BY MAHİR HASSAN MİAN (ECON/II)
Name: Alhussain Raad Jassim Al-Badri
Department: ME
Country of Origin: Iraq
What do you like best about Turkey?
What I like most about Turkey is that it serves as a genuine meeting point of diverse cultures, boasting a rich historical legacy spanning millennia. I have a deep appreciation for discovering ancient archeological sites, such as Ephesus, and being awe-inspired by the magnificent architectural wonders of the Hagia Sophia.
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
Yes. Before we immigrated to Turkey, we did our research and realized that the cultures are similar. We liked that because it would limit homesickness. Also, the hospitality and kindness of the Turkish people make you feel at home.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
My favorite place on campus has to be Starbucks. I don’t think a day has gone by without going there and ordering my usual drink, a Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew. I recommend everyone try it.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
My favorite Turkish dish has to be mantı; it’s like nothing I’ve tried and its flavor is second to none.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Ten years is a long time away, and although people can’t plan for the future I try to have a basic idea of where I’m heading. In 10 years, I see myself teaching math courses at Bilkent University because I’ve always liked sharing my knowledge and enlightening individuals.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
The hardest challenge I’ve faced in Turkey has to be learning the Turkish language. At one point, I thought I would be set knowing only English, then I realized I was very wrong. So, I pushed through and worked hard until I became fluent.
What places have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
I’ve visited many cities in Turkey, such as İstanbul, İzmir, Antalya, Adana and Mersin. My favorite was city was Antalya, because of its stunning natural beauty and its festivals, events and endless outdoor activities.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Turkey?
I hear many questions, but the one I hear most frequently is “Why choose Bilkent, when the sky’s the limit?” My answer to that is that Bilkent is the sky.
Describe yourself in three words.
empathy, forgiveness, and loyalty
