Hilmi Demir is a graduate of Ankara University School of Divinity. In 2001, he completed his doctorate in the Kalam branch of Ankara University’s Social Sciences Department. In 2002-2003, he worked at Kyrgyzstan National University. In 2009, he became an associate professor. He currently teaches at the Hitit University School of Divinity. He is an expert on radicalization, Salafism, sectarian conflict and ISIS, and has written widely on these topics in national and international outlets.

Demir has been working at TEPAV the Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Studies Institute.