15/07/2026
Şennur. Or, as I call her, Shennikom..
It's almost impossible to meet her and not be touched by her energy for life. Before long, you find yourself wanting to know more about her journey—how she became the woman she is today, the places she's been, the battles she's fought, the loves she's lived, the losses she's endured, and the joys she's embraced. Because she is a woman full of stories.
One moment, she might casually tell you how she translated one of Yılmaz Güney's films (Yol and Sürü) into English while she was in Japan, and how Yılmaz Güney himself called to thank her with admiration. She tells extraordinary stories with the ease of someone simply chatting over a cup of coffee.
Then she's on to another story. Another country. Another chapter of her life.
The challenges she has overcome are inspiring in themselves: uterine and ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and a mastectomy. Yet none of them has dimmed the light in her eyes or her ability to welcome new love, new happiness, and new beginnings.
You never quite know which country she's in today. Most likely, she's already living another story somewhere else. Şennur has never been someone who stands still. She has so many stories that she never needs to tell the same one twice.
Sometimes, while listening to her, I catch myself wondering: When I reach her age, will I have that same love for life? Will I be able to love as deeply, to be as patient, to face health challenges, love, motherhood, and immigration with the same grace and resilience?
Şennur is one of those rare people who can soften every blow life sends her and keep moving forward.
She is a great migration story. A great love story. A great story of womanhood.
And she is incredibly beautiful—not only because of her appearance, but because of her courage, her curiosity, her joy, and her endless passion for life.
Seeing my favorite designs on her was always my greatest wish. I think she will always remain the most beautiful model I've ever had.
May the light in her eyes never fade.
I truly hope that one day each of you gets the chance to know Şennur and be inspired by her. 🤍