Emine was born in the ancient village of Gemlik, Turkey, on the shores of the Sea of Marmara. As a teenager, she worked ceaselessly to persuade her uncle, in New York to help her emigrate to the United States.

She completed a degree in pharmacy and has worked with her husband, also a pharmacist, for many years in Storrs, Connecticut, near the University of Connecticut campus. At present, she has become a full time artist. Through the years Emine studied and worked to develop her art. Among her mentors she counts Susan Gerr, whose Birch Mountain Pottery is in the adjacent town. She is a juried artist and her wares are sold at the Benton Museum Gift Shop at the University of Connecticut.

An exceptional individual who pursues her art with great passion, Emine's rich life experiences bring new perspectives to her pottery. The artistic vein runs deep in Emine's family. Her daughter, Leyla Cichowski has recently completed her fine arts degree at the University of Connecticut in Ceramic Art. Her senior project was voted best in show by the arts faculty and her winning piece was purchased by the department for their permanent collection (this was the first time the department had done such a thing.)

Emine's extended family includes her cousin, Sermin Kardestuncer an artist working in many media whose works have been on display at the prestigious PS1 in New York City, and at Pierogi 2000. Sermin won a Lee Krasner award for her work. Art In America, February, 2000 mentions her work at Pierogi 2000 (p.130).