Could ancient mariners have crossed the Atlantic 2,000 years before Columbus? Join Sheimaa El Oubari on her jaw-dropping journey across the ocean aboard a replica of a 600 B.C. Phoenician ship. This daring expedition explores one of history's greatest mysteries—did the Phoenicians reach the Americas? Discover powerful lessons in courage, ancient navigation, and cross-cultural connection in this unforgettable adventure. Sheimaa El Oubari is a communications specialist and cultural entrepreneur with over a decade of experience advancing cultural, educational, and development initiatives in Lebanon. In 2013, she founded Achillea, a Beirut-based cultural events company committed to supporting emerging Lebanese artists and promoting intercultural dialogue. Achillea has brought internationally acclaimed artists—such as Jordi Savall—to Lebanese audiences, while creating platforms for local talent to thrive. Sheimaa holds a Master’s degree in French Literature from the Sorbonne. In 2019, she joined the Phoenicians Before Columbus expedition as a volunteer crew member, contributing to the successful transatlantic crossing aboard a replica of a 600 B.C. Phoenician vessel, an initiative aimed at highlighting Lebanon’s historical legacy on the global stage. As a mother and committed advocate for sustainable development, Sheimaa brings a grounded, human-centered perspective to all her work. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this talk, Atilla Özdek explores folk music as an allegorical tool to reflect on the relationship between tradition and modernity. He invites us to reconsider how cultural narratives evolve through music. Born in 1973 in Ankara, he initially studied Astronomy at Ankara University but later pursued music. In 1997, he entered Selçuk University’s Music Education Department, graduating with honors in 2001. The same year, he ranked first nationwide in the teacher selection exam and became a music teacher. Shortly after, he became a Research Assistant and completed his master’s (2005) and Ph.D. (2012).An expert in Turkish Folk Music and Bağlama, he has published widely and trained award-winning musicians. He earned the title of Associate Professor in 2015 and Professor in 2021. He led major projects like the Mozaik Concert Series and was music director for the Yunus İçin Söyle project (2021) and 5th Islamic Solidarity Games (2022).Currently, he is Head of Fine Arts Education at Necmettin Erbakan University, mentoring students. He is married, has a daughter, and speaks English. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Educationalist Rahim Aladağ shares his personal journey and how he moved forward despite life’s challenges. This inspiring talk highlights perseverance, belief, and the transformative power of learning. Since 2005, he has been providing training to NGOs, public institutions, and SMEs on various topics, including Communication Techniques, Body Language, Teamwork, Leadership, Effective Presentation Techniques, Advocacy, Government Incentives, PCM Training, Entrepreneurship, and NGO Management.He has over 500 training references from organizations such as the Union of Municipalities of Turkey, Hak-İş Confederation, Sağlık-Sen, Development Agencies, Chambers of Industry and Commerce, public institutions, and SMEs. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In a world of fast-paced messaging and digital filters, authentic communication has become a rare yet powerful force. Hicham Jadaoun unpacks how genuine, empathetic dialogue can build trust, deepen relationships, and foster stronger collaboration—whether in professional settings or personal life. This session invites attendees to rediscover the value of human connection in shaping impactful careers and communities. A certified trainer and facilitator, an experienced researcher and a Design, Monitoring and Evaluation expert with extended professional experience. Hicham is an accredited trainer on Leadership, Design Thinking, Mental Toughness and Social and Behavioral Change. Holding an advanced degree in public health, I have worked with governments, NGOs and the ICRC and have an extensive experience working across sectors including leadership, education, gender, community development, public health, livelihoods, social entrepreneurship, social cohesion, child protection, juvenile justice, play-based approaches, peace building, active citizenship, good governance, and women’s empowerment. I have a strong track record in qualitative and quantitative participatory research design and methodologies and stakeholders’ engagement for strategy development. I have led on the design, capacity building, facilitation, implementation, analysis and reporting of research projects, assessments, trainings and evaluations in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, KSA, UAE, Iraq, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, Mauritania, Niger, Syria, Turkey, DRC, Uganda and Zimbabwe. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Architect and entrepreneur Osman Çaputçu shares his journey of professional transformation and his approach to interdisciplinary thinking. In this talk, he explores how architecture, cultural heritage, digital tools, and creative problem-solving can come together to create socially impactful design strategies. Osman Çaputçu completed his architectural education as an "Honors Student." Throughout his studies, he aimed to integrate the vision he gained from various small, medium, and large-scale projects into his professional practice. He began his career during his student years and continues to expand his knowledge.Traveling and working across different cities in Turkey, he enhanced his technical skills while actively participating in national and international architectural design competitions, earning multiple awards. He views architecture not just as a profession but as a way of life.Since 2017, he has also been involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. In early 2023, he founded **Deeplay Creative Studio**, a company specializing in game, design, and technology development services. Currently, he continues his work in Istanbul with a multidisciplinary approach. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

From historical misjudgments to shifting global dynamics, this talk explores what it takes to truly see the future. With insights on population growth, technological evolution, emerging job fields, and the key skills of the next five years, it challenges us to rethink how we prepare for what's ahead. Nail Şencan was born in 1964 in Yozgat, Turkey. He graduated from Yıldız Technical University with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1987 and began his career as a foreign trade specialist at Alarko Holding. He later pursued his own entrepreneurial ventures, focusing on production and export-oriented processes.As a founding partner of the Renaissance Institute of Change and Governance Sciences, he has played a key role as a trainer and management consultant in various certification programs, corporate training sessions, restructuring consultancy projects, and URGE projects.Şencan has held independent board memberships and executive roles in several structured organizations. Currently, he serves as a Board Member and CEO of Erhas Group. He has published articles on business, governance, and international marketing in various journals and teaches courses in the International Trade department at Okan University. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx