Meet the ESI Admins: The Visionaries Behind the ESI International Community

Meet the ESI Admins: The Visionaries Behind the ESI International Community

ESI International Community has flourished into a vibrant, multicultural family — united by shared adventures, unforgettable events and a genuine passion for connection. Since our early milestones — from exploring the natural wonders of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Ephesus in March 2023, to our iconic Bosphorus Boat Party in October 2022 and our very first venue party in February 2022 — we’ve been building bonds that transcend borders.

At the heart of this ever-growing community are the dedicated ESI Admins, whose vision, passion and tireless efforts continue to shape and energize the ESI spirit. Get to know the inspiring leaders who make it all possible. 🌍

ESI Admin - Doğan (Co-Founder)

  • Born: 1995, European Side of Istanbul

  • His Home: Şişli , European Side of Istanbul

  • ✈️ His Hometown Airport: Tokat Airport

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Marmara Region, Turkey)

  • High School: Beylikdüzü, European Side of Istanbul

  • The 3 neighborhoods he knows best in Istanbul : Beylikdüzü , Çağlayan , Bomonti

  • He knows the following Turkish cities very well : İstanbul , Edirne , Tokat , Kocaeli , İzmir , Antalya

  • Lived in 4 countries : Turkey , Greece , Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , Spain

  • Volunteering: European Solidarity Corps volunteer in Thessaloniki, Greece (September 2019-November 2019)

  • His 3 most recent highlights of travelling abroad: Budapest (He met with officials from the Erasmus organising committee there.) , Madrid , Lyon

  • Languages: Turkish (native, C2), English (C1), Spanish (A1), Greek (A1)

  • Favorite Football Team: Galatasaray❤️💛

  • His Family Connection in the EU: -

  • The most visited country in the EU: Greece 

  • Past Hitchhiking - Auto-stop Adventure: Turkey 

  • Traveled to over 14 European countries

Skills:

  • Partnership building and direct negotiation

  • Canva Design

  • Event logistics and entertainment planning

  • Event coordination and community management

  • Venue scouting and deal negotiation

  • Trip Negotiation and Trip Organising

  • Strong intercultural communication

  • Strategic planning for international and domestic collaboration

About Doğan:
Doğan is the strategic force behind many of ESI’s international connections. Known for his direct and effective communication, he handles key agreements and builds partnerships that help ESI grow across Europe and Turkey. His background in engineering, innovation, and organization management equips him with the skills to provide the community with both structure and empathy.

Doğan’s Adventures on Social Media

ESI Admin - Anas (He Joined April 2022)

  • Born: 2000, Casablanca, Morocco

  • ✈️ His Hometown Airport: Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering & Pilot Training (Istanbul, Turkey)

  • High School: Casablanca, Morocco

  • The 3 neighborhoods he knows best in Istanbul : Kuruçeşme , Mecidiyeköy , Bomonti

  • He knows the following Turkish cities very well : İstanbul , Muğla , Antalya

  • Lived in 3 Countries : Turkey , Morocco , France 

  • Languages: Moroccan Arabic (Darija) (native, C2), French (C1), English (C1), Turkish (C1), Spanish (A2)

  • Favorite Football Teams: Real Madrid and Wydad Casablanca — combining global excellence and local pride

  • His Family Connection in the EU: France

  • The most visited country in the EU: France

Skills:

  • DJ and performer coordination

  • Venue lodge and VIP area management

  • Booking and managing music performers

  • Video Editing and Banner Design using mobile applications

  • Venue scouting and deal negotiation

  • Multilingual communication and cultural mediation

  • Party Events Manager

About Anas:
Anas is a multilingual cultural connector and DJ player coordinator who brings music, venue partnerships, and vibrant energy to the ESI community.

ESI Admin - Alpay

  • Year of Birth: 2000, European Side of Istanbul

  • City of Birth : Beylikdüzü, European Side of Istanbul

  • His Home :  Beylikdüzü, European Side of Istanbul

  • ✈️ His Hometown Airport: Sarajevo International Airport

  • Education: Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Technology (Paramedic) (Istanbul, Turkey)

  • High School : Beylikdüzü, European Side of Istanbul

  • The 3 neighborhoods he knows best in Istanbul: Beylikdüzü , Avcılar , Esenyurt

  • Turkish Cities He Knows Well: İstanbul , Tekirdağ

  • Countries Lived In: Turkey

  • Languages : Turkish (native, C2) , English (B1)

  • Favorite Football Team: Fenerbahçe 💙💛

  • Family Connection in the EU: Bosnian heritage from the Balkans

  • Most Visited EU Country : Germany

  • Skills: Social media management • Community support
    About Alpay: Brings team discipline and a community-first approach to ESI.
    📸 Check out his creative work on Alpay Mobilya Dekarasyon (Founded 2008).

ESI Admin - Hazhi

  • Year of Birth: 2004, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
  • Current City: Istanbul, Turkey
  • ✈️ Her Hometown Airport: Jalal Talabani International Airport
  • Education: Bachelor of International Relations and Political Science (Major) & Psychology (Minor) – Kadir Has University (Istanbul, Turkey)
  • Former Bachelor of Law Student – The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (Iraq)
  • High School: United Science International School (USIS) – American/Turkish International High School
  • The 3 neighborhoods She knows best in Istanbul : Osmanbey • Nişantaşı • Taksim
  • Countries Lived In: Iraq • Turkey
  • Erasmus / International Experience:–
  • Languages: Sorani Kurdish (Native) ,  English (Fluent) , Turkish (Intermediate) , Arabic (Intermediate)
  • Favorite Football Team: No specific affiliation with Turkish football clubs
  • Family Connection to the EU: - (family heritage connected to the royal lineage of Jordan)
  • Skills: Communication • Management • Public Speaking • Socializing • Translation • Adaptability • Handcrafted Projects (DIY)
  • Volunteer Experience: Over 1000 hours of volunteer work completed within the past 2 years.
  • About Hazhi: Brings strong communication skills, international perspective and a passion for community work to ESI. Known for her adaptability and leadership in volunteer initiatives, Hazhi combines academic interest in global politics with hands-on social engagement.

 🌍 Our Journey Together: ESI Milestones

A timeline of community, adventure and unforgettable firsts.

This is the story of ESI — one step, one event, one memory at a time.

📱 February 22, 2021

Foundation of ESI's First WhatsApp Group
This marked the initial formation of the ESI International community.

📸 August 5, 2021

Launch of ESI's Instagram Page
Our window to the world! Sharing memories, stories and the spirit of ESI.

🏃‍♂️ October 30, 2021

ESI's First Running Gathering
Our first active event — bonding over morning runs and shared motivation.

🥾 November 14, 2021

ESI's First International Trekking
Exploring nature beyond borders, marking the start of many outdoor adventures.

⚽ February 6, 2022

ESI's First Men's Football Match
The pitch came alive as ESI's male members kicked off the first football match.

⛸️ February 11, 2022

ESI's First Ice Skating Event
Gliding through ice and laughter — our first winter sports day together.

🎉 February 25, 2022

ESI’s First Venue Party
From text chats to the dancefloor — our community truly came alive in person.

☕ February 26, 2022

ESI's First Cafe Meet-up & Game Night
The event facilitated engagement and community bonding among members.

⚽ March 7, 2022

ESI's First Women’s Football Match (vs. Liberta FC)
A proud moment as our female members took the field with energy and spirit.

🚢 October 1, 2022

ESI’s First Bosphorus Boat Party
The Bosphorus Boat Party provided music, dancing, and networking opportunities for participants.

🎃 October 31, 2022

ESI’s First Halloween Party
Creepy costumes, carved pumpkins, and spooky fun all night long.

🏛️ March 24–26, 2023

ESI’s First Pamukkale & Ephesus Trip
A journey into history, wonder, and friendship across stunning landscapes.

🎈 April 14–16, 2023

ESI’s First Cappadocia Trip
From underground cities to hot air balloons — an iconic experience for ESI.

🌊 May 18–21, 2023

ESI’s First Muğla Fethiye Trip
Beach days, sunsets, and unforgettable seaside adventures.

🎤 December 8, 2023

ESI's International Karaoke Night
Voices from around the world singing together — a truly global night of fun.

🎄 December 16, 2023

ESI's First Xmas Party
Warm hearts, festive cheer, and holiday memories in the making.

❄️ February 18, 2024

ESI's First Winter Run Gathering
Participants completed the winter run gathering successfully, fostering community spirit.

🧺 June 29, 2024

ESI's First International Picnic
A beautiful day in the sun with games, global dishes, and laughter from every corner.

📸 April 11, 2025

Launch of ESI's First Instagram Announcement Channel
A fresh visual chapter begins — bringing updates, highlights, and community moments to your feed, as ESI continues to grow and connect across borders.

✍️ August 26, 2025

ESI's Blog Page Foundation
Taking our stories online — a platform to inspire, inform and celebrate our community in every word.

📲 March 2, 2026

ESI's First Mobile App Launch

A new era of connection — ESI is now building a digital community with you, making things easier than ever before.

💫 The community continues to grow and expand its activities

With every new face, trip and memory, the ESI family grows stronger.
Thank you for being part of the story — here’s to the next chapter! 🥂

💬 Final Words

The ESI community is built on passion, diversity and commitment.
Together, we explore cultures, create unforgettable memories, and form friendships that go beyond borders.

Stay tuned for more exciting adventures and events , whether you’re here to travel, socialize, or network — the ESI community welcomes you.by ESI Admins ✨

Doğan • Anas • Alpay • Hazhi 
📲 Instagram: @erasmus_social_istanbul

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