Hi! I'm Leyla
As a freelance writer, translator, and editor currently based in Istanbul, Turkey, I strive to create the best content possible across several platforms. I’m constantly looking to expand my skillset and broaden my professional horizons. In my most recent projects, I have translated (Turkish -> English) and edited everything from travel blogs to in-depth political analyses to human interest stories.
As a long-time Turkey resident, I have varied interests typical of a girl going through a quarter-of-life crisis, including (but not limited to) traveling, running, cooking, writing, painting and reading. And, of course, anything related to Turkish street food.
Leyla Amur
Freelance Translator/Editor/Writer
Email:
Address:
Besiktas, Istanbul
Nationality:
US Citizen
EXPERIENCE
September 2017-Present
Freelance Translator (TR-EN)/Writer/Editor
Self-Employed
Composed more than a hundred press releases for professionals such as tax accountants and attorneys; Translated more than half a million words for Turkish travel blog; Edited reports for multinational organizations such as PwC and the UNDP.
March 2016-October 2017
Associate Web & Press Editor​
Oxford Business Group
Drafted all company press releases; Ensured content in releases are tailored to local market needs; Copyedited, proofread, and edited all economic updates on 35 markets every month; Liaised with field team and freelancers to improve and fact check copy
March 2015-March 2016
Market Editor
The Oil & Gas Year
Proofread, edited, fact checked, and rewrote material featured in the publication; Ensured all copy adheres to in-house style guide; Liaised with field editors over content in all copy of magazine; Collaborated with graphics team on graphical elements appearing in magazine; Wrote daily news articles on developments in the oil and gas industry for company website; Published weekly newsletter to subscribers inside and outside of the company.
EDUCATION
September 2012-February 2015
M.A. in Turkish Studies w/ Thesis
Sabancı University
1.5 years of coursework analyzing Turkey from a holistic perspective including economic, historical, political, and cultural angles; completed and defended thesis analyzing the nexus between Turkish feminist organizations and the European Union
August 2006-May 2010
B.A. in Anthropology and Turkish Studies
University of Alabama
Graduated magna cum laude with 3.7 GPA; successfully completed core and anthropologically-oriented classes with an area concentration in Turkey; fulfilled study abroad requirements at Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey (2009)
EDITORIAL
WRITING
A political piece on the developments leading up to Turkey's referendum in 2017.
An article examining Turkey's financial services sector amid scandal allegations.
Breaking news coverage of the Turkish response to the US missile strike on Syrian air base.
An in-depth analysis on Jordan's potential in fostering a digital economy.
A detail-oriented analysis about which segments in tourism could be a possible growth driver in Jordan's economy.
A look into how Jordan's clean energy segment is becoming an increasingly attractive investment destination.