Utku AYBUDAK

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Utku Aybudak serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Karabük University's Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Turkey, a position held since 2021. Previously, he was Research Assistant at Uşak University's Department of Public Administration (2011-2021).

Education:

• PhD in Political Science and Public Administration, Pamukkale University, Institute of Social Sciences (2016-2020)
• Master's Degree in Political Science (Thesis), Ankara University, Institute of Social Sciences (2011-2014)
• Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Public Administration, Ankara University, Faculty of Political Sciences (2007-2011)

Research Focus: Dr. Aybudak's scholarship centers on Comparative Political Movements, Turkish Political Life, and Political Sociology. His work critically examines historical Ottoman political structures alongside contemporary Turkish political dynamics, with recurring themes including secularism-state relations, religious institutions' political roles, social movement analysis (notably Gezi Park and Yellow Vests protests), and transformations in political power. His methodological approach blends historical analysis with sociological theory.

Publication Trends: Analysis of his 33 publications reveals a significant acceleration in scholarly output since 2021, with 2022 being his most productive year (9 publications). His recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates increased focus on contemporary social movements and religion-state dynamics while maintaining his foundational expertise in Ottoman/Turkish political history. Publications span international journals like Acta Orientalia Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae and prominent Turkish academic venues.

Supervision and Academic Service: Dr. Aybudak has supervised six master's theses between 2022-2025 on topics ranging from early Republican religious policies to contemporary social movement analysis. He teaches undergraduate courses including Modern Political Theories and Political Sociology, plus graduate courses on Turkey's Social Structure and State Institutions. His administrative service includes serving as Department Vice Chair at Karabük University (2021-2024).