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© 2026 RIIKBerlin

About Us

About RIIKBERLIN

Rhizom Institut für Interkulturelle Kommunikation (RIIKBERLIN) e.V. is an independent non-profit organization based in Berlin.
We support international professionals, creatives, academics, skilled newcomers, and people with migration histories through education, intercultural exchange, and community-based initiatives. Our work aims to strengthen participation, professional development, and meaningful connections across cultural and social boundaries.
Berlin is a city shaped by diversity, talent, and mobility. Yet building a professional career, understanding social structures, and finding a sense of belonging can be challenging. RIIKBERLIN was founded to help bridge these gaps by creating opportunities for learning, collaboration, and intercultural dialogue.

Our Mission

To empower individuals through professional development, civic education, creative consciousness and community-building while fostering intercultural understanding, participation, and mutual exchange.

Our Vision

We envision a Berlin where people from diverse backgrounds are connected, supported, and actively contributing to the city's professional, cultural, and civic life.

How We Work

Our activities are built around three interconnected areas:

Professional Development

Supporting career growth, skills development, mentoring, and access to professional opportunities.

Civic Education & Participation

Encouraging active engagement in society through intercultural learning, civic literacy, and social participation.

Mentoring, networking and Community Building

Creating spaces for networking, collaboration, knowledge exchange, and intercultural dialogue.

Meet the People Behind Our Work

Our team brings together experience from academia, education, culture, media, and the creative industries. With diverse professional backgrounds and a shared commitment to intercultural exchange, we develop projects that connect people, ideas, and communities.

Dr. phil. Melih Şengölge

Director / Vorsitzender

A sociologist with a doctoral degree and extensive expertise in social development and participation. He strengthens our work through analytical depth, strategic thinking, leadership, and organizational clarity.

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Pınar Ogan Şengölge

Associate Director / Stellv. Vorsitzende

A social pedagogue with professional experience in education and participation-oriented work. She ensures that our programs remain people-centered, effective, and practically grounded.

S. Utku Yanbay, M.A.

Creative Director / Generalsekretär

Director, scriptwriter, and creative director working at the intersection of experimental cinema, conceptual filmmaking, and post-production. He develops the artistic vision of our projects and transforms ideas into impactful audiovisual formats and narratives.

Inga Friedel

Editor

Combines her academic work in philosophy at the Humboldt University of Berlin with creative writing and editorial practice. She contributes editorial expertise and helps shape the clarity, quality, and narrative strength of our publications.

Tüvana Savaş, M.A.

Creative Producer

Film and Digital Media Specialist with years of experience on professional film sets, working across all stages of production from pre-production to post-production, including as an Assistant Director. She brings industry expertise, production experience, and professional insight to our visual and audiovisual projects.

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Ela Kurtcu

Experienced in project management and the development of knowledge and cooperation networks. She strengthens our partnerships and helps build sustainable, long-term collaborations.

Dr. Gökhan Tuncer

Our key figure at the intersection of academia and practice, with expertise in intercultural communication, higher education, and project development. He brings valuable experience that helps refine concepts, strengthen project design, and guide implementation.

© 2026 RIIKBerlin.

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