From Istanbul to Rome: How a 20-Year-Old Woman Built a Global Community for Women

E.Speziale

We’re excited to introduce our community to the story of a dynamic and inspiring young woman who moved from Turkey to study at Luiss University in Rome. At just 20 years old, she has independently created querencia.rome, a growing online nonprofit community that brings women together from all walks of life. querencia.rome is a space where women living in Rome—whether international or Italian, young or older—can meet, connect, and participate in a range of activities, from yoga classes to creative workshops. More importantly, it’s a welcoming environment where anyone can ask questions, seek advice, or simply find a friend.

Here’s a glimpse into our conversation with Azra Dinler, happened in Rome on June 16, 2025.

Interviewer E. Speziale:Hi Azra, thank you so much for being here today! You’ve already had such an inspiring journey at just 20. Let’s start at the beginning—what brought you from Turkey to Rome?

Azra: Hi! Thank you for having me—it’s a real pleasure.Moving to Rome had been a dream for years. My sister and I attended an Italian high school in Turkey, and our parents always wanted a better future for us. They encouraged us to look beyond our borders. I’ve always been drawn to art, history, and culture, and Italy just felt like the right place—so full of creativity and life. I also wanted to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone, and embrace a new way of living. It was a bold move, but one I’ll never regret.

I:That’s amazing! And now you’ve already launched your own community. Tell us about querencia.rome.

Azra: Yes! I started querencia.rome earlier this year. It began as an Instagram page and has grown into a broader platform offering workshops, digital resources, and a mentorship circle. The focus is on self-empowerment, creativity, and cross-cultural connection—especially for women navigating identity and entrepreneurship. I was inspired by a similar initiative I saw in Amsterdam and thought: why not bring something like this to Italy?It’s mainly for women between 20 and 40, but it’s expanding rapidly. In the future, I’d love to organize conferences and speaker events alongside wellness and creative classes like Pilates and art workshops.

I:What inspired you to create a women-centered space?

Azra:My family has always been my biggest support system—my parents, my sisters, and especially my grandma. They’ve encouraged us to be ourselves and to try new things without fear. I’m so grateful for them.Growing up in Turkey and then moving abroad, I saw firsthand how many challenges women face—sometimes subtle, sometimes major—especially when it comes to finding their voice or starting something of their own. I wanted to create a space that felt safe and inclusive, one that combined cultural openness with practical support. I figured: if I can’t find it, why not build it myself?

I:Was moving to Italy difficult? Do you think it’s a welcoming country?

Azra: The first few weeks were definitely challenging—not so much because of the language, since I had studied it—but just adjusting to everything. I used that time to focus on myself, learning about Italian culture, web design, and even business strategy.Italy is very welcoming overall, but now that I’m finishing my degree, I’m considering moving to a country where it might be easier to obtain citizenship—maybe France or Spain. I’ve thought about Barcelona—it has great weather and better wages. I don’t think I could live in colder countries like my sisters, who are in Sweden and Torino!

I:How has your Turkish background shaped your approach to building community? And how are people your age in Italy different?

Azra: In Turkish culture, community means everything. There’s a deep sense of hospitality and support for one another. I’ve carried that into how I communicate with my audience and how I approach collaborations. One major difference I’ve noticed is in political engagement. In Turkey, young people are very active—whether it’s protests or social movements. Here, I was surprised to meet many people my age who don’t even vote. That was quite shocking for me.

I:What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?

Azra: Definitely the friendships I’ve made and the life I’ve built here. Rome has become a second home, thanks to the people around me. And of course, querencia.rome—it’s like my baby now. Seeing it grow and having a positive impact on others is the most fulfilling part. That was my goal from the beginning, and I’m proud it’s moving in that direction.

I:Let’s go deeper—moving abroad at 20 is a big step. What was your first impression of Rome?

Azra:It felt like stepping into a painting. It was beautiful, but a little overwhelming. And the heat—wow, that’s something I still struggle with!

I:Did you experience culture shock?

Azra: Not really. At first, I was a little nervous, but Italians are warm and expressive. The communication style is different—more direct—but I like that. The real challenge was the bureaucracy. Housing and paperwork were really tough to navigate.

I:Has this experience changed how you see being a woman in today’s world?

Azra: Absolutely. Living between two cultures has shown me how diverse and complex womanhood is. I’ve gained so much confidence—I even traveled solo for the first time to Copenhagen, which I chose for its beauty and safety. I loved it! And now I’m heading to Puglia with my sister, who came to visit. I’m so excited!

I:That sounds amazing—have a great time! We’ll catch up soon to hear more about your community and what’s next.