BY MAHİR HASSAN MİAN (ECON/III)
Name: Awais Awan
Department: EE
Country of Origin: Pakistan
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
“Turkish people speak fast and smoke a lot.”
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
Friendly people. I’ve met great people who aren’t only friendly and helpful but also fun to spend time with.
Are there any similarities between Türkiye and your home country?
Our languages share some similar words. But don’t get me wrong, learning Turkish is still a pain in the neck.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Türkiye?
Caffeinated long night walks to outside the campus.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
EE building, where I get to meet my friends, have Simit from Meteksan, çay from Mozart and spend all-nighters in labs.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
Makarna with yogurt, for obvious reasons.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Hopefully married and working nine-to-five at Silicon Valley (fingers crossed) or as a professor, returning the due favor.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
Saying “Kolay gelsin” to show appreciation for people working.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
Not many, apart from İstanbul (for the flights, of course), but that’s just because of my love for Ankara.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
“Hocam, fazladan sigaran var mı?”
Describe yourself in three words.
Someone people remember.
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
It’s kind of a rollercoaster, but the right people with you makes this ride fun rather than scary.
