Ömer Kulak was born on January 5, 2000, in Sakarya, Türkiye. He completed both his primary and secondary education there, growing up in a culturally rich city that straddles both the historical and the modern. His initial steps into higher education took him to Ankara, where he began studying engineering. However, it didn’t take long for Ömer to recognize that his true calling lay elsewhere. Rather than continuing down a path that did not resonate with his intellectual curiosity or sense of purpose, he made the bold decision to shift direction. Shortly after, Ömer was accepted into the management program at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.

This seemed to be a promising opportunity that would allow him to pursue studies in an international environment. Unfortunately, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across Italy, Ömer had to make the difficult decision not to attend. What initially felt like a setback soon revealed itself to be a turning point. That same year, he earned a full scholarship to study Political Science and Public Administration at Kadir Has University in Istanbul—an academic path that would go on to define and enrich his personal and professional development. Kadir Has University’s interdisciplinary core program proved to be transformative. During his first year, Ömer engaged with subjects such as philosophy, design, and coding, allowing him to cultivate a wide-ranging intellectual toolkit.

These experiences fostered a capacity for analytical thinking, systems analysis, and cultural fluency—skills that he would later integrate across diverse academic and extracurricular pursuits. Throughout his undergraduate years, Ömer sought every opportunity to expand his worldview. He took part in summer schools and short-term academic programs across Europe, including in Finland, France, and Germany. Notably, at Turku Åbo University in Finland, he joined research on finance and marketing; in Germany, at the Philipp University of Marburg, he participated in a unique interdisciplinary program on temporal perception and sound theory. These diverse experiences not only broadened his academic exposure but also deepened his curiosity about how politics, economics, art, and technology intersect in everyday life. In addition to his academic and creative pursuits, Ömer has gained valuable field experience through internships at leading research institutions and organizations.

He is currently working at the Istanbul Policy Center, where he contributes to academic and sociopolitical research focused on governance, youth, and inclusive development. Ömer was also selected as a BeVisioneers Fellow in 2025 by Mercedes-Benz, a global program dedicated to sustainability-focused innovation. Through this program, he has received mentorship, funding, and training for a youth-led project centered on environmental resilience. A committed traveler, Ömer believes in the educational value of cultural immersion. Having visited numerous countries, he sees travel not merely as a leisure activity but as a powerful means of understanding different social realities and developing empathy. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping his inclusive worldview and passion for human rights, multiculturalism, and global education.

Outside of academia, Ömer is a passionate cinephile and cultural analyst. He views cinema as both a form of artistic expression and a socio-political lens through which we can understand public sentiment, historical memory, and even voter behavior. His interest in visual storytelling also extends to comic books and graphic novels. As a dedicated collector, he frequently explores how graphic literature reflects political ideologies, collective trauma, and identity politics. His fascination with mythology began in childhood and has only intensified over time. Ömer has pursued formal studies in the field, including earning a certificate in Old Norse Mythology from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he explored primary mythological texts like the EDDA. From Norse sagas to Eastern folklore, he continuously examines how myths inform contemporary cultural narratives and social values.

In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Ömer is highly active in sports. He enjoys swimming, kitesurfing, and practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu. But his interest goes beyond physical engagement—he is particularly drawn to the cultural and historical dimensions of sports. His writings frequently focus on the social dynamics and untold stories behind major sporting events, rivalries, and moments that have shaped the identities of entire communities. Ömer’s diverse experiences reflect a consistent theme: a relentless curiosity for understanding systems—whether political, cultural, or mythological—and a commitment to sharing stories that challenge, inspire, and unite. As he continues to evolve as a researcher, writer, and advocate, he remains deeply committed to the transformative power of education, storytelling, and global dialogue.