Mehmet is a graduate of Istanbul Bilgi University, holding a degree in International Relations. He furthered his academic pursuits at the University of Cologne, where he earned a Master’s in Political Science. In 2020, Mehmet co-founded “Young Peacebuilders of Turkey”, the first independent youth-led initiative in the country. The organization pioneers efforts to increase awareness of the significant role young people play in peacebuilding throughout Turkey. Mehmet’s scholarly focus extends to several key areas, including the nuanced roles of youth in peace and conflict, the broader issue of the securitisation of youth, and inter- and intra-ethnic conflicts.
Why working on Youth Political Participation?
Young people are today facing incredible challenges and even life-threatening risks while seeking to exercise their rights such as the right to peace, quality education, healthcare, or decent work. Despite facing those challenges, young people are highly engaged in building democratic and peaceful societies. Yet, their commendable efforts remain mostly invisible, undermined, and unrecognized due to lack of adequate inclusive and participatory mechanisms to partner and collaborate with decision-making bodies. Now, it is more important than ever for policy makers and elites to create meaningful mechanisms for youth participation and leadership in decision-making processes at both the local and national levels. Urgent action is needed to cultivate the leadership skills of young individuals, creating an interdependent virtuous cycle that transforms negative perceptions into recognising them as essential partners in constructing sustainable, democratic, and peaceful communities. By recognising the youth as essential partners in building such communities, we not only strengthen democratic institutions but also foster social cohesion and sustainable development, paving the way for more inclusive and resilient societies.
Unconventional fact about Mehmet
I have a strong liking for various interests, deriving pleasure from the rhythmic beats of rap music and the intricate fabric of ethnic and religious rituals. Engaging with the lively sounds of rap brings me a distinct form of enjoyment, and observing different cultural practices enables me to value the beauty and diversity of human expression.
Personality Mehmet admires most
The personality I admire most is Johan Galtung, whose contributions to peace studies are truly remarkable. He pioneered the concept of what is called “positive peace”, emphasizing not just the absence of violence but the presence of justice and equality in societies. Galtung’s ideas continue to shape how we approach global conflicts and the pursuit of lasting peace.
Papers already published
- Mehmet İlhanlı (2024). “Bir Umut Arıyoruz”: Adıyaman Gençlerinin Deprem Sonrası İhtiyaçları. Dayanışma İnsanları Derneği.
- Mehmet İlhanlı (2024). Understanding Intra-Ethnic Conflicts through Youth Lens: The Case of Intra-Kurdish Conflict. EuroMeSCo.
- Mehmet İlhanlı & Revşen Berfin Coşkun (2023). The Changing Peace Perception of Kurdish Youth in Diyarbakir after the Failed Peace Process. The Journal of Youth, Peace and Security, 36-42.
- Doga Rojda Koldaş, Ekin Bayur, Mehmet İlhanlı & Revşen Berfin Coşkun (2023). Türkiye’de Genç Barış İnşacısı Olmak: Mücadele Motivasyonları ve Engeller. Diyarbakir: Young Peacebuilders of Turkey.
Get to know Mehmet
