Solène Poyraz

Please tell us about your research project.

I am a PhD candidate in political studies at the EHESS (CETOBaC). My thesis focuses on the narratives surrounding the Syrian crisis in Turkey since 2011: I am looking at how the Syrian issue has been manufactured and used in Turkey’s politics (2011-2023). I am affiliated with the French Institute of Anatolian Studies (IFEA) in Istanbul.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?

I am at the MFO within the framework of the partnership between the EHESS and the Maison Française. As migration is a large part of my field of study, I'm taking advantage of my time here to meet researchers working on the subject. It is also an opportunity to discover the majestic libraries and colleges or departments working on the Middle East.

First impressions of Oxford/the University?

It is paradise for people who want a studious academic environment in which to concentrate on their studies and projects, while surrounding themselves with great, caring people.