The invitation first came from Dr. Elvan Çokişler from the University’s Department of International Relations. When the Aydin-based institution of higher learning transitioned to distance education in March as part of a package of coronavirus mitigation measures implemented by the Turkish government, the university professor began looking for ways to liven up her online international relations classes. She contacted LANDCOM by email in April to team up on a teaching opportunity.

As you know, universities have started distant education. It would be more enjoyable for students to learn the law of armed conflict from NATO staff,

Luckily, Mr. Yüksekkaya, recently hired as part of the LANDCOM legal team, fit her criteria. The retired Turkish army officer readily accepted the opportunity to represent the command.

“It was a request made to NATO, not me personally, [but] there seemed no one else who [could] accept other than me,” said Mr. Yüksekkaya, who went on to explain, as the only Turkish-speaking LANDCOM lawyer, he felt it was his job to represent LANDCOM legal.

During the course of the lecture, Mr. Yüksekkaya also talked about internship opportunities at LANDCOM headquarters. “The students were most happy to have knowledge about internships and job opportunities at NATO. We, including myself, did not know about such opportunities,” said Dr. Çokişler.

During the course of the lecture, Mr. Yüksekkaya also talked about internship opportunities at LANDCOM headquarters. “The students were most happy to have knowledge about internships and job opportunities at NATO. We, including myself, did not know about such opportunities,” said Dr. Çokişler.

Mr. Yüksekkaya said it was a learning experience and ultimately saw this first opportunity as a foray into a broader relationship with the University in the future.

“No matter how much you believe you know one subject a lot, when you [research it] deep, you learn new things. This was the case for me when I prepared my slides for the NATO and LOAC briefs,” he said.

“I believe it is good for both sides to develop links between each other,” he said. “The professor is very keen to continue these relations in future and wants to either have her students visit our headquarters, or some of our representatives to visit them.”