Good People of vitruta: Levent Aşkan
Levent Aşkan from Good People of vitruta answered the seven questions we asked him.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Kadıköy, Istanbul, in 1988. Although I graduated with a degree in Tourism Management from Boğaziçi University, I currently belong to the class of people who don’t work in the field they studied. I provide consultancy services in online marketing. To unwind, I enjoy running and biking.
What does a perfect day in Istanbul look like for you?
My perfect days in Istanbul usually happen on weekends. I typically start with an early morning run along the seaside, followed by a family breakfast and a reading session. I also like to meet up with friends in Moda, which has become one of my favorite spots lately. And I can't forget to mention how enjoyable it is to cycle to Moda—those days really stand out as the best.
If we were to go on a trip, what would your ideal vacation be like? Where have you been that you loved, and any recommendations?
Over the past few years, my idea of an ideal vacation has changed, and now I prefer being surrounded by nature. Maybe it’s a part of getting older! My favorite destinations are those with trekking paths where I can enjoy solitude in nature. If there are opportunities for extreme sports, that’s even better.
Some of my favorite places include Nepal (Pokhara), Thailand (Pai), the Lycian Way, and Kazdağları. I highly recommend Pokhara and the Lycian Way for their trekking trails, Pai for its stunning natural scenery, and Kazdağları for its fresh air.
What’s an essential item you always bring when packing for a vacation?
My tent is an absolute must-have. Along with that, I always pack a short book, sleeping bag, and mat in my backpack.
Has there been a book, movie, or music that has deeply impacted you recently?
As for books, I would recommend Plato's Symposium. It’s one of the best books I’ve read on the subject of love, and it beautifully explains that there is no universal definition of love.
As for music, I've been leaning towards Turkish rap lately. It really gets me dancing.
How much do platforms like Netflix, YouTube, audiobooks, and podcasts play a role in your life? Could you share some of your favorite channels or shows?
On YouTube, I’m a big fan of the channel Freedom in Thought. I also enjoy the videos from 140Journos.
For podcasts, I’m eagerly awaiting new episodes of Fularsız Entellik and 5 Kişi. I also follow Evrim Ağacı whenever I find the time.
On the business side, I try to keep up with Girişimci Muhabbeti and Gary Vaynerchuk’s content.
And while we’re on the topic of podcasts, let’s talk about Made in Turkey.
We have a podcast where we share the stories of Turkish companies selling products abroad via the internet. You can check out the Made in Turkey podcast mentioned by Levent Aşkan in our article