I Believe Nothing Expands the Mind Like Travel
An Exclusive Interview with Prof. Dr. Sevcan Akesi
By Gülistan Ertik, for Turkish British Magazine
Prof. Dr. Sevcan Akesi is an award-winning traveler, an accomplished artist, and a passionate storyteller. She has explored over 100 countries, exhibited her paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and photography internationally, and authored two books: Have You Ever Seen a Blue Glowworm? and Women on Our Route. Recently, she received the Best Envoy Award at the 2024 NomadMania Travel Awards, an honour given to the most influential travel ambassadors.
We sat down with Prof. Akesi to discuss her earliest travel memories, the transformative power of exploration, and the incredible experiences that have shaped her perspective on the world.
Childhood Journeys: A First Taste of Exploration
Do you remember your first-ever journey? I mean those childhood trips that felt endlessly long.
The first journey I can recall was the summer trips we used to take every year to Marmara and Avşa Islands. Those were the 1970s, and these islands had a completely different charm back then.
In those days, ferries would depart from Karaköy Pier in Istanbul, much like today’s cruise ships. The journey took about six hours to reach Marmara Island and an additional hour if you were heading to Avşa. Back then, Avşa didn’t even have a pier, so passengers had to be transferred to small boats mid-sea, carrying their luggage, children, and even the elderly before reaching the shore.
We would stay at Çınar Hotel, the only hotel on the island at the time, and dine at Aba, a local eatery famous for its rabbit stew. One of my fondest memories was buying vibrantly painted baskets from Romanian traders who arrived by boat in Çanakkale. My father would have a special miniature basket made just for me, and I’d get to choose the colours. Those colourful baskets were the most precious souvenirs we brought back to Istanbul.
Marmara Island, too, had its own magic. Two-storey wooden fishermen’s houses, ancient plane trees shading lively cafés, and the ever-present scent of freshly caught fish lingering in the streets. I remember the pat-pat sound of fishing boats docking, the cotton candy vendors, the local wine cellars, and the rhythmic calls of fishmongers at the pier.
One of my absolute favourite activities was the full-day boat tour around the island. I would sit at the very front of the boat and refuse to give up my spot until the journey ended. Perhaps this is why I’m so passionate about sailing today.
“Travel Expands the Mind Like Nothing Else”
What does travel mean to you? When did your passion for discovering the world begin?
Travel is an inseparable part of my life—I simply cannot imagine living without it. I firmly believe nothing expands the mind like travel. Throughout my demanding career, I have always turned to travel as a way to clear my mind, recharge, and return with renewed energy.
Most people start their international travels close to home, but that wasn’t the case for me. My first international trip took me all the way to California and then to Hawaii. Back then, there were no direct flights to Los Angeles, so we spent nearly 24 hours in transit. It was 1997, and that trip marked the beginning of my lifelong journey of exploration.
Do you usually travel alone?
I prefer not to travel alone, unless absolutely necessary. In fact, I don’t even enjoy going to the cinema alone. For me, travel is best when shared.
What is the one essential item for every traveler?
A passport and the desire to explore.
“Africa Has My Heart, No Matter What”
You have visited over 100 countries. Have you ever faced a particularly challenging or life-threatening experience?
Traveling without a fixed destination often leads to unexpected encounters. Some of the most unforgettable moments are those when we came face-to-face with danger.
One such experience happened in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We were trekking up Mount Nyiragongo to see silverback gorillas. After reaching the summit, our five-person group set off with park rangers to locate the gorillas. After nearly two and a half hours, out of nowhere, a massive silverback charged toward us.
This 250-300 kg giant knocked one of our group members to the ground and sprinted past us. It was a terrifying moment. Had the gorilla reacted differently, the consequences could have been catastrophic.
Another unforgettable experience happened in a remote tribal village in Africa, where we were staying in tents. Late at night, the villagers began beating their drums and approaching our tents with torches. For a moment, we thought we were about to be attacked. Later, we learned they were mourning the death of a child from their village.
As you can see, these kinds of things always seem to happen to me in Africa. But what can I say? I love Africa.
A Journey That Changed My Perspective on Life
Has there been a journey that profoundly changed you?
Yes—Bagamoyo, Tanzania. This small town, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds a tragic history as one of the main slave trade hubs in Africa.
As soon as I entered Bagamoyo, I could feel its cultural richness, but also a deep sorrow. The reality of extreme poverty and historical suffering was inescapable.
I will never forget walking through the old fish market, where locals lined up to buy fried fish served on newspaper scraps. The scent of oil and fish filled the air, but what struck me the most was the pain in their eyes. One man, whom I unintentionally made eye contact with, turned to me and said:
“Why are you looking at me? I am hungry.”
It was in that moment I realized—the world we live in is not the same for everyone. That journey changed me forever, deepening my understanding of global inequalities and shaping my perspective on humanity.
You are an ambassador for NomadMania. What is this organization, and who can join?
NomadMania is a global travel network with over 40,000 members worldwide. In July 2024, I was honored to be named Turkey’s NomadMania Envoy, and in November, I received the Best Envoy Award—which is like the Oscars for travelers.
Anyone with a passion for discovery can become a member for free at www.nomadmania.com and start tracking their travels while gaining inspiration from other explorers.
Travel Writing: A Legacy of Stories
You have written two travel books—Have You Ever Seen a Blue Glowworm? and Women on Our Route. Tell us about them.
I wrote these books in 2021, during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Have You Ever Seen a Blue Glowworm? tells stories from remote and challenging destinations around the world.
Women on Our Route—co-written with Mehpare Sözener—shares the lives, struggles, and traditions of women from different cultures.
I believe every traveler has a duty to share their experiences and inspire others to explore.
What’s next on your travel bucket list?
The Pacific Islands, Indonesia, and Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression.
