Welcome to Our Family

The Özenbirkan Family

Meet Our Family

Zafer Uğur

Wine Expert

A retired Turkish Army officer turned security industry expert and entrepreneur. After a distinguished military career, Zafer continued serving in the security sector as a trainer and manager on significant projects. Together with his wife Selma, he co-founded a custom furniture manufacturing business that exported to France and the United Kingdom. Now in Şarköy, Tekirdağ, he discovered a passion for winemaking — studying at MSA for WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certification and passing with an impressive 94/100, earning his WSET Level 2 certificate as a wine expert.

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Selma

Artist

I retired after a long and proud career at the Turkish Ministry of Justice. I never silenced the entrepreneurial spirit within me; while continuing my public service, I also managed different businesses, always striking a balance between my professional responsibilities and my passion for creating and building. The custom sofa design business that I ran with my dear Zafer was the greatest stepping stone in discovering and developing my artistic side. With the tranquility of Şarköy, I completely devoted myself to art, picked up the brush with even greater passion, and began reflecting my emotions onto canvases. Today, I use my paintings not just as works of art, but as bridges to reach those in need, donating them to foundations and sharing the joy of helping others.

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Müge

Chef

A passionate chef who discovered her true calling in the culinary arts. After studying at MSA Culinary Arts Academy — Turkey's premier culinary school — Müge has worked in prestigious kitchens including W Doha Hotel in Qatar and Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul. Now based in London at La Petite Auberge, she continues to create culinary magic. Recently married to her long-time partner, sharing their journey from Istanbul to the world.

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Bora

Developer & Entrepreneur

A self-taught developer with a foundation in mechatronics and automation. Starting with Assembly and C programming in technical high school, Bora built his first robots and programs there. After exploring both Mechatronics and Computer Engineering at university, he chose the path of continuous self-learning. Specializing in blockchain and gaming technology since 2021, he founded a blockchain and gaming services company in 2025 that has facilitated millions of dollars in digital asset creation and trading.

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Lucky

Furry Friend

A 6-year-old gentleman who has perfected the art of living well. Lucky's daily routine is a masterclass in relaxation: morning walks with dad at 8 AM followed by playtime, breakfast with the family, and his beloved dental treat during Turkish coffee time. His favorite spot? The parents' bed, where he catches the morning sunlight for his vitamin D and a peaceful nap. Throughout the day, he rotates between cozy spots, enjoys dinner at 6 PM, an evening walk with Bora, a well-deserved biscuit, and by 10 PM finds a dark, quiet corner for his beauty sleep.

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Our Origins

Our family’s roots stretch back to Central Asia and the Balkans. On my mother’s side, our ancestors centuries ago left Uzbekistan, first moving to the Khorasan region and later passing through Central Anatolia before settling in Zonguldak. On my father’s side, the family was resettled in the Balkans—around present-day Lovech in Bulgaria—during the 15th–16th centuries as part of the Ottoman settlement policy. After the Balkan Wars they arrived as refugees and settled in Aydın’s Çine district. Breaking away from their settled relatives and choosing a different path, the couple Selma and Zafer lived for many years in Istanbul before moving to Tekirdağ’s Şarköy for their retirement. Their daughter Müge went to London as a chef and there started her own family with Hakan. Their son Bora, thanks to the flexibility of his software work, continues a nomadic way of life.