SOCIAL MENTALITY AND RESEARCHER THINKERS JOURNAL (SMART JOURNAL), Year 2025 Issue Cilt 11 Sayı 4

Kullanıcı Deneyimi ve Bilinci Işığında Restorasyon Malzemelerinde Sürdürülebilirlik ve Estetik: Erzurum Selçuklu Medreseleri Üzerine Bir Değerlendirme

Serkan SipahiFatma Nur Kılıç — 2025-07-25

Cultural heritage buildings reflect the sociological, economic and cultural fabric of the region in which they are located and their preservation is of great importance in terms of ensuring the continuity of knowledge. However, these buildings can be damaged by various external factors over time and therefore require effective restoration methods. The use of unsustainable restoration materials can lead to the depletion of natural resources, increased waste production and negatively impact the user experience. Furthermore, the failure to preserve historical identity not only to aesthetic losses but also to the weakening of the original character of the building. Within the scope of the study, it is aimed to comprehensively examine the sustainability of the materials used in restoration practices, interior aesthetics, integration with the historical texture of the building and the effects of these elements on the user experience through the examples of Çifte Minareli Madrasa and Yakutiye Madrasa in Erzurum. In this direction, it is aimed to emphasize the contribution of sustainable material use to building aesthetics, users' experiences and social consciousness. In this context, the study reached its conclusions by evaluating the literature research and survey studies conducted on reliable databases. As a result of the evaluations made, in this study conducted on selected madrasas, the choice of sustainable materials enriched the interior aesthetics and positively affected the user experience. While this approach the spaces more satisfying both functionally and aesthetically, it is determined that it supports environmental and social sustainability and contributes to the protection of cultural heritage and the development of user awareness.

The Impact of Web-Based Platforms on Developing EFL Speaking Skills: A Comparison of AI-Supported Apps

Savaş OkyayRamazan Zengin — 2025-07-25

This study investigates the impact of AI-powered web-based platforms, ELSA Speak and Praktika, on developing speaking proficiency among Turkish EFL high school learners. Traditional EFL instruction in Turkey often neglects real-time, personalized speaking practice, which contributes to learners’ limited fluency, confidence, and enjoyment. Using a quasi-experimental design with two intervention groups over six weeks, the study employed standardized speaking tests and the Foreign Language Enjoyment Scale to assess improvements in learners’ performance and attitudes. Findings revealed that ELSA Speak significantly enhanced students’ fluency, pronunciation, and overall speaking scores, while Praktika provided immersive experiences that may support long-term gains. Although changes in language enjoyment were not statistically significant, correlations suggest an emerging positive trend. These results highlight the complementary strengths of structured and conversational AI tools in EFL speaking development, with implications for blended classroom practices and future research.

Use of Local Food in Food and Beverage Enterprises in Terms of Sustainable Cuısine Culture: The Example of Niğde Province

Kadriye Alev Akmeşe İsa Serhan Cihangir — 2025-07-25

Sustainability is an important concept that affects every aspect of social life. Sustainable culinary culture is important both for the preservation of traditions and for gastronomic branding. Niğde is a city located in Anatolia, with a very old history as a living space, with a cultural richness where different ethnic origins live together. Although it has many gastronomic values, its international recognition is not at the desired level. With this study, it is aimed to identify the rates of being included in the menus of local businesses and to determine the problems, if any, and to develop suggestions in order for a better recognition of the local tastes of Niğde province. In the study, semi-structured interview technique and secondary data were used. As a result of the study, it has been determined that most of the food and beverage businesses in Niğde do not have local stewed dish menus. It has been observed that businesses with comprehensive menus do not include local flavors unique to Niğde in their menus at the expected rate.

Investigation of Theses on Music in Special Education in Terms of Various Variables

Sena Begüm Üçer Pelin Esmergül — 2025-07-25

In this study, graduate theses on music in special education conducted in our country between 1993-2024 at the Higher Educcation National Thesis Center were discussed. The purpose of the research was to examine the theses in terms of various variables such as universities, institutes, years, topic distributions, material development status, study groups, and obstacle groups, and to present the current situation regarding the studies in a bibliographic manner. Within the scope of the research, 137 theses were reached through literature review. According to the findings obtained in the study; it has been determined that theses were conducted at 42 different universities, with the highest number of theses being carried out at Gazi University. When examined according to their institutes, it was found that most theses were written in the institutes of educational sciences. Between the years 1993-2024, the highest number of theses was completed in 2019. It was concluded that the majority of theses were written using descriptive methods, and when analyzed according to subject distributions, studies on education and teaching were predominant. In terms of material development, it was found that materials were developed in only 16 studies, the most preferred sample group consisted of individuals with autism, and the majority of theses were aimed at the hearing impairment disability group.

The Effects of Factors Affecting Mobile Shopping Applications on Consumer Behaviors

Serhat Aydın Ertuğrul Karakaya — 2025-07-25

Mobile shopping applications have emerged as a significant innovation that transforms consumer habits in today's era of rapid digitalization. Consumers increasingly turn to these applications, which provide the convenience of shopping via mobile devices. This study examines the factors influencing the use of mobile shopping applications and their relationship with consumer attitudes towards online shopping. Findings from a survey of 424 participants show that positive factors such as perceived enjoyment and perceived ease of use strongly influence consumer attitudes toward mobile shopping applications. This study offers valuable contributions to both academic literature and industry by guiding the development and marketing strategies of mobile shopping applications.

The Role of the Banking System in the Emergence of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis: An Economic Perspective

Dilber Ekinler — 2025-07-25

Throughout history, the world has faced various global crises. The global crises that have occurred have significantly impacted the world economy. The major global crises that have influenced the global economy can be listed as the Great Depression, the Mexican Crisis, the Southeast Asian Crisis, the Russian Crisis, the Argentine Crisis, and the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, which is the focus of this study. In order to be prepared for potential future crises, it is crucial to identify the underlying causes of past crises and take appropriate preventive measures. The global financial crisis that began in the last quarter of 2007 and manifested its effects in 2008 ultimately evolved into a worldwide financial crisis, significantly impacting the global economy. The aim of this study is to identify the causes of the 2008 global financial crisis, explore the measures that can be taken against such crises, analyze its economic impacts on a global scale, and examine the role of the banking system in the emergence of the crisis. In this context, the study elaborates on the causes of the crisis, the measures taken or that could be taken in response, its economic implications, and the role of the banking system in its emergence. Securitization, inadequate regulatory oversight by credit rating agencies, lack of transparency, and the issuance of careless loans have been identified as primary factors contributing to the crisis. Therefore, it can be asserted that the banking system played a significant role in the emergence of the global financial crisis.