Sevgi̇ Akarcesme is a Turkish-born journalist and author who has been an avid observer of politics since childhood. She completed a master’s degree in political science at Temple University and holds another master’s in international relations from Türkiye. Her professional experience includes work with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., as well as with the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara.
She found her true passion in journalism and rose to become the editor-in-chief of the leading English-language daily in Türkiye, while also contributing to its sister publication in Turkish. The government’s increasing authoritarianism led to the violent closure of the papers and to her exile in the United States, her long-beloved, now home of choice.
She has spoken at many events, including a U.N. forum, as an advocate for human rights and media freedom. In addition to academic articles, her commentaries have been published in the New York Times, Quartz, Politico, and Al Jazeera English, and she has appeared on CNN International, the BBC’s “HARDtalk,” and other international and U.S. media outlets.
Her book Choices: The Life of a Turkish Journalist and Finding Freedom was published in May 2024. She currently works as a public school teacher in New Jersey and runs a YouTube channel in Turkish.