Göker Erköse, Dr. Petek
From a childhood immersed in piano, books, art, science, and nature, Petek discovered a sense of wonder and curiosity that continues to guide her life. Passionate about learning and sharing knowledge, her journey has been devoted to exploring the cosmos, humanity, culture, and the stories that connect us all.
She holds a PhD in Art History from Istanbul University and is currently a visiting scholar at Heidelberg University, where she continues her postdoctoral research.
She has taught Art History, Civilizations, Mythology, and Museology at leading universities in Turkey. Beyond academia, she has organized high-end cultural, art, and gastronomy tours across Turkey and the world, broadening her perspective through diverse experiences.
Her lifelong interest in meditation, yoga, and spiritual traditions deepened through trainings such as Yoga Alliance RYT 200, Mindfulness (Opening to Our Lives Online Course by Jon Kabat Zinn), Transcendantal Meditation, and Ayurveda. Today, she brings together art, mythology, literature, psychology, music, film, and contemplative practices to awaken humanity’s shared wisdom and inspire meaningful connections.
From cave paintings to modern cinema, hands have symbolized creativity, healing, and human connection. This session explores myths, artworks, and books centered on hands, inviting participants to reflect on their role in shaping memory and culture. ‚The Culture Club‘ is a new series for everyone curious about art, culture, and creativity — and who would like to share their thoughts and reflections in English within a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Each gathering will focus on a theme and begin with a short presentation illustrated by artworks, stories, and cultural examples. Together we will explore ideas that connect different cultures and historical periods — from ancient myths and artefacts to literature, as well as modern art, music, and film. Through these images and stories, we will uncover the threads of connection that bind human life, and discover how art and myth can inspire fresh perspectives on our own experiences. No previous knowledge is required. ‚The Culture Club‘ offers a welcoming space for dialogue, discovery, and creative reflection.
Sacred in myth and inspiring in art, trees symbolize wisdom, resilience, and transformation. Through stories, books, and artworks, we explore how cultures across time have turned to nature as a mirror of human life. ‚The Culture Club‘ is a new series for everyone curious about art, culture, and creativity — and who would like to share their thoughts and reflections in English within a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Each gathering will focus on a theme and begin with a short presentation illustrated by artworks, stories, and cultural examples. Together we will explore ideas that connect different cultures and historical periods — from ancient myths and artefacts to literature, as well as modern art, music, and film. Through these images and stories, we will uncover the threads of connection that bind human life, and discover how art and myth can inspire fresh perspectives on our own experiences. No previous knowledge is required. ‚The Culture Club‘ offers a welcoming space for dialogue, discovery, and creative reflection.
Weaving has long been a metaphor for destiny and connection, from the Greek Fates to medieval tapestries and modern novels. This session reflects on how threads and patterns in art and myth reveal the interwoven fabric of human experience. ‚The Culture Club‘ is a new series for everyone curious about art, culture, and creativity — and who would like to share their thoughts and reflections in English within a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Each gathering will focus on a theme and begin with a short presentation illustrated by artworks, stories, and cultural examples. Together we will explore ideas that connect different cultures and historical periods — from ancient myths and artefacts to literature, as well as modern art, music, and film. Through these images and stories, we will uncover the threads of connection that bind human life, and discover how art and myth can inspire fresh perspectives on our own experiences. No previous knowledge is required. ‚The Culture Club‘ offers a welcoming space for dialogue, discovery, and creative reflection.