparedness behaviors. International comparisons demonstrate that in countries advanced in disaster preparedness, such as Japan and the United States, individual preparedness levels are much higher. For example, the proportion of people with an emergency kit is over 90% in Japan and around 60% in the United States. The case of Adana reflects Turkey’s overall disaster preparedness profile and points to strategic deficiencies at the national level. In this context, it is concluded that local governments, non-governmental organizations, and central authorities must work in coordination.
Copyright (c) 2025 Onur ÖZBAY https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE DEVELOPMENT OF AI IN PHILIPPINE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: A STRATEGIC EXAMINATION OF EDUCATIONAL AND MARITIME ESTABLISHMENTS
HRM practice in the Philippines employs a two-speed approach to AI, informed by a vast divide in the adoption of automation among authority types, specifically maritime and higher education institutions (HEIs). In this article, we trace the adoption of AI along a wide swath of five domains: recruitment & selection, crew & employee lifecycle/credentialing, learning & development (L&D), performance management and people analytics, and policy, ethics, and governance. The key takeaway is that AI is perceived as a complementary, rather than a replacement, technology, and that it will create a need for individuals in the workforce to be able to work with and benefit from these technologies. These issues include: data silos and an explosion of data. This report pulls the pieces together and provides a comparative analysis, and makes a case for how we can ride the wave of change.
Copyright (c) 2025 Froilan MOBO https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING SUCCESS IN DATA-DRIVEN BUSINESS PROCESSES: AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-BASED MODEL PROPOSAL
In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business process management (BPM) has gained significant momentum, particularly in data-driven organizational structures. This study proposes a method-based conceptual model that integrates organizational critical success factors (CSFs) with AI-enabled process management components. The model is designed in a layered structure that includes input components such as senior management support, data governance, data quality, data literacy, and technical infrastructure; an AI-based process mechanism consisting of machine learning, predictive analytics, process automation, and recommendation systems; and output variables such as decision quality, operational efficiency, process success, and agility. Adopting a feedback-driven and adaptive system logic, the model aims to develop learning-based process cycles. The model's components are structured through a comprehensive literature review covering the past five years and evaluated comparatively with cognitive BPM models and AI-enabled process frameworks. The findings indicate that aligning AI technologies with organizational readiness factors can enhance strategic decision quality and digital transformation success. This conceptual framework offers both an academic contribution and a practical roadmap for institutions that want to implement AI-supported processes
Copyright (c) 2025 Salih Serkan KALELİ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EXAMINATION OF THE OPINIONS ABOUT PLAY OF MOTHERS WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Play is both fun and educational for children. Playing games contributes to children's cognitive, language, social, psychomotor and personality development. Play acts as a bridge between the child's imagination and the world, improving their interpersonal communication. In other words, children learn to empathize with others through play, to respect others, to realize their responsibilities in mutual relationships, to be patient, to have rules and to obey them. Play is a tool that contributes to all developmental areas for children with special needs who exhibit characteristics different from normal development characteristics. This research aims to examine the views of mothers with children with special needs on play. This research was conducted using the phenomenological method, one of the qualitative research methods. Data were obtained from a total of 15 mothers with children with special needs who participated in the research voluntarily through semi-structured interviews and were analyzed and interpreted. Validity and reliability studies were conducted on the obtained data. Although the majority of the mothers who participated in the research were aware of the importance of play for their children's development, they stated that their children encountered some problems in playing games.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nisa Gökden KAYA https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TURKİSH HUMOR ECOLOGY IN ORAL, WRİTTEN AND ELECTRONİC CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTS
Humor cannot be viewed solely as laughter and laughter. It is a collection of human phenomena and attitudes with individual, cultural, and ecological integrity. Humor inherently encompasses concepts such as human reaction patterns, criticism, entertainment culture, group culture, context, function, communication, image, superiority, relaxation, status, positivity, negativity, humor masters, and humor designers. This study, considering the shortcomings in the methods and propositions of classical humor research, was designed as a response to such studies centered on written culture, conducted through jokes and humor magazines. The ignorance of humor traditions that emerged within Turkish folk groups but whose written forms have not yet been developed, and the failure to investigate the forms and products that have formed or developed, can be considered key points in Turkish folk humor studies. The research explores the multifaceted, constantly evolving dimensions of humor, which has different facets depending on group folklore, in oral, written, and electronic cultural environments. It also identifies the need to consider humor within the context of language, religion, culinary culture, gaming culture, cultural economy, and gender culture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Azem SEVİNDİK https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE CIVILISATIONAL MANIFESTATION OF ISLAMIC THOUGHT: BAYT AL-HIKMA
This article aims to explore the foundation process, content, and lasting impact of Bayt al-Hikma, one of the first systematic scientific institutions of the Islamic world. The initial part of the study focuses on the intellectual background and historical process that influenced the Abbasid caliphs in establishing Bayt al-Hikma. Particularly, the Abbasid caliphs’ support for science and knowledge, along with their guiding role, was one of the primary factors behind the institution’s success. The study highlights how Bayt al-Hikma evolved over time as a reflection of the policies implemented by these caliphs. In this context, it is observed that the continuity of scientific advancements was not solely dependent on individual efforts but also on an encouraging state policy. Scholars, translators, and their works within the institution have been examined. The study further observes how the translated and original works served as fundamental sources for many intellectuals, contributing to the enrichment and advancement of Islamic sciences. The Islamic world experienced one of its most intellectually vibrant periods during this era. When assessing the Abbasid dynasty, which ruled between 750 and 1258, and the contributions of Bayt al-Hikma to the Islamic world, it becomes evident that the frequently used term “Dark Ages” provides an incomplete and misleading depiction of the medieval period. The research also examines how the decline of Bayt al-Hikma was triggered by the Abbasid caliphs’ decreasing interest in the institution, rising political tensions, and ongoing wars. Finally, it is established that Bayt al-Hikma played a crucial role in preserving numerous works from ancient civilisations. The study seeks to demonstrate how translation activities became a systematic practice under the Abbasid state.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zülal ERKAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE INNER JOURNEY IN HARITH AL-MUHASIBI: THE QUEST FOR THE PERFECT HUMAN IN THE CONTEXT OF SELF-ACCOUNTING, ASCETICISM, AND GNOSIS
Haris el-Muhasibi's (d. 857) Sufi approach, rooted in the Baghdad school, offers a systematic framework for inner purification and the pursuit of human perfection. This journey, central to Islamic thought, is explored through three core concepts: self-accounting, asceticism, and gnosis/spiritual knowledge. Muhasibi views nefis muhasebesi as the essential process of self-examination, identifying inner flaws and intentions to foster an authentic connection with God. Zühd, for Muhasibi, isn't a rejection of the world but a liberation of the heart from its attachments, allowing for a complete turning towards the divine. This purification of the heart is crucial for ma'rifet, a form of intuitive understanding where the individual grasps divine truths beyond mere intellectual knowledge. These three concepts are intertwined, forming a holistic path towards the İnsan-ı Kâmil ideal a person perfected both outwardly and inwardly, adorned with divine virtues. Muhasibi emphasizes the role of free will in this journey, stressing that individuals must actively strive against their lower selves. Furthermore, patience and gratitude are vital for enduring spiritual challenges and acknowledging divine blessings. Finally, righteous deeds performed with sincerity solely for God's pleasure are the outward manifestations of this inner transformation, solidifying the individual's ascent towards perfection. Muhasibi's balanced and rational approach to Sufism, bridging intellect and emotion, continues to offer a timeless guide for inner spiritual growth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Halise BAYSUĞ, Abdulvahap YILDIZ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A VIEW OF WOMEN IN TURHAN OĞUZBAŞ’S POEM ZEYNEBIN TURKISH FOLK SONG
The poem Zeynebin Türküsü by Turhan Oğuzbaş, who is primarily known in Turkish literature for his emotionally intense poems and love letters, is the thirty-second poem in his poetry collection Beyaz Kasımpatılar (White Chrysanthemums). The poem contains a powerful social critique. It exposes the difficulties of being a woman, particularly the social and economic pressures faced by women living in rural areas. In this regard, the poem portrays a kind of social drama while also depicting the emotional and psychological struggle of the individual against the oppressive environment. In the introduction, the poem is examined from a general perspective; subsequently, it is interpreted through a woman-centered lens, and finally, it is analyzed and evaluated in terms of formal features and literary devices. Critical theories foreground the language, structure, form, and aesthetic value of the work. Zeynebin Türküsü exhibits a multilayered structure in terms of form. The poetic intensity of the poet’s language is especially combined with a rhythm derived from the folk poetry tradition. Beginning with the line “Bir sabah güneşle beraber çığlık çığlığa” (“One morning, with the sun, screaming loudly”), the poem opens with the pain of birth, experiencing a dramatic escalation with each line. This escalation culminates in a turning point in the final line, “Zeynep’i bir pula sattılar” (“They sold Zeynep for a penny”), leading to a tragic conclusion. The simplicity and depth in the poem’s rhythmic structure carry traces of Turkish folk poetry while simultaneously presenting a tragic narrative about Zeynep’s life. The poet’s use of imagery such as “bird’s heart,” “mountain flower,” “white steed,” and “market of souls” concretizes Zeynep’s innocence, delicacy, and the profound suffering she ultimately endures. The poem constructs an aesthetic form that combines the flavor of traditional folk poetry with a modern critique.
Copyright (c) 2025 Songül TAŞ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
VERBAL FORMULAS IN ERZURUM REGIONAL FOLK SONG: FORMULAS
The subject of this research involves formal expressions, which are oral formulas, in folk songs from the Erzurum region included in the TRT Türk folk music repertoire. One of the elements that strengthen the narrative in epics, folk tales, and fairy tales, considered major genres within folk literature, is formal expression. All literary works, and especially folk culture products, serve as a mirror reflecting the emotions, thoughts, dreams, and attitudes of the people who created them. It is always possible to encounter traces of historical experiences in this mirror. Folk songs hold a particularly important and distinct place among folk culture products. Folk songs not only express beliefs, traditions and customs, value judgments, developments that cause joy and sorrow, and the helplessness of humanity, but also reveal an artistic and aesthetic understanding through the harmony between words and melody. Like all folklore, folk songs derive their origins from the people. Traditions, customs, traditions, and customs, etc., are implemented alongside certain religious practices. Social norms reveal the cultural treasure and memory of a society. Folk songs, one of the primary products of oral tradition, play a significant role in transmitting a society's shared cultural awareness from generation to generation. When the folk songs in the TRT Repertoire are examined from a verbal perspective, certain unchanging elements are evident. It has been determined that certain patterns are used as formulas in the creation of the folk lyrics. This is thought to be a result of the folk song-writing process, which the people employ during the creation of the folk songs, a tradition they call "selling the master's goods."
Copyright (c) 2025 Mustafa Oner UZUN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A COMPARATIVE THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE FROM MODERNISM TO POSTMODERNISM: IS POSTMODERNISM A CONTINUATION OF MODERNISM? OR A REACTION?
Since the second half of the 20th century, postmodernism has been perceived in three different ways by many segments of society. The first group considers it anti-modernism, which is the most popular view. The second group sees it as a continuation of modernism. The third group sees it as a structure formed by the fusion of both modernism and postmodernism, exposing society to negative effects. Different approaches to the word have led to an endless and vicious cycle of debates about it in scholarly circles. The elitist attitude of modernism transforms into a populist structure in postmodernism. This structure embraces diversity in a flexible form. Instead of a single truth, it has become one that attributes the relativity of truths. Postmodernism completely rejects the prominent characteristics of modernism and Enlightenment thought, such as order, symmetry, rational harmony, and notions of progress and morality, all of which derive their origins from Ancient Greece. Instead of central thought, decentering has been used, subject instead of object, anarchy instead of hierarchy, hybridity instead of unity in art, heterogeneity instead of homogeneity, fantasy instead of reality, and a populist pluralistic structure instead of an unquestionable elitist understanding of reality. This article will attempt to clarify postmodernism by examining its historical background through related words: modern, modernity, modernity, modernism, postmodernity, and postmodernism. While it is impossible to provide a definitive meaning to the word, another aim of this study is to reveal the existence of existing debates in a single study.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mehmet Taner TÜRK https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ASST. PROF. DR. MOURNING FOR THE LOSSES AND HEALING THE TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES: IRIS MURDOCH’S THE ITALIAN GIRL
This study aims to study about the analysis of trauma and the literary representation of the traumatized characters’ recovery in The Italian Girl by the contemporary Irish novelist Iris Murdoch. The aims of this study are to describe the portrayal of post-traumatic stress disorder experienced by the main characters in Murdoch’s novel “The Italian Girl” and the way of the main characters healing it in the novel. The Italian Girl deals with the problems of Jewish exile identity and lived experience as well as the recovery of identity and the elimination of trauma through coming to terms with the past. Using the psychoanalytic theories of Sigmund Freud and Jacques Lacan and the principles of trauma theory, this paper will present a close textual reading of the novel and examine traumatized characters’ healing from traumatic past events to reconstruct and rebuild themselves and their lives. Iris Murdoch questions trauma and healing through the concept of family in this novel, which tells the story of an unhappy family’s struggle to confront its dark secrets and recover from them. Murdoch’s story of Edmund Narraway’s reunion with his estranged family and of the tragedy that shocks them all into confronting their dark past begins with his mother’s funeral. Edmund Narraway returns to his childhood home years after his mother's death and the tensions that have caused him to choose a lonely life away from his family slowly begin to surface. As the veil of mystery behind the events unravels, the tragedies and traumas of family history are unearthed. Focusing on the causes of trauma, traumatic symptoms and recovery, this study aims to explore the trauma of daily lives and the various psychological disorders caused by intertwined personal and familial histories.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mehmet GÜNEŞ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE MAWÂLÎ POLICY OF THE UMAYYAD ERA AND ITS IMPACT ON THE IRANIAN REGION
Throughout history, people have sought an environment where diverse ideas and cultures could coexist; however, these differences have often led to social divisions. The Islamic world was also affected by such separations, particularly during the Umayyad period, when the mawālī policy hindered the social integration of non-Arab Muslims. The discriminatory stance of the Umayyads, which conflicted with Islam’s egalitarian principles, provoked unrest and rebellion. This study first examines the social divisions that emerged in the early Islamic period, with a particular focus on the mawālī policy during the Umayyad era. It then explores the reactions of non-Arab Muslims to the discrimination caused by this policy, as well as the uprisings that arose in response. The mawālī policy fostered an anti-state sentiment among non-Arab Muslims, with many of the revolts during this period either initiated by or supported by the mawālī. The aim of this study is to analyse the societal repercussions of events from the foundation of the Umayyad Caliphate to its transition into the Abbasid era. Understanding this period is crucial for comprehending the social transformations that took place across different regions of the Islamic world. In this context, it is evident that the mawālī policy left a profound impact on the conquered territories, particularly in Persia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kübra YAZICI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A STUDY OF THE BAR KOKHBA REBELLION AND THE IUDEAN POLICY OF THE ROMAN EMPEROR HADRIAN IN THE SECOND CENTURY AD
The Bar Kokhba Revolt was the last major military, religious, political and cultural uprising of the Jewish people against the Roman Empire, which took place between 132-135 AD. With the second destruction of Solomon's Temple in the first Great Jewish-Roman War (66-73 AD), the Jews felt both their religious freedom and their ethnic identity threatened. It was the increasing Roman pressure on Iudeia from the first war that once again encouraged the Jews to revolt. Emperor Hadrian's conversion of Iudeia into a pagan Roman colony called Aelia Capitolina, his prohibition of Jewish religious practices, and the construction of the temple of Iupiter on the Temple Mount were among the main factors that triggered the revolt. This, combined with the expectation of a savior among the Jewish people, made rebellion inevitable. A man named Simon Bar Kokhba was recognized as the messiah by some Jewish clerics and enjoyed great popular support. Thus, under the leadership of Bar Kokhba, the Jews revolted against Rome. They were initially successful in inflicting serious losses on the Roman legions through tactics such as guerrilla warfare, underground bunkers and organized resistance. However, the Roman legions violently suppressed this last revolt by targeting the Jews' cave shelters. Iudeia was largely destroyed, thousands of Jews were massacred, and the survivors were exiled from their homeland and forced into a life of diaspora. Thus, this last event led to the strengthening of the Jewish Diaspora and the dispersal of its population around the world. The revolt left a deep mark on Jewish history and the figure of Bar Kokhba became a symbol of resistance. It also played an important role in shaping the Jewish people's determination to survive and their hopes for future liberation. In this study, the Bar Kokhba Revolt will be evaluated in the light of ancient and modern sources, both in its historical context and as a reflection of Rome's policies towards religious and ethnic minorities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fatma TEZCAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
This study examines the role of causality within the framework of empiricist epistemology in the Classical School of Economics. Causality, one of the fundamental problems in the history of science, lies at the center of efforts to understand the structure of scientific knowledge. The empiricist tradition, particularly in the field of economics, has exerted a formative influence on the foundations of modern social sciences. David Hume conceptualized causality not as necessity, but merely as the succession of events that regularly follow one another; from a skeptical perspective, he argued that causality is only a mental habit and cannot be known with certainty. John Stuart Mill, however, sought to overcome Hume’s skepticism by claiming that causal laws could be established through inductive and experimental methods. Deeply influenced by Hume, Adam Smith adopted a pragmatic approach, interpreting causality in the context of moral sentiments and social behavior. The perspectives of these three thinkers reveal the epistemological, methodological, and normative dimensions of causality within the empiricist tradition. By offering a comparative evaluation of these orientations, the article presents a multi-layered analysis of the philosophical, scientific, and ethical aspects of causality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lütfü ŞİMŞEK https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PROXY WARS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND TÜRKİYE’S STRATEGIC POSITION
This study examines Türkiye's strategic role in proxy wars across the Middle East, with a focus on Syria, Libya, and Yemen. By analyzing military interventions, diplomatic initiatives, and alliances, the research explores how Türkiye navigates complex regional dynamics involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study relies on open-source reports, policy documents, and academic literature to identify patterns of engagement, strategic objectives, and influence mechanisms. Findings indicate that Türkiye’s approach integrates military support, diplomatic negotiation, and soft power, aiming to expand regional influence while balancing relations with competing actors. In Syria, Türkiye has combined direct military action with support for opposition groups and negotiation with regional and international stakeholders. In Libya, involvement has centered on supporting the Government of National Accord (GNA) and leveraging drone warfare to project power. In Yemen, Türkiye has exercised limited direct intervention but remains engaged through Gulf alliances and humanitarian diplomacy. Challenges include shifting alliances, sectarian tensions, and international scrutiny. The study concludes that Türkiye’s strategic positioning reflects a combination of opportunity-driven and constraint-driven decision-making. Policy implications emphasize the need for coherent regional strategies, careful calibration of military engagement, and multilateral diplomatic efforts to enhance stability. The research contributes to understanding modern proxy conflicts and Türkiye’s evolving foreign policy in a multipolar, fragmented regional environment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Cüneyt YILMAZ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE ROLE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE IN THE UKRAINE-RUSSIAN FEDERATION WAR
Global economic crises, particularly in fragile regions, are intensifying existing conflicts. These crises are causing previously unresolved and frozen international issues to resurface. Critical regional problems that remained unresolved and dormant during the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Cold War, are now reemerging amid the current global economic downturn—reviving economic difficulties reminiscent of the pre-World War I depression era. This situation is creating instability not only at the regional level but also globally, affecting power balances in international relations. This study aims to assess whether Türkiye plays an active role in the region, considering its strong historical ties with both Ukraine and Russia. The research is grounded in positivist/rationalist theories and utilizes qualitative methods, primarily employing PESTLE analysis to evaluate political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors. A SWOT analysis was also conducted to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to Türkiye, Ukraine, and Russia. Key factors influencing Türkiye’s role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict were identified and analyzed. The study concludes that Türkiye has significantly contributed to crisis management in line with its national power and can effectively fulfill its role as a regional actor.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alp ARABACI, Szymon KARDAŚ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE SOCIAL PRACTICES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: THE CASE OF KARABAĞLAR MUNICIPALITY
This study examines the methods that local governments can use to achieve social welfare and equal service provision within the scope of social municipalism practices. Social municipalism is a local government approach that aims to raise the standard of living of disadvantaged groups, achieve social justice, and encourage active participation in urban life. Karabağlar Municipality, which forms the sample of the study, is one of the exemplary municipalities where the concept of social municipalism is implemented, with its social services and community-oriented projects. The aim of the study is to examine the content, effectiveness, and public benefit of Karabağlar Municipality's social municipalism activities on those in need of social services. The social assistance activities carried out by the municipality, women's and youth centers, services for people with disabilities, cultural and educational projects, and many other social services mentioned in the study were evaluated in this context. In the qualitative research study, document analysis was used to examine the various units of Karabağlar Municipality in the field of social services, and activity reports and content on the official website were analyzed in detail. The research concluded that, thanks to social municipalism practices, social solidarity has been strengthened in the Karabağlar district, a broad segment of the population in need of social services has been connected with these services, and the accessibility of services is high.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mustafa Gökberk ERTAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
RESHAPING GLOBAL ENERGY LANDSCAPES: THE GEOPOLITICAL REPERCUSSIONS OF THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
The Russia-Ukraine War marks a critical inflection point in the International Political Economy (IPE) of energy, catalyzing profound disruptions in global energy markets, security architectures, and geopolitical alignments. This chapter conceptualizes the conflict as a paradigmatic case in energy geopolitics, illuminating how the war dismantled entrenched patterns of energy interdependence—most notably between Russia and Europe—and exposed the strategic vulnerabilities embedded within asymmetric dependencies. It interrogates the deliberate weaponization of Russian natural gas exports as an instrument of coercive statecraft, underscoring the entanglement of energy flows with geopolitical power dynamics under the IPE lens. The analysis traces the accelerated restructuring of global energy trade routes prompted by Europe's decoupling from Russian supplies, characterized by surging LNG demand, infrastructural overhauls, and the recalibration of supplier-consumer relationships. It further explores the emergent scramble for energy security, detailing divergent national responses, intensified renewable energy deployment, and the reconfiguration of strategic partnerships. Additionally, the chapter evaluates the macroeconomic repercussions of the conflict—including energy-driven inflation and volatility—while critically assessing the political economy of the energy transition amid crisis. Particular attention is paid to the tension between short-term fossil fuel resurgence and long-term decarbonization trajectories.Framed through the IPE constructs of power, interdependence, vulnerability, and institutional resilience, this contribution offers a comprehensive analysis of how acute energy disruptions reconfigure the global political-economic order, yielding vital insights for future energy security strategies in an era of intensifying geopolitical turbulence.
Copyright (c) 2025 Merve KÜÇÜK, Shorya JAİSWAL https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX A COMPARATIVE ANALYSYS OF BRICS and TURKEY
In today’s knowledge-based world, intellectual capital has been the key factor for development for achieving sustainable competitive advantage, a paradigm change has occurred and as a result of this change, the importance of physical assets has decreased dramatically and another type of capital which is respectively new; intellectual capital has started to gain important among both academicians and practitioners all over the world. Intellectual capital has three sub-dimensions including; human capital, structural capital and relational capital and these together directly effect the capacities of productivity, innovation and value creation. Human Development Index which is prepared by United Nations is one of the most important comprehensive resource for evaluating countries globally in terms of health, education and income. Additionally, the world has perhaps been going through a very sensitive period than ever seen in history. Due to wars, economic crises, threats of new pandemics and waves of migration, political balances are shifting; alliances are either breaking apart or being reformed, and Turkish Republic is at some kind of decision point. Due to the long lasting and inconclusive negotiations Turkey is moving away from European Union and approaching to other blocks such as BRICS. In this research Turkey has been compared with BRICS and top countries in terms of human development by the help of Human Development Index. At the end of the detailed comparisons it is seemed that BRICS countries and Turkey is not at the desired position, and necessary revisions should immediately made to be able to reach the desired level.
Copyright (c) 2025 Taha Yasin ÖLMEZTOPRAK https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
INTERACTION OF GLOBAL AND REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS DYNAMICS: TÜRKİYE’S GLOBAL AND REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS ANALYSIS
Competition is the struggle of players in markets against each other, shaping prices, quality and innovations and promoting economic efficiency and growth. With globalization, competition has gained a different position and the concepts of global and regional competition have emerged. The relationship between regional and global competition has a significant impact on a country's international strategies and objectives. Regional competition can affect the dynamics of global competition and global competition can shape regional strategies and determine the balance of economic and political power at both levels. This study aims to reveal the interaction of regional and global competition dynamics, to analyze the economic, political and strategic consequences of these interactions, and to reveal the effects of these relations on country strategies. In this context, Türkiye's global and regional competitiveness index calculation has been made by using the Regional Competitiveness Index and Global Competitiveness Index calculation methods. On a global scale, Türkiye scored between 61 and 51 points between 2018 and 2022. On a regional scale, the Istanbul Region ranked first with 0.82 points and the Northeastern Anatolia Region ranked last with 0.08 points. At the end of the study, Türkiye's regional innovative policies such as clustering, priority regions for development, regional network systems, technology development zones, and organized industrial zones increase local innovation capacity and support strategic adaptation for competitive advantage in global markets. At the end of the study, it is seen that it is regional competitiveness that feeds global competitiveness.
Copyright (c) 2025 Oğuz CİĞERLİOĞLU, Tuba AKSU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE MEDIATING ROLE OF LEARNING ORGANIZATION IN THE IMPACT OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON GREEN ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR: THE CASE OF GROUND HANDLING SERVICE COMPANIES
The aim of this study is to determine the effect of transformational leadership (TL) on green organisational behaviour (GOB) and to define the mediating role of learning organisation (LO) in this effect. Today, environmental awareness, i.e., green business, is considered an important factor for all enterprises. Enterprises that use tools and equipment that may harm the environment are expected to be more sensitive to this issue. It is stated that GOB emerge through the efforts of transformational leaders in organizations and that this is possible when the organization has a culture of learning. The example of this research includes white-collar staff from ground handling companies that have been granted an A-type operating licence (shgm.gov.tr.2025b) and a green airport certificate (shgm.gov.tr.2025a) by the General Directorate. The participants' responses to the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS v30 and IBM AMOS v24 software packages. The results of the analysis showed that TL has a positive effect on GOB. Furthermore, TL was found to have a positive effect on LO. Another finding was that LO have a positive effect on GOB. Finally, it was observed that the relationship between TL and GOB is mediated by LO.
Copyright (c) 2025 Murat SUCU https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE LEGAL NATURE OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR: AN EVALUATION IN TERMS OF THE LAW NO. 5018 ON PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Performance management stands out as a critical tool for public institutions to achieve strategic goals, use resources effectively, and ensure accountability. With the influence of the New Public Management approach, performance-based management has become widespread in Turkey, and various legal and institutional steps have been taken in this direction. However, despite these efforts, structural and administrative problems encountered in practice prevent the effective operation of the system. This study addresses the theoretical foundations of performance management in the public sector and evaluates current practices in Turkey. The study was conducted using a qualitative research method, with document analysis performed. Legislation, strategic planning documents, Court of Accounts reports, and current academic literature were analyzed. The findings of the study reveal that legislative gaps, inconsistencies in practice, institutional capacity deficiencies, and a weak performance culture are prevalent in performance management practices in Turkey. Additionally, significant problems such as a lack of coordination between local governments and central institutions, difficulties in determining performance indicators, and administrative confusion were identified. In this context, various administrative reforms, strategic planning improvements, and institutional capacity strengthening are recommended to make performance management practices in Turkey more effective.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ebru AYAN, Esra ÇIKMAZ , Ahmet ARSLAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ECONOMIC STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION AND ENERGY POLICIES IN TURKEY 1923-2023
This study evaluates the economic structural transformation process of the Turkish economy between 1923 and 2023 within the framework of the use and change of energy resources. The change and diversification of energy resources, referred to as the energy transition, depending on economic development and structural transformation is evaluated through the structural transformation of the Turkish economy. For this purpose, the relationship between economic development, structural transformation, and the energy transition is revealed within the framework of data obtained over the centennial period of the Turkish economy. Within this framework, the economic transformation process is evaluated using the structural transformation index and sectoral productivity coefficients, and is periodically associated with energy policies and the use of energy resources. In 1923, Turkey had an economic structure dominated by agricultural activities; as a result of the policies implemented, it underwent a transformation over the years, and by 2023, it had evolved into an economic structure dominated by industrial and service activities. While Türkiye was undergoing an economic structural transformation, it also diversified and changed its energy resources; While in 1923, Turkey was using primitive biofuels (wood and dung) and limited coal, by 2023, it had reached its final stage of nuclear energy supply. This study attempts to reveal the relationship between the change in energy resources and economic structural transformation in Turkey, the direction of this relationship, and the influencing factors. The Structural Transformation Index method was chosen to calculate and analyze structural transformation, and the Norm of Absolute Value Index (NAV) index was used in the calculations. The rate of structural transformation was calculated using data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) covering the years 1923 to 2023. The findings, along with data from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (ETKB), were evaluated in the model to analyze the relationship between the change in energy resources and economic structural transformation. According to the results of the study, it was concluded that the change in the use of energy resources is both a determining factor of the structural transformation process and a direct outcome of this transformation. While the increase in the share of sectors in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in favor of the industry and service sectors causes the diversification of energy resources and the expansion of their usage areas, the diversification of energy resources affects the change in the shares of sectors in GDP by affecting sectoral productivity
Copyright (c) 2025 Şükrü İNAN, Çağlayan KARACAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGIES IN TOURISM: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS
This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of academic research conducted at the intersection of financial technologies (FinTech) and the tourism sector. As digital transformation accelerates globally, FinTech applications such as digital payments, blockchain-based reservations, and artificial intelligence-driven pricing models are increasingly influencing tourism service delivery and customer experience. Despite this growing relevance, a systematic mapping of scientific output in this field has been lacking. This study addresses that gap by analyzing 118 academic publications indexed in Web of Science and Scopus databases between 2015 and 2025, using the Bibliometrix R package. The research explores publication trends, the most productive authors and countries, collaboration networks, frequently used keywords, and the most influential articles based on citations. The findings indicate that scholarly interest in this area has grown rapidly in the last five years, with significant contributions from countries such as China, the United States, and India. Co-authorship and co-occurrence network analyses reveal emerging thematic clusters centered on blockchain, smart tourism, and financial innovation. This study contributes to the literature by offering a structured overview of how FinTech is being conceptualized and integrated into tourism research. It also identifies key knowledge gaps, such as limited empirical studies focusing on service quality and customer behavior. The results are expected to guide future research agendas and inform practitioners and policymakers aiming to leverage FinTech for more efficient and customer-centric tourism services.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mehmet BEYAZGÜL https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CULTURAL MEMORY, COGNITIVE AESTHETICS, AND EPIGENETIC LEARNING IN MUSIC-BASED PEDAGOGY: A TRANSDISCIPLINARY INQUIRY
This article proposes a transdisciplinary framework that integrates theories of cultural memory, cognitive aesthetics, and epigenetic learning to analyze music as a pedagogical structure. In oral and traditional societies, music has functioned not only as a medium of artistic expression but also as a cognitive and affective conduit for transmitting cultural codes, ethical values, and collective identity. Musical structures such as rhythm, repetition, and melodic narrative have served as embodied carriers of knowledge across generations. The study emphasizes the affective and neurological impact of music on learning processes, suggesting that music-based learning should be examined through a broader epistemological lens. Drawing on recent research in epigenetics, it argues that musical stimuli can leave lasting neurobiological imprints that influence learning predispositions over time. The study also introduces a conceptual model that frames music-based learning as a multisensory and affective mapping system embedded in cultural memory. Through a synthesis of philosophy, musicology, neuroscience, and educational theory, the article contributes to rethinking how culturally encoded knowledge is preserved, transmitted, and regenerated. It proposes that music, far from being a supplementary educational tool, is a fundamental structure of embodied cognition and collective remembrance. Ultimately, the article advances a call to develop music-based cognitive mapping models to deepen our understanding of how memory, aesthetics, and learning interact in pedagogical contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 İsmail ERASLAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MARRIAGE CUSTOMS AND MUSIC PRACTICES OF MACEDONIAN IMMIGRANTS LIVING IN THE MALTA NEIGHBORHOOD OF YUNUSEMRE DISTRICT IN MANİSA CITY
ABSTRACT: It is an undeniable fact that oral traditions in traditional societies are one of the main factors that ensure the continuation of culture and that many areas of social sciences have survived to the present day. With this regard, the subject of this study is to determine marriage customs and music practices of Macedonian immigrants living in the Malta neighbourhood of Yunusemre district in Manisa city by describing them from the perspective of Folklore and making the analysis of the results. According to Bahşioğlu, In Turkish culture, the family is the most basic element and the smallest unit that makes up the society. Therefore, the establishment phase of the family is very important. There are three important transitional periods in human existence: birth, marriage and death, and each of these three periods contains different customs. The lack of a systematic study on the content of the research subject, which will be described in line with the traditional concept of authenticity, which expresses our characteristics of our past and uniqueness, can be assumed as a deficiency in the literature. The model aimed to solve this problem is the survey model and is designed in the field research method. In this direction, after the literature review on the subject, the unstructured interview and participatory observation made with the participants in the Malta neighborhood was recorded and documented as visual-sensory. As a result of the information obtained, descriptions were made and results were expalined in line with the implementation and evolution of established customs. The main results reached in this research are; the fact that the marriage customs of Macedonian immigrants living in the Malta neighborhood have changed in line with the expectations of modernization and current life, and that 10 musical works belonging to the region, which are not included in the records, have been transferred to the musical notes. The study is considered important because it is the first systematic study of the region with its contributions to the literature.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hülya UZUN, Efe ÇIRAKLAR https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bibliometric Analysis of Scientific Publications on Material Use in Interior Design (2000–2025)
Interior spaces, which constitute the human living environment, represent one of the most fundamental units of life for individuals. Therefore, both existing and prospective research in this domain carry significant importance. This study, which employs bibliometric methods to investigate scientific trends in material usage in interior design between 2000 and 2025, aims to identify the structural patterns within the academic literature by considering material selection not only from an aesthetic standpoint but also in terms of functionality, sustainability, and user comfort. Within the scope of the research, a total of 2,160 master’s and doctoral theses obtained from national thesis databases were reviewed, and 81 theses that directly focused on material-related topics were subjected to detailed analysis. The results revealed that these studies are predominantly concentrated around four main themes: material history, material technology, sustainability, and appropriate material usage. Among these, the theme of “appropriate material usage” emerged as the most frequently addressed, followed by material technology and sustainability, while material history received the least scholarly attention. The majority of the studies focused on conceptual or comparative “general” material analyses, while specific materials such as textiles, glass, and wood garnered considerable interest. In contrast, materials like plastic, ceramic, and stone were explored to a lesser extent, indicating concentrated academic interest in certain materials and highlighting research gaps in others. In conclusion, the finings demonstrate a growing body of material-related research within the field of interior architecture. Technological advancements and global themes such as sustainability have played a pivotal role in guiding scholarly inquiry. This study contributes to the strategic production of knowledge that supports data-driven, sustainable, and innovative approaches in interior design practice.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gizem ÖZER BAŞ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0