BY EHSAN SHAREEF (CTIS/II)
Name: Gaini Mukhambetkazy
Department: Architecture / IV
Country of Origin: Kazakhstan
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
At first, I thought about how chaotic and contrasting it is—the people, the environment and just the energy of space. It even scared me for a while. However, over time this chaos became something I can’t live without, and what seemed wild to me turned out to be a crucial part of my life.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
I like how most people in Türkiye are so warm and kind to each other. Also how expressive everyone is made me want to express myself even more. And up to this point Bilkent feels like a big family, which I became a part of, with its own personality that made it special enough to be kept in my heart.
Are there any similarities between Türkiye and your home country?
I’d say that the hospitality would be one of the main factors of the similarities between Kazakhstan and Türkiye. People in both cultures are generous in food and care. There is also a similar sense of deep cultural pride for both countries.
What will you miss most about Bilkent and Türkiye?
I think I will miss the respect towards each other’s feelings and emotions. It is rare that people are this expressive in their personalities without being judged too much, whereas my country emphasizes the importance of not overwhelming others with your own personality. Both countries are good in their own ways and I love them both, but I will definitely miss Türkiye and Bilkent for their expressiveness and openness to anyone.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
It might be the stadium. I love it when there aren’t many people, and everyone is taking a walk there in a good weather; it feels like a whole different world from Bilkent’s scurry. It is quite refreshing to visit, and when the sun hits just right, laying on the grass field feels even more special.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
Definitely, lahmacun. I love the simplicity, yet the need for the texture to be perfect in order to taste the best. It is the most comforting meal that gives you a sense of nourishment and experience of taste in just one bite.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I see myself being happy. The rest, you will see.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
I’m going to talk about it again, but honestly, one of the most important things that I learned was expressing myself and expressing my own emotions just the way they are. I grew up to be calm and respectful towards anyone but me, and Türkiye’s hot temperament made me learn to respect myself much more, and show myself to everyone as I really am.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
The list is way too long, but honestly one of my favorites was Adana. I’m still thinking about the Adana Kebab and Çiğ Köfte that I ate there. Truly unforgettable taste. Another favorite is Fethiye. It’s simply hard to explain the whole vibe and atmosphere it had, so I’ll just advise you to visit it whenever you can.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
Are you Chinese / Japanese / Korean? People often ask that, which is always a reminder that Central Asia is still largely overlooked.
Describe yourself in three words.
Authoritative, shining, tender.
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
Don’t even ask.