Ferhan S. Palaz

Area of work:

Sociology

Specific field of expertise:

Social capital, older migrants, research design.

Type of work: What does ENIEC mean to you or your work?:

ENIEC is where i meet colleagues in a friendly environment.

More about Ferhan

ENIEC: Sharing Experience in a Friendly Environment

In 2015, while pursuing my master's degree, I was conducting research in the Netherlands on the lives of older migrants from Türkiye. I was eager to explore this topic in depth, but without a network in Europe, I found myself struggling to connect with the key people. I began reaching out to various NGOs, nursing homes, and organizations, hoping to make meaningful contacts. That’s when I came across the European Network on Intercultural Elderly Care (ENIEC).

I sent an email to ENIEC explaining my research and the challenges I was facing. To my relief and gratitude, ENIEC members welcomed me warmly and provided the support I needed. Their help was invaluable, not only for my research but also for my understanding of the field.

ENIEC proved to be an incredible source of support. The network connected me with local professionals and institutions, making it possible for me to carry out interviews and gather crucial insights. It was through these collaborations that I was able to deepen my knowledge and make meaningful progress in my work, which led me to conduct a second research in Germany in 2016.

Fast forward to 2025, I’ve now attended ENIEC annual meetings in Istanbul, Madrid, Frankfurt, and Helsinki. Each meeting has been a testament to the network’s commitment to inclusion, support, and genuine connection. What sets ENIEC apart is the solidarity among its members. It’s more than a professional network—it’s a community where friendships run deep, and shared purpose brings us together.

The discussions and collaborations at ENIEC are some of the most enriching experiences I’ve had. We come from different corners of Europe, yet we share a common goal: to improve the quality of life for older migrants. Together, we tackle challenges, exchange ideas, and draw inspiration from each other’s stories and solutions. The diversity in our approaches reflects the strength of the network, and every conversation adds a new layer of understanding and possibility to our work.

What makes ENIEC truly unique is its inclusive nature. It is a space where professionals from diverse backgrounds—NGO representatives, municipal workers, care home experts, and academics—come together to share knowledge and develop innovative approaches. This diversity fosters rich conversations and meaningful collaborations, making ENIEC a remarkable platform for growth and connection.

Over the years, I have continued to learn and grow through ENIEC. As a sociologist focusing on older migrants, my work has spanned over a decade, and I now serve as an assistant professor in Gerontology. ENIEC remains a source of inspiration, reminding me that improving the lives of older people from ethnic minorities is a shared effort that connects professionals from diverse backgrounds in a meaningful way.

If you’re considering joining ENIEC, I can assure you it’s a decision that will not only enrich your work but also broaden your perspective and fill your heart. This network is where collaboration turns into innovation, and friendships are built to last.

ENIEC Communication Group

I'm member of ENIEC since 2015. Since two years i am active in the communication group, with Miina, Thuzar and Jan.

The ENIEC communication group supports our network in various ways to make our mission more visible and impactful. Through relevant media, such as this newsletter, we share the story of ENIEC, highlight key developments in our respective fields, and showcase the work of you, as ENIEC members. We also support the ENIEC board with their communications and actively seek collaboration with other media platforms that can help us promote our mission.

A key part of our work is making our members more visible, not just externally, but also within the network. We want members to get to know each other better, appreciate each other’s work, and feel more connected to ENIEC. In doing so, we build a stronger and more cohesive community.