Naz Vardar

I grew up in Western Turkey. My childhood curiosity for the memories of my immigrant family grew into a more academic pursuit of exploring the past as I completed my BA and MA in History at Bogazici University, Istanbul. I enjoy discovering new ways and methods of looking into the past. I am primarily interested in social and cultural aspects of everyday life in the larger geography of Balkans, Greece, Anatolia and the Middle East. My passion specifically lies in exploring the experiences, emotions, remembrances and cultural performances of the ordinary people who are often neglected by the official historiography.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I choose SFU primarily for my supervisor. Research and funding opportunities have definitely been a huge plus. Besides, SFU's flexible and caring approach during the covid pandemic was a very positive factor at the beginning. Although I started my studies remotely from Istanbul, moving to Vancouver is still an important motivation.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

I trace the Greek-Orthodox Carnival celebrations in the Ottoman Empire, Greece, Balkans and Modern Turkey. By doing that my aim is to gain a closer look at the everyday life and cultural performances and workings of identity, migration and collective remembrances in these societies in a transnational perspective.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

Although I started completely remotely and have a huge time difference, I am grateful how the faculty is trying their best to ensure a comfortable and equal academic experience. SFU Library's opportunities for online research has also been very helpful during that period.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

I am the recipient of Graduate Dean Entrance Scholarship and Bert Henry Graduate Scholarship.

Contact Naz: naz_vardar@sfu.ca
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nazvardar