BY MAHİR HASSAN MİAN (ECON/II)
Name: Maryam Azimli
Department: Computer Engineering
Country of Origin: Azerbaijan
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
I came here in 2021. My first impression was that everyone was very helpful, kind and willing to help. The sweets were very delicious.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
The best thing about Bilkent is the international community. You get to meet internationals from all around the globe and explore their diverse cultures. The campus is very picturesque. I like to take a lot of photographs in different seasons and places, so I love the campus. Things I like about Turkey are its patriotism and the people’s love for their country.
Are there any similarities between Türkiye and your home country?
Yes. Our cultures and languages are very similar. Everything from the cuisine to traditions are similar. Sometimes, I actually get confused and feel like I am in Azerbaijan. It’s a sweet feeling, and it gives me a sense of security.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
The hammocks on the main campus. It is always lively there.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
Lokma tatlısı is my favorite dessert. For savoury foods, I like menemen a lot.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Ughhhh… I want to build a billion-dollar business and have my sister as my partner. If we don’t kill each other by that time.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
How to improve oneself in hard conditions and during difficult times. I also like drinking coffee in the middle of the night.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
I have gone to Antalya and İstanbul, Eskişehir and Trabzon, but I’ve loved İzmir the most. İzmir has a special place in my heart. We went there during Covid, but it was still great. The atmosphere, the sea and everything in that city and people were perfect.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
“Oh, you’re Azerbaijani, so you definitely speak Turkish.” But this is not the case. I understand Turkish perfectly well, but the translator in me has a difficult time speaking in Turkish.
Describe yourself in three words.
Loyal, compassionate, curious
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
Well, don’t ask me that. No comments; next question.
