A brief history of
life & work
Tolga Eğilmezel’s journey into software engineering didn’t follow a conventional path. Born in Nuremberg, Germany, Tolga’s parents moved the family to Turkey after he finished kindergarten. After being unceremoniously kicked out of high school, Tolga spent his early days working in a local metal music store, surrounded by his love for heavy riffs and raw energy. Around the same time, his father bought him a computer—a gift that sparked an unexpected curiosity about how things worked behind the screen. With no clear direction but a growing interest in technology, he came across a job listing for a web developer position in Bodrum—a town he’d only heard of in passing. Without much expectation, he applied. To his surprise, the offer came through, and what started as an unexpected opportunity turned into a career that would shape the next 20 years of his life.
From the moment Tolga began exploring web development, he was hooked—not just by the endless potential of the field but by how quickly it evolved. Early in his career, he worked with companies that relied on outdated infrastructures, from rigid front-end systems to monolithic backend architectures. While he wasn’t directly writing backend code, Tolga played a key role in guiding teams toward modern, scalable structures, helping them reimagine their workflows with API frameworks and cloud-based solutions. Over the years, he immersed himself in the craft, mastering everything from static site development to building dynamic, user-focused platforms. His ability to bridge technical gaps and collaborate across disciplines consistently led to innovative solutions that prepared businesses for the future.
One of the pillars of Tolga’s approach has always been writing code that is clean, efficient, and maintainable. He believes that simplicity and clarity in development are not just technical ideals but essential practices for building systems that can evolve and thrive without constant rewrites. Tolga is a strong advocate of clean code principles, ensuring that every line written contributes to a system that is understandable, testable, and scalable. Equally important to him is cultivating a knowledge-sharing culture within development teams. By encouraging open discussions about best practices, architectural decisions, and problem-solving strategies, Tolga has consistently helped teams align on common goals and elevate their collective expertise. This approach not only improves code quality but also fosters a collaborative environment where developers can grow and innovate together.
Tolga’s passion for fostering collaboration goes beyond development teams. He has organized workshops designed to bridge gaps between software engineers, designers, and UX professionals, helping them speak a common language and work toward shared goals. These sessions emphasize the importance of understanding different perspectives, whether it’s breaking down technical jargon or aligning on design components. Tolga’s workshops highlight each department’s contributions to a project, strengthening communication, enhancing teamwork, and fostering creativity.
Travel has always been a source of inspiration for Tolga, allowing him to discover new cultures and incorporate their unique perspectives into his life. Travel has always been a source of inspiration for Tolga, offering fresh perspectives and a chance to reconnect with what matters most. Among these journeys, one trip to Hawaii turned out to be more than just a vacation—it was a turning point. Immersed in the vibrant surf culture, Tolga and his wife discovered a lifestyle centered on freedom, harmony, and respect for nature. Catching waves in the warm Pacific waters and embracing the spirit of aloha changed not only how he viewed balance but also how he approached challenges in his life and career. Drawn by the island’s unique charm, they’ve returned multiple times, each visit deepening their connection to Hawaii’s traditions and values. The culture taught them the beauty of slowing down, living with intention, and respecting the land (mālama ‘āina). Hawaii wasn’t just a destination; it was an experience that reshaped his outlook on life.
Tolga can often be found absorbed in the raw energy of heavy metal concerts. A lifelong fan, he and his wife are regulars at rock and metal festivals, enjoying the communal spirit and rebellious creativity of the scene. Their love for live music has led them to incredible experiences, including a trip to Palm Springs for an unforgettable AC/DC concert under the desert stars. For Tolga, heavy metal is more than a genre—it’s a way of life that reflects the freedom and individuality driving everything he does.
Looking ahead, Tolga remains driven by the belief that technology can be a force for good—whether by improving user experiences, empowering communities, or reducing environmental impact. With over two decades of experience under his belt, he’s more inspired than ever to combine his technical expertise with his passion for fostering collaboration and innovation. As he continues to explore the intersection of development, sustainability, and community building, Tolga’s journey is a reminder that growth often comes from unexpected beginnings, and that every line of code has the potential to make a difference.
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