My creative process has to work hand in hand with courage. Otherwise, you’re not creating; you’re merely reproducing what already exists.” says Ahsen and how perfectly these words capture the state we’re in.

Are the creative industries truly creating, or just reproducing what already exists? And how many are still able to create, with courage by their side? After many projects together, our long-term flirtation with Ahsen finally turned into one of our cover stories, right after the pandemic. We wandered through Elsa Sahal’s sculptures at The Pill Gallery, collecting moments where even the dream felt more precious than reality itself. In Ahsen’s world, dreams work hand in hand with courage. Otherwise, how could one possibly set all fears aside and keep pushing their craft on stage, a little further each day?

DUYGU In your own creative journey, what does it mean to be brave?

AHSEN There’s no need to bare yourself to creativity unless you’re brave. Of course, I can’t speak for everyone. But my creative process has to work hand in hand with courage. Otherwise, you’re not creating; you’re merely reproducing what already exists.

DUYGU Can you share a moment when you created something with no rules, no apologies. One that stuck with you?

AHSEN On the streets of London, with its infamous rain pouring over me, I run and find refuge inside the National Gallery. My sketchbook and pencils slightly damp, I search for Sargent’s paintings and, without minding the crowd, sit down on the floor to start sketching. The year 2017 was unforgettable for me.A time when I felt truly liberated, and for the first time thought to myself, I’m growing up. I don’t even remember how many sketchbooks I filled that day. One of my dearest memories.

DUYGU How has fear — or the absence of it — shaped the way you express yourself?

AHSEN In the presence of fear, what needs to be said remains unsaid. It’s like the tip of the iceberg. But when you have the freedom to express yourself fearlessly, a certain coolness washes over you. You suddenly see the remaining parts of that majestic iceberg. That’s the difference it gives. It also depends on the person I’m expressing myself to. You know, we’re going through weird times…

**AHSEN** wears a full look by **Prada**.

DUYGU What’s one risky decision you made for your art that ended up defining your creative voice?

AHSEN Acting in theatre. It’s where the soul kitchen of my work lies, actually. Entering the world of theatre means a lot to me, to overcome my amateurism on stage and to improve myself when, for the longest time, I had to circumstantially stay away from it. And yes, it is where my voice grows louder. It’s been four almost five years since I started performing in theatre. It’s time to take new risks, I have such things in mind.

DUYGU If your creative work could deliver one Brave Monologue to the world, what would it say?

AHSEN I believe in existing. Everything can change, and it doesn’t matter how much it does. It’s written into my being. When the urge to create appears, that’s it: conversation over. So step aside, my friends.

DUYGU When the world goes quiet, what does your courage tell you?

AHSEN If I’ve been courageous enough, I congratulate myself in this silence. One–nil to me.

DUYGU When you’re standing at the edge of the unknown, what pushes you forward?

AHSEN Once again, I will turn to myself. I don’t care if the voice inside of me tells me to stay put, I will go forward!

“There’s no need to bare yourself to creativity unless you’re brave. Of course, I can’t speak for everyone. But my creative process has to work hand in hand with courage. Otherwise, you’re not creating; you’re merely reproducing what already exists.”

-Ahsen Eroğlu

DUYGU Do you consider yourself brave when it comes to life?

AHSEN Yes, of course.

DUYGU What does creativity mean to you?

AHSEN For some reason, I want to say lightness. Because it’s hard to hold onto the thoughts that come. Especially when that it’s something rare. I’d say it’s about not stopping, letting it out, and feeling lighter.

DUYGU How does pushing boundaries manifest in your reality?

AHSEN I keep nurturing the faith I have in myself. It continues as a search, a desire to do more.

DUYGU We all go through times when we are a bit hard on ourselves. When and how did you stop apologizing for yourself and your choices?

AHSEN I’m usually hard on myself not because of the decisions I make, but because of the things I fail to foresee. I think whenever I start something new, it helps to revisit the principles I’ve adopted and the ones I still need to. When I’m confident in what I do, I don’t apologize to myself, because I know that the problems I encounter aren’t momentary but probable. I put effort into making sure my decisions aren’t wrong. Of course, there have been wrong choices, but they usually trace back to something before — the root of the issue, so to speak. And that’s where the solution lies. So if a decision has been made, it means it’s been thought through. If there’s anything to apologize for, it would only be for momentary mistakes.

FROM BASED ISTANBUL N45 10TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE: BRAVE MONOLOGUES

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Cover Guest Ahsen Eroğlu
Creative Direction & Words by Duygu Bengi
Photography by Abdullah Yazıc
Styled by Emre Köklüçınar
Head of Talent Hair and Makeup Önder Tiryaki
Creative Group Head Yağız Yeşilkaya
Producer Tunga Yankı Tan
Creative Production by BI Creative
Special Thanks to Cansu Sıtacı
Creative Team Duru Ustaoğlu, Kerem Acar
Hair Team Batuhan Sancar, Enes Sakızcı, Mustafa Akgül
Make-Up Team Doğukan Tuncer, Esra Poyraz, Hazar Baştürk
Gaffer Onur Karaca
Photography Assistants Hakan Diner, Hamza Kazım Esen
Styling Assistants Elif Akpunar, Şimal Özyiğit
Editorial Brews by Starbucks Türkiye
Bites by Focamia

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