My name is Ayna, and I have been residing in the Netherlands for the past year and a half. I am a linguist and human rights activist, fluent in English, Russian, Turkmen, Turkish, Arabic, and Dutch. I manage a personal website where I publish articles that focus primarily on Turkmenistan, addressing various political, social, and human rights issues. Together with my husband, Abidin Eroldan—a documentary filmmaker and fellow human rights advocate—we actively work to raise awareness about these matters. Abidin is currently pursuing studies in Photography Analysis and Theory, as well as World Art Studies, further enhancing his ability to document and communicate human rights topics through visual media.

Thanks to the Incluusion program, we had the opportunity to study in the Netherlands. I am currently enrolled in the “Introduction to International Organisations” course at Leiden University. Despite the ongoing asylum application process, I remain committed to my professional and personal development. While my academic background is in linguistics, the course has allowed me to deepen my understanding of international relations and political structures, enriching my perspectives as both a writer and an activist.

This educational experience has been invaluable in helping me refine my political views and articulate them more effectively in my writings. It also provides the tools to produce well-researched articles that can contribute meaningfully to discussions on human rights and international affairs.

Ayna Matiyeva & Abidin Eroldan

25/08/2024