A Safe Space for Turkish Journalists
Meet Gonca Tokyol, an IWPR-trained Turkish journalist reporting on vital issues despite the many challenges..
Welcome to IWPR’s Frontline Update, your go-to source to hear from journalists and local voices at the front lines of conflict.
THE BIG PICTURE
At a time when Turkey’s media space faces significant pressure – the country ranked 158 out of 180 in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index - independent journalism remains key to telling untold stories and supporting public debate.
Working with IWPR since 2019, Gonca Tokyol has covered stories from across Turkey, including politics, social affairs and the environment, and is now a regular contributor to international media outlets.
VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINE
“Turkey is an environment in which press freedom is severely limited and editorial decisions are often driven by political, economic, or ideological pressures rather than journalistic quality,” said Tokyol, originally from the northwestern city of Eskişehir.
“IWPR has provided a safe space to pursue stories from Turkey that often fall outside mainstream attention,” the 36-year-old continued. “Having this as a professional, independent platform is invaluable, and has helped open doors to internationally respected outlets like Turkey recap, BBC and the Financial Times.”
Recalling her first IWPR workshop, she continued, “The team gave me a fresh perspective on reporting and writing for international outlets, and they taught me a lot about being a decent and creative journalist.”
Since then, she has continued to collaborate with IWPR as a local editor, reporter and trainer.
WHY IT MATTERS
Tokyol said that she was especially proud of her stories that shine a light on under-reported aspects of Turkey – from the pandemic’s impact on traditional hammam culture to the dwindling fortunes of Istanbul’s famed bohemian district of Beyoglu.
“These pieces allowed me to examine social change and personal adaptation in a moment of deep uncertainty, with a local eye for detail and contradiction,” she said.
“I’m also proud of my earthquake coverage, highlighting recovery efforts and featuring other journalists whose work I deeply admire. Producing that story collaboratively with care, respect, and rooted in place, is exactly the kind of journalism I'm committed to.”
THE BOTTOM LINE
IWPR continues to support independent journalists in often challenging environments, highlighting stories which otherwise may go untold. Amplifying and strengthening the resilience of local voices leads to real impact - both locally and internationally.
