BY MAHİR HASSAN MİAN (ECON/II)
Name: Huda Khan
Department: Psychology
Country of Origin: Pakistan
What were your first impressions about Turkey?
It may sound a little cliché, but my first impression of Turkey was of the rich culture and history. There’s just not enough time to learn everything there is to know.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Turkey?
Probably the way the people here promote and embrace their language. It truly puts into perspective how much they value it, coming from a place where the native language is gradually becoming less prevalent.
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
I’d like to say how much meat is used in their dishes (not that I’m complaining :), but let’s go for the hospitality.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
I’m definitely going to miss spending late nights on the hill at Bilka with my friends.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
My favorite place would be the Meteksan grocery store. There’s something nostalgic about that place that makes me go there way more often than I should.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
Beyti kebab, no doubt. The reason is in the name of the dish, kebab. Plus, when it’s served with yogurt, just perfect!
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I hope I’m a cognitive neuroscientist by then (ambitious, but fingers crossed).
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
I’m not sure how important this is to be considered as part of Turkish culture, maybe more on the etiquette side, but I’ve noticed how a lot of people usually gesture with their right hand and always move towards the right side when crossing someone.
What places have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
Until now, apart from Ankara, I’ve been to İstanbul, Cappadocia, Bursa and Antalya. My favorite among these places would be Cappadocia.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Turkey?
There’s this comment that I find amusing and hear frequently in conversations with friends: “Oh ha!” Apparently, the phrase has multiple meanings, depending on the context, which makes it intriguing. So far, I’ve seen them use it to express shock, admiration or disappointment in something.
Describe yourself in three words.
To throw it out there: dedicated, compassionate, practical
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
Competitive (you see a whole other side of the students when class participation is graded), but studying here also creates opportunities for getting practical experience in the field you want to work in, as the instructors go above and beyond to support you (at least from my experience).
