M. (Mazlum ) Ozkan, MSc

Mazlum Özkan

Mazlum Özkan obtained his BA in International Relations from Yalova University in 2017 and his MA in International Relations from the University of Tehran in 2021. He completed advanced Persian language studies in 2019 at the International Center for Persian Studies (ICPS), University of Tehran. Since June 2023, he has been a PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Groningen, where he is affiliated with the SCOOP programme and the Interuniversity Center for Social Science Theory and Methodology (ICS). 

Autobiography

I was born in the village of Altınyurt in Gaziantep, Türkiye. Growing up in a rural setting, I was always curious about the world beyond my immediate surroundings and eager to learn about other cultures and languages. That curiosity has shaped almost every decision I have made since.

My education began at the village primary school and continued at a middle school in a nearby town, which I attended through a transportation programme because there was no middle school in Altınyurt. I completed high school at Gaziantep High School, where I developed a strong interest in global affairs and international relations. This interest led me to study International Relations (in English) at Yalova University, where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in 2017.

After graduating, I was awarded a government scholarship under Türkiye’s 1416 Law (YLSY), which enabled me to pursue graduate studies abroad. In May 2018, I moved to Iran and began intensive Persian language training at the Dehkhoda Lexicon Institute & International Center for Persian Studies. I then completed my Master’s degree in International Relations at the University of Tehran in 2021. My thesis, titled “Legal Cooperation in Criminal Matters between the Republic of Turkey and the Islamic Republic of Iran: The Impact of Political Considerations on the Implementation of Treaty Obligations of States”, examined how political dynamics shape the application of legal agreements between the two countries.

In June 2023, I started my PhD at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. My doctoral research focuses on why Iranian social movements fail and what structural and political challenges they face. I am part of the SCOOP programme and the Interuniversity Center for Social Science Theory and Methodology (ICS), which allows me to work in an interdisciplinary environment and engage with different approaches to social movements, repression, and politics.

My main research interests include social movements, Middle East politics—especially Iran—and the role and influence of great powers in the region. I also have a strong interest in languages. I am a native speaker of Turkish and speak English and Persian at an advanced level, with intermediate proficiency in Russian and Dutch. At the moment, I am actively working on improving both Russian and Dutch.

Outside academia, I enjoy exploring different cultures, learning new languages, and reading—particularly about the Middle East, social movements, and contemporary politics. I also like writing, both academic texts and opinion pieces, as it helps me clarify my thinking and contribute to public debates. In my free time, I watch films, especially adventure and comedy. Some of my favourites are 3 Idiots, Hidalgo, and The Lord of the Rings. The phrase “All is well” from 3 Idiots is a simple but important reminder for me to stay calm, keep perspective, and look for solutions rather than getting stuck in problems.

Looking back, I could not have imagined that a child from a small village in Gaziantep would one day work on PhD research about social movements and politics in Iran, or study and live in different countries. This path has taught me that persistence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning can open doors that once seemed out of reach. Despite the difficulties, I believe in continuous growth and self-improvement. Getting “lost” in books and writing is often how I find clarity—about myself, about the region, and about the kinds of changes that might be possible.

As Robert Frost wrote, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” My journey so far reflects that choice, and I am eager to see where the next turn in the road will lead.