June Luncheon

Dear Propeller Members,

As we approach the final days of an eventful and energizing term, I would be delighted to welcome you to our upcoming General Assembly and final talk of the season—before we all shift into summer mode.

This meeting holds a special place for me, as it marks the conclusion of my presidency and the beginning of a new chapter with our incoming board. I am deeply grateful for your support and for the collaborative spirit that has helped shape Propeller into a true forum for intellectual and professional exchange.

And to close the season with the energy it deserves, we are honoured to host one of Turkey’s thought-provoking voices: Levent Erden

Erden, communication strategist, technology foresight leader, and urban culture analyst is known for his deep and disruptive insights into urban transformation, future tech, digital behavior, and global lifestyle trends. He is the founder of Next Academy and has led strategic initiatives in technology, media, and advertising across multiple industries. 

His talk is titled:

“İstanbul’un Orta Yeri Savaş” | War at the Heart of Istanbul

Throughout history, human settlements have been shaped by security concerns. Cities have formed around critical geographies, transportation corridors, and trade routes. Communication lines, both land and sea, have defined how we live, work, and protect. In a world where conflict is increasingly urban Erden will take us on a journey through Istanbul’s historical relationship with war, uncover how cities are shaped by battle. This conversation is the result of a unique research effort. It offers a cross-disciplinary perspective—blending history, economy, sociology, politics, and technology—on how urban centres reflect and adapt to conflict and transformation.

I sincerely believe this is a rare opportunity to listen, reflect, and connect past and future through a compelling urban lens, specifically in these current days. It’s a narrative that brings together sociology, politics, economics, and technological transformation. 

Please join us:

Venue: Grand Hyatt Istanbul

Thursday, June 26  

10:30 – General Assembly

12:00 – Networking & Lunch

12.30 – Levent Erden’s Talk to Follow

Warm regards,

Yaprak Özer

President, 

Propeller Club Port of Istanbul (2023–2025)