I am an ex-restaurateur and have recently completed a course in Commercial Mediation. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality and service industry I have decided to venture into commercial mediation. I aspire to use my experience and knowledge along with my dispute resolution skills to become a successful mediator, and I believe I would be an asset to any business. I also have acquired “Sworn Translator” title in English and Turkish languages recently and sworn at the Turkish Consulate of Cape Town and The Supreme Court of SA. I have done many projects at Restaurant Consultation trade and trained staff and management, written menus and wine lists and consult on interior designing of restaurants.

EXPERIENCE

1985 – 1990

SALESMAN, ORIENT BAZAAR

Selling of handmade Turkish carpets and kilims to the visiting tourists in Marmaris. Making contact and establishing good relationships with local hotels, yachting agencies, and foreign tour agencies. I gave lectures to visiting groups about Turkish carpets and then conducted sales.

REASON FOR LEAVING: Got a better offer.

1990 – 1991

SALESMAN, BAZAAR 54

Same type of job in the same town, this company of chains worked with the tour groups that are visiting. My position was head salesman for English speaking groups. Training newly recruited salesmen were also a part of my responsibilities.

REASON FOR LEAVING: Left for South Africa.

1991 – 1993

SALESMAN, OTTOMAN TRADING

Selling of handmade carpets and crystal chandeliers to locals, preparing advertisements, and procuring and importing stock for the business.

REASON FOR LEAVING: Went back to Turkey.

1993 – 1998

OWNER, NOMADS TURKISH ART

I opened this business in Marmaris after gathering enough experience in selling of handmade Turkish carpets, kilims, cushions, old copper and silver, hand painted tiles and ceramic, wooden objects to the tourist trade. Here I learned a lot about the purchasing side of stock and business financing.

REASON FOR LEAVING: Went back to South Africa.

1998 – 2001

OWNER, SULTAN GALLERY

I opened the same nature of business in Durbanville Cape Town for the local South African market. This business venture taught me a lot about importing, customs clearance, local market adaptability and effective advertising.

REASON FOR LEAVING: Closed the business.

2002 – 2003

ESTATE AGENT, GREENLANDS PROPERTIES

Partnering with an experienced agent at a very successful estate agency marketing flats, town houses and houses in Durbanville area. By using my international connections, combined with my selling abilities, I had a good run in this industry.

REASON FOR LEAVING: Bought my own business.

2003 – 2018

OWNER, ANATOLI TURKISH RESTAURANT

I bought it in August 2003 and sold it December 2018. In this 15-year period, I have re-established Anatoli as the prime Turkish restaurant in South Africa. From 2014 onwards, the restaurant was included in Eat Out magazine’s Top 500 list every year. I also received four and a half stars every year from Trip Advisor, starting in 2013. I have been invited to do many cooking demonstrations on national television, done numerous interviews on various radio stations and have also written my own cookbook.

REASON FOR LEAVING: Sold the business.

EDUCATION

1969 – 1980

PRIMARY, SECONDARY, AND HIGHSCHOOL, T.E.D ANKARA COLLEGE

FOUNDATION PRIVATE SCHOOL

1980 – 1984

MESOPOTAMIA AND NEAR ASIA ARCHAEOLOGY DIPLOMA, ANKARA UNIVERSITY

2019

COURT ALIGNED AND COMMERCIAL MEDIATION, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

The course was presented by Mediation in Motion and Law@Work. After the final exam, I have qualified as a mediator with a UCT stamped certificate.