BY MAHİR HASSAN MİAN (ECON/II)
Name: Haneen Shapi
Department: LAUD
Country of Origin: Kenya
What were your first impressions about Turkey?
It’s a beautiful country with so much to see and so many places to visit.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Turkey?
The aesthetic campus and Yemeksepeti.
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
Both countries are popular tourist destinations.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
My friends and the easy, convenient public transportation.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
The running track — just seeing it gives me an adrenaline rush, and suddenly, I’m motivated again.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
Lahmacun. The array of spices offers a delightful flavor. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I haven’t thought that far ahead, but I’ll be content in a fulfilling job, Inshallah.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
That engaging in cultural etiquette, such as offering polite phrases like “Kolay Gelsin” or “Afiyet Olsun” to strangers, is a good way to show respect and adds a touch of warmth to everyday interactions.
What places have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
I’ve only been to İstanbul, but I like the vibrancy and cosmopolitan nature of that city. Seeing the night lights and hearing the hustle and bustle, even late into the night, makes it the perfect blend of excitement and serenity, a vibe that resonates deeply with me.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Turkey?
When Turkish people say, “Oof yaa.”
Describe yourself in three words.
Determined, easy-going, imaginative
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
I’ve had many sleepless nights, but it’ll probably be worth it in the end.
