BY EHSAN SHAREEF (CTIS/III)
Name: Mahad Ahmed
Department: CTIS
Country of Origin: Pakistan
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
Türkiye was beautiful, but the language barrier was real. I had to use Google Translate constantly just to communicate with locals. Still, there was something about the air here that gave me a certain kick. The people were beautiful and kind, and being independent in a completely different country felt amazing.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
Bilkent has exceeded my expectations: a güzel, büyük campus, stunning views, fresh breezes, great students, and facilities for almost every sport. The STARS system is unreal; everything is just a click away. I love the smoke-free campus (so I don’t have to watch people vape and smoke everywhere), and there are so many clubs that I end up trying random activities all the time. As for Türkiye, when bargaining or exploring shops, I sometimes just say, “Pakistan, Türkiye kardeşim, yabancı öğrenci!” and somehow the conversation flows from there.
Are there any similarities between Türkiye and your home country?
The cultures are similar to an extent, especially when it comes to hospitality, relationships and food. People and family connections matter in both countries. At the same time, I’ve learned that two cultures can share the same values while expressing them in completely different ways, which makes living here even more interesting.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Türkiye?
The homies, without a doubt. From my Pakistani buddies from completely different provinces back home to international friends and the Turkish locals who have been incredibly kind, I’ve met some amazing people here. My Uzbek friends are genuinely among the most goated people I’ve ever met, and there’s the Azerbaijani squad I love spending time with (too many people to name, hahaha). I’ll miss the campus views, kind professors, and Turkish songs whose lyrics I don’t understand but still vibe to.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
Dorm 91, where I live. As a CTIS student, the location is perfect: my department, the sports center, the yemekhane and the football field are all nearby. The dorm is spacious, laundry and ironing are convenient, and most of my friends live here too. Since I’m mostly an indoors person, it’s basically paradise. And the coffee machine? Peak. I use it at least twice a day—an understatement, honestly—sometimes accompanied by a Capri-Sun whenever I eat.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
Döner, tavuk ızgara and baklava with çay are my go-to choices. I’m a big foodie and enjoy trying all sorts of dishes, but these are the ones I know I can always count on. I could probably survive on them for quite a while!
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Honestly, who knows? Maybe I’ll be working in tech at a big company (hopefully), or perhaps I’ll start my own venture and lead teams building something innovative. If things go well, I might even open a café or bakery—I don’t know why, but I just love being in bakeries. And if none of that works out, you’ll probably find me living the peaceful village life as a farmer, surrounded by animals. I’m keeping my options open.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
“Kolay gelsin” taught me something simple: treat people with respect, speak politely and help others whenever you can. Make someone’s day a little better if you have the chance. These things should be the bare minimum, but unfortunately, they’re not always as common as they should be.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
I’ve visited Istanbul and Trabzon, and I live in Ankara. Each has its own advantages and flaws, but Istanbul is my favorite so far. The views, the sea, the atmosphere—everything about the city is just insane. I still have a lot of Türkiye left to explore, though, so this ranking might change!
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
Turkish people can be wonderfully passionate, so there’s always an “Üfff, ya!” or a “Kanka!” somewhere in the conversation. But the question I hear most is probably “Niye Türkçe bilmiyorsun?” — “Why don’t you speak Turkish?” Fair question, honestly. Google Translate and I have been carrying this relationship for a while now.
Describe yourself in three words.
Genius. Billionaire. Philanthropist.
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
Absolutely amazing overall. Good people, fresh air, beautiful views, helpful classmates, and professors who are mostly very friendly and accommodating. The coursework can be challenging, but that’s part of university life, and I’m not complaining. It’s been an enriching experience both academically and personally.
What were your reasons for choosing Türkiye?
To be honest, I initially planned to study in another country, but that didn’t work out. Thankfully, my family encouraged me to apply to Türkiye. The familiar cultural values, accessible mosques and comparatively affordable cost of living made it an attractive option. Although my perspective on the expenses has changed a little since arriving, I’m glad things worked out this way. And Türkiye’s flag is red—which, honestly, I really like.
