hikmettopak's blog

Between May 11th and May 24th, ESN Marmara proudly took part in Social Impact Days Spring 2026, an ESN-wide initiative focused on creating positive impact through volunteering, inclusion, well-being, sustainability, community engagement, and personal development.

For us, Social Impact Days was a reminder that impact can be created in many different ways: through learning something new, supporting the community, spending meaningful time together, taking care of mental and physical well-being, or simply creating spaces where people feel connected and included.

Hosting ESN201 Marmara at our university was an exciting and meaningful experience for ESN Marmara. Bringing together ESNers from across Türkiye for an Educational National Event gave us the opportunity to organise a large-scale event and also to create a welcoming environment where participants could learn, connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen the ESN spirit together.

Green Steps Marmara Walking Through Istanbul with Greener Steps

Istanbul is a city of endless possibilities. Every street has a story, every neighbourhood has its own rhythm, and every corner offers something waiting to be discovered. 

But for Erasmus students arriving in such a huge city, this richness can sometimes feel confusing. Where should I go? What should I choose? How can I explore the city in a way that feels meaningful, local, and responsible?

This is where Green Steps Marmara began.

Soul Circle: Finding Small Spaces of Peace in Istanbul
Moving to a new city for your Erasmus is surely exciting, but we can't deny that it also feels overwhelming. Especially in a city like Istanbul, where everything moves quickly, where streets are always full, and where life never really seems to pause.

For many Erasmus students, this journey begins with curiosity and excitement. New people, new places, new experiences. But behind all of that, there can also be stress, homesickness, tiredness, and the quiet feeling of being far away from what is familiar.

A day that honors courage, sacrifice, and unity

March 18th is one of the most meaningful days in Turkish history. It is commemorated as Çanakkale Victory and Martyrs’ Day, marking the victory achieved in 1915 during the Gallipoli Campaign in World War I. On this day, the Ottoman forces successfully defended the Dardanelles against powerful naval attacks, preventing the Allied forces from passing through the strait.