Portraits from ATU

Ankara

Selahattin Bakmaz

Can you introduce yourself? What is your name and surname?

Selahattin Bakmaz

What is your role at ATU Duty Free and what do you do in this role?

I work as a Warehouse Senior Specialist at ATU. I am responsible for all imported and domestic products entering the warehouse. I manage the processes including Product Acceptance, detection, store exit stages and Diplomatic Office warehouse processes. In the last 6 months, I worked as Warehouse Manager in Kazakhstan Operation. Here, I supported almost all the needs of a new operation, including logistics processes, warehouse and store.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I am a man of Ankara. During my recent experience in Kazakhstan, I realized that I love my country and the city I live in very much. I would like to live in the city where I was born because of my attachment to my family.

Is there a characteristic you would like to change about yourself? Why?

I am very detail-oriented and perfectionist in my work. This process tires me from time to time. However, I wouldn't want to change something that makes me who I am.

What is your favorite feature of yourself that you are most proud of?

I am proud of the fact that I am a hardworking and reliable person in my private life and at work, based on the feedback I get from my environment. I like that about me.

What is your greatest fear in life?

Losing my loved ones and leaving them alone.

Is there a talent you wish you had? 

I'd like to have the ability to instantly access anything I'm curious about, maybe teleportation. 

Who is your favorite historical hero, from the past or present?

Unquestionably Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK!

What qualities do you most value in a friend?

I am a person who has adopted the concept of friendship rather than friendship. In friendship, I look for sincerity, trust and compassion.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

I wouldn't want to change anything. I love myself for who I am. 

What is your favorite activity to do in your free time?

I love to see new places with my friends and family, but I don't have much free time because of the children.

What is your biggest regret in life?

I am responsible for the decisions I make in life. I am one of those who believe that I should not regret anything I have experienced.

Can you share with us the place and time where you felt the happiest?

The smell of my children. The peace of every minute with my wife.

Do you have a slogan or motto that has motivated you throughout your life? 

Don't give up on anything, because only losers give up!

Bodrum

Nadir Demiroğlu

Can you introduce yourself? What is your name and surname?

Nadir Demiroğlu

What is your role at ATU Duty Free and what do you do in this role?

I work as an Logistics Assistant Specialist. I carry out the invoice checks of all incoming and outgoing products from Bodrum-Dalaman-Gazipaşa and send them to the relevant stores.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? 

Italy because of its food, warm people, rich culture and historical texture.

Is there a characteristic you would like to change about yourself? Why?

I am at peace with myself. I don't have anything I want to change.

What is your favorite feature of yourself that you are most proud of?

I follow all sports. That's one of my favorite traits.

What is your greatest fear in life?

Health issues.

Is there a talent you wish you had? 

I'd like to run fast.

Who is your favorite historical hero, from the past or present?

Bartolomeu Dias 

What qualities do you most value in a friend?

Being able to empathize and not being sensitive.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

Not making decisions without thinking.

What is your favorite activity to do in your free time?

Playing computer games.

What is your biggest regret in life? 

To turn to my hobby and quit basketball, which I started. Because if you have a talent and you are predisposed, your job becomes your hobby.

Can you share with us the place and time where you felt the happiest? 

I feel the happiest when I go on vacation to Egypt with my wife. I enjoy learning and traveling to different countries and cultures.

Do you have a slogan or motto that has motivated you throughout your life? 

Maybe it's a cliché, but the motto “stay in the moment” is always valid for me. Living and experiencing the moment is more important to me than anything else.

Gazipaşa

Metehan Yalçın

Can you introduce yourself? What is your name and surname?

Metehan Yalçın

What is your role at ATU Duty Free and what do you do in this role?

I work as a Sales Specialist. I sell the products in our store and provide service to our guests at the cash register for payment transactions.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I don't hesitate to live wherever the woman I love and my family are.

Is there a characteristic you would like to change about yourself? Why?

The idea of doing the best in everything can sometimes lead to mistakes. I would like to change that.

What is your favorite feature of yourself that you are most proud of?

To work hard and continue the struggle without giving up.

What is your greatest fear in life?

Losing my loved ones.

Is there a talent you wish you had? 

I would love to play an instrument, especially the drums was one of my childhood dreams.

Who is your favorite historical hero, from the past or present?

Absolutely Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK

What qualities do you most value in a friend?

Sincerity and trust would be enough for me.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

Physically, I wish I was a little taller. 

What is your favorite activity to do in your free time?

Listening to music and spending time with my loved ones is the best activity for me.

What is your biggest regret in life?

Throughout my life, of course, there have been situations that I sometimes wish I had.  I have learned from these and moved on, so I have no regrets that I can say are too big.

Can you share with us the place and time where you felt the happiest?

Certainly anywhere I love and wherever my family is is always my happiest moment.

Do you have a slogan or motto that has motivated you throughout your life? 

The Turkish Nation is Intelligent. The Turkish Nation is hardworking. These words have always been a light on my path. 

Georgia

Tekle Giorgaia

Can you introduce yourself? What is your name and surname?

My name is Tekle Giorgaia, 19 years old, from Georgia.

What is your role at ATU Duty Free and what do you do in this role?

I am a Sales and Payment Consultant. I try to share my knowledge in a pleasant and productive way to help users make the right choice.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

It would be a good challenge for me to travel around the world, I would get great experiences, but Georgia is an ideal place for permanent residence. I love Georgia, our diverse culture, history, and people the most.

Is there a characteristic you would like to change about yourself? Why?

I am a shy person. Most of the time I try to avoid trying things, because I consider that I won’t succeed. That makes me lose my chances of development.

What is your favorite feature of yourself that you are most proud of?

I am very responsible and energetic person.

What is your greatest fear in life?

I think I’m afraid of disappointment, because it can cause a lot of pain to a person.

Is there a talent you wish you had?

I wish I had the talent to draw, because it is a useful tool express feelings and emotions.

Who is your favorite historical hero, from the past or present?

Tamari was the first Georgian female king, who reached peak of Georgia’s development, which is called the Golden age.

What qualities do you most value in a friend?

I value reliability the most in a friend, because trust determines the strenght of friendship for me.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

Sometimes it is hard for me to control my emotions, however I am working on it.

What is your favorite activity to do in your free time?

I really like to sing and of course I play and sing in my free time.

What is your biggest regret in life?

I did not pursue one of my favorite things professionally.

Can you share with us the place and time where you felt the happiest?

Since I work and at the same time, I am a student, the most comfortable and favorite place for me is house where I can relax and spend time with my family.

Do you have a slogan or motto that has motivated you throughout your life?

“Life every day like it’s your last”

Istanbul

Tolgahan Mert

Can you introduce yourself? What is your name and surname?

Tolgahan Mert.

What is your role at ATU Duty Free and what do you do in this role?

In 2004, I started working as a Sales Payment Consultant at Atatürk Airport. Afterwards, I worked as a Finance Manager in Izmir operation between 2006-2008 and as a Store Team Leader in İzmir operation between 2008-2018. Currently, I continue to work as the Store Assistant Manager of Old Bazaar in İstanbul.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? 

The idea of a quiet life in Göcek, Muğla makes me feel very happy.

Is there a characteristic you would like to change about yourself? Why?

Being impatient, hasty and intolerant of waiting times.

What is your favorite feature of yourself that you are most proud of?

Being honest, friendly and business-oriented.

What is your greatest fear in life?

Losing my loved ones.

Is there a talent you wish you had? 

I would like to have football skills.

Who is your favorite historical hero, from the past or present?

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

What qualities do you most value in a friend?

Being honest, empathetic and trustworthy.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

I would like to change the situation of having unnecessary worries about trivial matters. Life is short, birds fly.

What is your favorite activity to do in your free time?

Travel, vacation and swimming.

What is your biggest regret in life?

I see every regret as a teaching and experience, and I believe that it adds to our lives.

Can you share with us the place and time where you felt the happiest? 

I define the time I spend with my loved ones as the happiest moment and place.

Do you have a slogan or motto that has motivated you throughout your life? 

Never give up.

Izmir

Vicdan Kahraman

Can you introduce yourself? What is your name and surname?

Hi, I'm Vicdan Kahraman. Since 2018, I have been working in ATÜ İzmir operation.

What is your role at ATU Duty Free and what do you do in this role?

I work as a brand consultant in the Perfume - Cosmetics category. I can say that my main duties are to ensure customer satisfaction, to make sales in line with needs and to achieve targets.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I would like to live in Scandinavia. It has always been a geography I have always wanted to live in with its historical buildings, culture and impressive natural landscapes.

Is there a characteristic you would like to change about yourself? Why?

I would love to change the way I always focus on making the best of things. Sometimes it can be very tiring.

What is your favorite feature of yourself that you are most proud of?

I can say that my favorite quality is my patience. Being patient allows me to think more.

What is your greatest fear in life?

There is no doubt that losing loved ones is the thing I fear the most in life.

Is there a talent you wish you had? 

I wish I could fly. In this way, I would have the chance to reach every part of the world and see the vast landscapes, unique foods, historical heritage and different cultures that I have never seen.

Who is your favorite historical hero, from the past or present?

Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK 

What qualities do you most value in a friend?

It is trustworthiness and honesty.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

When I'm nervous, I wish I could stay calm and not let it show on the other side. Sometimes it can prevent me from looking more professional.

What is your favorite activity to do in your free time?

In my free time, spending time with my loved ones and doing puzzles are my favorite activities.

What is your biggest regret in life?

I can say that I have no big regrets in my life. I believe that every bad event is an experience,  so instead of regretting, I can learn from it and look ahead more clearly.

Can you share with us the place and time where you felt the happiest?

I think it is very difficult to find a happy moment that I can call “the happiest”. But the closest I can say is when my nephew took my hand and walked.

Do you have a slogan or motto that has motivated you throughout your life? 

"However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”

Kazakhstan

Aibek Mustakhanov

Can you introduce yourself? What is your name and surname?
My name is Aibek Mustakhanov. I work as an IT Specialist at ATU Duty Free.

What is your role at ATU Duty Free and what do you do in this role?
As an IT Specialist, I am responsible for implementing and optimizing IT systems and digital tools that help increase the efficiency of the company's operations. I also manage IT infrastructure, support users, and lead the implementation of innovative technological projects.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would choose to live in a city that combines modern technology with a comfortable living environment, such as Singapore. I admire their approach to innovation, smart city solutions, and high quality of life.

Is there a characteristic you would like to change about yourself? Why?
I would like to be more patient in stressful situations. In my role, quick decision-making is essential, but sometimes it's important to take a moment to reflect before acting.

What is your favorite feature of yourself that you are most proud of?
I am proud of my ability to adapt quickly to change and find solutions even in challenging situations. This quality helps me handle unexpected challenges in the IT field.

What is your greatest fear in life?
My greatest fear is losing motivation and the drive to improve myself. I believe continuous learning and development are essential for both personal and professional growth.

Is there a talent you wish you had?
I wish I had the talent for drawing and visual storytelling. It would be useful for presenting IT projects and improving communication with colleagues.

Who is your favorite historical hero, from the past or present?
I am inspired by Elon Musk. His drive for innovation and his ability to turn ambitious ideas into reality motivate me in my own professional journey.

What qualities do you most value in a friend?

Honesty, support, and the ability to listen. True friendship is based on openness and sincerity, especially in challenging times.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
I would like to improve my time management skills to accomplish more and distribute my workload more effectively.

What is your favorite activity to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy sports and traveling. Active leisure allows me to recharge and approach work tasks with a fresh perspective.

What is your biggest regret in life?
I regret not investing in Bitcoin back in 2010. I’d probably be answering these questions from a yacht off the coast of the Maldives right now. 

Can you share with us the place and time where you felt the happiest?
One of the happiest moments was during a trip with my family. Spending quality time with loved ones in a new environment always fills me with energy and positivity.

Do you have a slogan or motto that has motivated you throughout your life?
"If you don’t change, you get left behind." This motto reminds me of the importance of continuous learning and moving forward.

North Macedonia

Andrijana Angjelkovikj

Can you introduce yourself? What is your name and surname?

Hello, my name is Andrijana Angjelkovikj. I’m 36 years old.

What is your role at ATU Duty Free and what do you do in this role?

I work at ATU as a Cashier and Sales Assistant, and recently started training for a sales specialist.My role is to provide impeccable service to our customers so that they leave our store satisfied and happy. 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

If I had the chance, I would like to live somewhere that is visited by many tourists and where it is always warm and by the sea, and why? -When people go on vacation, they are happy, smiling, relaxed - I want to be surrounded by positive and smiling faces.

Is there a characteristic you would like to change about yourself? Why?

What would I change about myself if I could? - To be less tolerant in certain moments when people behave unpleasantly towards me without reason..

Besides, I wouldn't change anything, I'm happy just the way I am.

What is your favorite feature of yourself that you are most proud of?

Top 3 reasons I'm proud of myself are;

I have built a work habit,

When I know I've made someone happy,

I am proud of myself for every pet I have found in trouble, for every life I have saved,

And of course the proudest thing is when my customers express their satisfaction with my attitude and service towards them.

What is your greatest fear in life?

I am most afraid of being lonely and far from the people i love and care about.

Is there a talent you wish you had?

I wish i had talent to be an electrical mechanic and play the guitar.

Who is your favorite historical hero, from the past or present?

Honestly, history was the subject I least liked in school so from the past I don’t have any hero. But in the present I would single out my mother-my hero, because she is like a satellite above us - she always fights for us for the better. And I am grateful for what I am today, thanks to her.

What qualities do you most value in a friend?

The most important thing for me in a friend is that he be honest, loyal, sincere and positive.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

If I could change it, I would change my perfectionism.

I always want to finish to the last detail, even though sometimes it tires me, but the restlessness within myself to be perfect doesn't let me stop until it's completely finished.

What is your favorite activity to do in your free time?

To most free time i want to spend with my family and my cat,and when i have more free time the most i like it’s to drawing artistic pictures  and gifted to my loved ones.

What is your biggest regret in life?

So I don't regret anything now, but I would like to mention something from the past. When I was a teenager, I wanted to study mathematics, but due to health reasons I had to give up. It's true that I regretted it then, but my health was more important to me.

Can you share with us the place and time where you felt the happiest?

I am happy every day and every time when I am surrounded by people who mean something to me, people who are positive, besides my pets, and especially when I travel and explore new destinations.

Do you have a slogan or motto that has motivated you throughout your life?

My motto it’s “ Be the reason someone smiles today”

Latvia

Tatjana Jegorova

Can you introduce yourself? What is your name and surname?

My name is Tatjana Jegorova. I’ve been with ATU Riga since 2011.

What is your role at ATU Duty Free and what do you do in this role?

Being a team leader, in my daily routine, I ensure my team has all the resources to fulfill their duties effectively. My main goal as a leader is creating a motivated team where people feel strong and valued. Being a part of a team, I support as much as I can and provide directions and guidance to succeed in common goals.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I am sure I live where I am supposed to live; however, the lack of sun in Latvia makes me believe that Spain with it’s dramatic mountains, countless sunny, beautiful beaches, amazing food, and breathtaking landscapes, would be a great place to live.

Is there a characteristic you would like to change about yourself? Why?

I am absolutely impatient. Impatient with myself, impatient with circumstances, where I’m forced to wait. Even though impatience drives and motivates better results sometimes, I wish I could be more patient and tolerant.

What is your favorite feature of yourself that you are most proud of?

I wouldn’t say proud, rather, grateful to myself for being determined in everything I do. With my positive mindset, I have enough strength not to stop, facing challenges on my way towards my goals.

What is your greatest fear in life?

The greatest fear for me is the fear of losing the loved ones.  Although this fear is really horrific for me, I don’t focus on it; instead, I enjoy every precious moment together.

Is there a talent you wish you had?

I didn’t think about it, honestly. Every person is talented in some areas, important to recognize it and develop. It would be useful to have a talent of public speaking.

What qualities do you most value in a friend?

A true friend is honest, trustworthy and supportive, being ready to be near during tough times. Friends encourage dreaming big.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

I wish I could be more self-confident; sometimes I struggle with self-doubt. By being more confident, I would have more courage to take a risk in trying new things.

What is your favorite activity to do in your free time?

When working in a dynamic environment, where a lot of energy is spent, it is important to have an opportunity to recharge. In my free time, I enjoy being close to nature, where I can feel myself calm and relaxed. About a year ago, I started running, although I'd never associated running with me before. While running outdoors, I feel a positive impact on my body and soul.

What is your biggest regret in life?

I've always dreamed of being an actress since I was a child. Although, I had a talent, to make my dream come true, unfortunately, there was not enough courage for me to make any step towards my dream. Well, I still have time. I believe it is never too late :)

Can you share with us the place and time where you felt the happiest?

 The days, when my kids were born, definitely, were the happiest in my life. I prefer to stay cheerful and optimistic most of the time, fulfilling my life with humor and laughter, trying to be happy in the moment.

Do you have a slogan or motto that has motivated you throughout your life?

Never give up. With hard work, positive mindset, everything is possible.

Oman

Merin Sandra Ramoo

Name & Surname?

Merin Sandra Ramoo                                            

What is your title?

Cash Collection Team Member

Where would you most like to live?

Home – Because Home is where I feel I can truly recharge and be myself.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

A trait I value in myself is my commitment to professionalism. I always want to maintain a standard in my work and be respectful. I know maintaining it can create distance among colleagues, yet, it gives me strength to do the right thing always.

What is your favorite feature?

My favorite feature is my empathy. I genuinely listen to others and try to understand their perspectives. I think it allows me to offer meaningful support to those around me.

What is your greatest fear?

To think about my Mother’s death. Because she played both father and mother roles in my life, and it will be difficult to think life without her.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Singing - Because listening to Music is my favorite thing to do when travelling, so if I could sing I could have make those moments even happier.

Who is your favorite hero in history?

Jesus – Because Lately I have realized that, the base of most of the motivational & heroic quotes are coming from religious leaders. 

What features do you want your friends to have?

Kindness – Because It enables to respect each other’s individuality, and to have a friendship that values diversity and understanding.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

To step out of my comfort zone more often –Because I’m always mindfully aware that my life time on this planet is very limited and therefore I should try and gather more experiences to life. 

What is your favorite occupation?

Teaching – Because they inspire, empower, and transform the world, and they have the opportunity to become a second Mother/Father in every child’s life. 

What is your greatest regret?

I wish I have travelled more - Because so far I have travelled  only to 6 countries and I look back and cherish those moments a lot, so I think I should have travelled  more so they will become lasting treasures that I can look back on for years to come.

When and where were you happiest?

Whenever I see Kids, Pets & Nature are treated with kindness and care, because they all make my life little more extra beautiful. 

What is your motto?

Progress, Not Perfection - Because I always have competition only with myself, and doing better today than yesterday gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.