BY MAHİR HASSAN MİAN (ECON/II)
Name: Jamila Ibrahimova
Department: Interior Architecture and Environmental Design
Country of Origin: Azerbaijan
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
My very first impressions of Turkey formed in my early childhood. It was the first country I visited when I started travelling. Frankly, Turkey felt like home. I’m sure the similarities between Azerbaijani and Turkish cultures, traditions and values play a significant role. But, besides that, Turkey radiated warmth, especially when I first arrived in Ankara to study at Bilkent. It felt like I never left home at all.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
My favorite thing about Bilkent is its evergreen and energetic campus. The sense of community is strong here, so one can never feel lonely when everything becomes a little too much academically.
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
Plenty! To start with, Azerbaijan and Turkey are both Muslim countries. Many parallels can be drawn in terms of customs and traditions, including the cuisine itself.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Türkiye?
Bilkent itself. It has become my second home, so the thought of leaving it behind in two years makes me sad here and there. I’ve loved having my student life in Turkey, so I’ll miss it a lot once I graduate.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
The faculty building (FF). I spend most of my days there, and the studios are always so much fun to work in. Bright and spacey, always crowded with other students — you’ll never feel alone there.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
My absolute favorite is döner. I think it’s because it’s become my comfort food whenever there is final jury stress and not enough time to prepare something of my own.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
A decade from now, I’m a successful entrepreneur who owns a widely known international architecture and design agency.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
I know it’s probably not entirely cultural, but this is what I notice about lots of Turkish people: no matter what you are doing, do it with joy. Your efforts mean more when you are actually satisfied with your work.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
I’ve been to Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Bodrum, Kalkan and Marmaris. My forever favorite is definitely Izmir because its vibe is matching mine so inexplicably well! Plus, the Aegean cuisine, mamma mia…
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
People instantly figure out you’re from Bilkent. I don’t know how it works, but I find it quite amusing.
Describe yourself in three words.
Spiritual, passionate and empathetic
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
So far, amazing! Though this term has been a bit harsher compared to the others, it doesn’t change the fact that studying at Bilkent is the best experience one can ever have.
