The Brain's Sections Are Ready for the Journey

One day in our “Introduction to Psychology” class, our professor asked us to research the parts of the brain and explain them using a metaphor. My classmates came up with fascinating ideas: some compared the brain to a computer, others to a city plan… While thinking about my assignment, I found myself imagining a Hatay Dürüm. This place, frequently visited by us around our school, triggered a powerful association in my mind:

"If the brain were to embark on a journey and go to Hatay, what would that journey look like?"

Hatay is a city renowned for its rich cuisine and recognized by UNESCO^【1】 as a “City of Gastronomy.” The Dürüm here is not merely a dish; it is an integral part of sharing, hospitality, and cultural memory. Thus, the destination of this journey offers not only physical satisfaction but also mental fulfillment.

Let us therefore embark together on a journey from the brain to Hatay. Each stop will represent a different part of the brain. Are you ready? Let’s begin!

Activate Navigation: Frontal Lobe Stop

Every journey begins with planning. The navigation system turns on, a route is drawn, and traffic conditions are checked. These processes are managed by the brain’s frontal lobe^【2】. Decision-making, planning, and problem-solving are all functions of the frontal lobe. Before setting out, we pause here to prepare and check whether we are in control.

Did We Miss the Turn? Parietal Lobe Takes Over

We are on the road, but suddenly we veer off onto the wrong path. We need to check the map again—we have lost our way. Here, the parietal lobe^【3】 comes into action. It handles spatial awareness, direction finding, and understanding the body’s position in space.

Balance Is Lost? Cerebellum Station

During the journey, we take a break. As we step out of the car, we wobble briefly. At this point, the cerebellum^【4】 activates. It coordinates movement and maintains balance. Getting in and out of the car, or driving carefully on the road, becomes easier thanks to its contribution.

The Phone Rings: Let’s Visit the Temporal Lobe

A phone call comes in: “When you get to Hatay, make sure to stop by!” But talking while driving is dangerous—we need to pull over first. This is where the temporal lobe^【5】 steps in. It enables us to understand speech, distinguish sounds, and engage in social communication.

Vital Functions: The Brainstem

Along the journey, we continue breathing and our heart keeps beating. These life-sustaining functions are managed by the brainstem^【6】. Heart rate, respiration, and reflexes are controlled here. Just as the engine powers the car, the brainstem powers the body.

Sight on the Road: Occipital Lobe Takes the Stage

A sign appears by the roadside: “Hatay’s Best Dürüm Here!” Our eyes turn to it and we interpret its meaning. The occipital lobe^【7】 activates here. It processes visual information and enables us to navigate and perceive our surroundings.

The Protective Outer Structure: Cerebral Cortex

Like the outer shell of a car, the cerebral cortex^【8】 mediates the brain’s interaction with the external world. It carries out higher functions such as conscious thought, perception, and decision-making. Like an airbag, mental reflexes that protect us from sudden threats are formed here. Especially when we must brake abruptly, this system enables us to act logically rather than be overwhelmed by emotion. It shields us from potential dangers in the environment. This feature of the brain is of vital importance—not only for the brain itself but for us as well.

We can compare this to the care we take when purchasing a car. When deciding to buy a vehicle, we do not only ask about engine power or fuel consumption—we also thoroughly investigate safety features. We want to know whether systems like airbags are present, because we understand that in an unexpected accident, these protective systems can save our lives.

Similarly, the brain’s ability to activate in sudden situations and protect us works just like these safety systems. Logical responses that override emotional impulses help us make fast and accurate decisions during dangerous moments. This is a highly valuable trait that enhances both the functioning of our brain and the quality and safety of our lives.

The Continuity of the Journey: Right and Left Lobes

The right and left lobes of the brain work together to make this long journey possible. The right lobe^【9】 handles creativity, music, and intuition, while the left lobe^【10】 manages logic, language, and analysis.

Research shows that even if one of these lobes is damaged, the other can sometimes take over its functions. Just as we plot a new route after a traffic accident, the brain finds alternative pathways to continue the journey. In this sense, the brain always generates a solution, always finds a “way.”

We Have Arrived in Hatay: Dürüm and Thoughts

Finally, we arrive. The Hatay Dürüm is before us! In that moment, we realize not only its flavor but also how the brain has orchestrated an entire symphony throughout this journey—memory, sensation, balance, navigation, speech, planning… All of these were with us during this short yet meaningful trip.

When I asked our professor why we had to explain this topic using a metaphor, they replied:

“The brain is in a constant process of learning and development. During this process, we use such analogies to strengthen the connections called synapses and enhance the permanence of knowledge.”

This explanation gained both personal and scientific meaning.

According to Merve Yamanoğlu and Lütfü Hanoğlu, metaphors are not merely linguistic embellishments; they are neurocognitive tools that strengthen synaptic connections, making abstract concepts concrete and learning more enduring (2023).

Indeed, since that day, the parts of the brain have ceased to be mere facts. They have become a whole that travels with me, acquiring meaning within the fabric of life. Now, whenever I travel, my brain travels with me.