Cagla Gul Senkardes is a Turkish academic, author, and technology strategist who plays an active role in the development of the blockchain and digital asset ecosystem in Turkey. As a founding board member of Istanbul Blockchain Women and an advisor to Blockchain Turkey Platform, she combines industry experience, scholarship, and community work to promote inclusive, well informed adoption of blockchain technologies and crypto assets.
Overview
Known in Turkish sources as Dr. Çağla Gül Şenkardeş, she serves as a faculty member at Istanbul Bilgi University, where she teaches courses on blockchain technology and token economics. Alongside her academic role, she is the founder of the consultancy firm Durugoru, which focuses on strategy and digital transformation, and she is visible in multiple civil society initiatives that bridge technology, finance, and social impact in the Web3 space.
History and Background
Senkardes has more than two decades of professional experience that spans logistics, automotive, media, and venture capital sectors, with a strong focus on digital transformation and data management projects. Her technical foundation comes from a mechanical engineering degree and master’s studies at Yildiz Technical University, followed by business and social sciences education at institutions including Istanbul University, Sabanci University, and the Stockholm School of Economics. She later completed a PhD in communication at Istanbul Bilgi University, where she oriented her research toward technology, society, and innovation.
Roles in the Blockchain Ecosystem
Senkardes is one of the founding board members of the Istanbul Blockchain Women Association, a non profit organization created to increase the participation and visibility of women in blockchain, crypto assets, and related emerging technologies. Through this platform, she contributes to educational events, mentorship programs, and professional networks that connect women professionals and students with founders, developers, and investors in the digital asset space. Her work emphasizes both technical literacy and career development opportunities across the broader Web3 industry.
In parallel, she serves on the advisory board of Blockchain Turkey Platform, an initiative of the Turkey Informatics Foundation that convenes banks, corporates, startups, and policymakers around national blockchain strategies. Within this environment she participates in discussions and publications on topics such as tokenization, digital identity, and regulatory frameworks for crypto assets and decentralized applications, contributing to the institutional understanding of blockchain’s potential and limitations in Turkey.
Academic and Research Activity
At Istanbul Bilgi University, Senkardes develops and delivers courses on blockchain technology and token economies, while also providing voluntary training for various associations and universities on related subjects. Her academic work is interdisciplinary and covers blockchain technology, gender equality, and sustainability, with published scientific articles and conference papers. She has taken part in research projects that explore equity based crowdfunding platforms built on blockchain infrastructure and central bank digital currencies, positioning her at the intersection of fintech innovation and regulatory analysis.
Thought Leadership and Publications
Senkardes is the author of the book “Blokzincir Teknolojisi ve NFT’ler”, which aims to explain blockchain technology, crypto assets, and non fungible tokens in accessible language for readers from different professional backgrounds. The book covers the historical development of blockchain, fundamental working principles, and different types of crypto assets, along with a dedicated section on NFTs that includes sectoral applications and interviews with digital artists. It is noted in Turkish coverage as one of the early comprehensive books on blockchain and NFTs written by a woman author in Turkey, reflecting her commitment to both education and representation in the field.
In her scholarly and public speaking work, Senkardes has also contributed to the conceptual debate on how blockchain and crypto assets intersect with gender. At the International World Women Congress in 2022, she introduced “cryptofeminism” as a new feminism theory in the academic literature, discussing gender roles within the crypto and blockchain ecosystem and how emerging technologies can both reproduce and challenge existing inequalities. This perspective builds on her broader interest in inclusion and sustainable development within digital economies.
Use Cases and Ecosystem Impact
Through her combined roles as educator, author, consultant, and association leader, Senkardes contributes to the practical adoption of blockchain in Turkey by helping organizations and individuals understand real world use cases beyond speculative trading. Her work on crowdfunding platforms, digital currencies, and token economy design offers applied insights for financial institutions, regulators, and startups exploring digital asset products and services. At the same time, her involvement with Istanbul Blockchain Women supports a pipeline of diverse talent and women led initiatives that engage with protocols, wallets, NFT projects, and other layers of the crypto stack.
Risks and Considerations
The domains in which Senkardes operates, including crypto assets, NFTs, and token based crowdfunding, are subject to regulatory evolution, market volatility, and technology specific risks such as smart contract vulnerabilities and data protection concerns. Her published work and educational activities highlight the importance of clear legal frameworks, investor education, and interdisciplinary approaches that integrate law, economics, and technology. For market participants, her career illustrates how rigorous research, ethical standards, and attention to social impacts can help navigate the uncertainties of blockchain adoption while supporting innovation and financial inclusion goals.
