I’m Gökhan Talas, a Christian publisher, evangelist, and speaker based in Istanbul, Türkiye. My work brings together a love of Scripture, a commitment to people, and a belief that thoughtful words can open meaningful conversations about faith.
A journey into faith
I was born in Ankara in 1982 and grew up in an Alevi family. In my earlier years, my outlook was shaped by socialist and atheist ideas. Encountering the Bible opened a different path, and I became a Christian in 2003. Faith became a personal journey that would reshape both my life and my understanding of service.
I later trained at the Filipus Bible Training School connected with Kurtuluş Church. That grounding in Scripture accompanied my early years in local church ministry, evangelism, and helping others grow as followers of Jesus.
Malatya: ministry and loss
In 2006–2007, I served at Malatya Church, where my work included youth leadership, evangelism, and discipleship. Spending time with young people, sharing the gospel, and walking alongside new believers made ministry deeply personal: it was about people and relationships, not simply activities.
On 18 April 2007, three Christians were murdered at Zirve Publishing House in Malatya. I was the principal witness to the events surrounding the massacre. Özge and I were at the door that day; we could not enter, and I called the police. This loss is part of our story and of the story of the Christian community in Türkiye. I remember it with grief and respect for the lives that were taken.
Sharing the gospel, walking with people
My ministry journey has also included service in Samsun, evangelistic work in the western Black Sea region, and outreach in Bulgaria. Across these settings, my work has involved sharing the gospel, encouraging young people, teaching Scripture, and helping believers connect faith with everyday life.
Youth leadership taught me the importance of listening as well as speaking. Evangelism has meant meeting people with their real questions, experiences, and hesitations. Discipleship means staying alongside them as they learn to follow Christ. These experiences continue to shape my approach to writing and publishing.
Speaking and teaching
Alongside my writing, I contribute as a speaker and teacher through seminars, workshops, and online gatherings. My subjects include Christian faith and culture, evangelism, discipleship, and the practice of Christian publishing. I also work with writers, encouraging them to develop their voices and communicate with clarity, honesty, and care.
Whether speaking to a group or working on an article, I want to make room for thoughtful questions and bring biblical truth into conversation with the realities people face.
The story of Miras
Miras Publishing Ministries began in Istanbul in July 2012. My wife, Özge, and I have shared in its work from the beginning. The name Miras means “heritage”: a reminder of the faith we receive and the responsibility to share it with care.
At its heart is Miras, a Turkish-language magazine of Christian thought and culture. Alongside the magazine, we publish articles and develop audio, video, and educational resources for people exploring Christianity and those growing in their faith. As a publisher and editor, I work to make Bible-centered content accessible and to encourage thoughtful conversation across Christian traditions.
Life together
Özge is my partner in life and ministry. We live in Istanbul with our son, Çınar. Family life and the shared work of Miras are closely woven into our days.
This journal offers a window into that life and work for English-speaking readers. Here I share reflections on faith, Christian publishing, art, culture, and life in Türkiye. I’m glad you’re here.