Gürkan was trained in the field of European Studies as a researcher on radicalization and polarization during his two masters degrees at Centre International de Formation Europeenne and Istanbul Bilgi University. He previously worked as a journalist and executive manager at dokuz8NEWS and frequently appeared on international media as commentator on Turkey and digital rights. He has served as board member for various anti-racism and rights-focued NGOs and social movements in Turkey, currently he is a board member for Turkey-European Foundation, Media Research Association and Trauma & Life Association. He is a registered member of Journalists Union of Turkey and International Federation of Journalists.