Name: Enno Sieveking
Department: POLS exchange student
University: Leuphana University Lüneburg
Country of Origin: Germany
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
Çok kalabalık! The first thing I saw in Türkiye was İstanbul. There are so many people, and everywhere people are trying to sell you things. Even though it was a bit overwhelming, I knew from the first moment that I loved this country.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
About Türkiye, certainly the culture and the hospitality. Wherever you go, people are open and welcoming. About Bilkent, that the campus provides the perfect environment for a good student life. There are nice people, and there are restaurants and gyms right on campus. Everything is taken care of.
Are there any similarities between Türkiye and your home country?
We both love Döner 😉
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Türkiye?
I think I will miss the variety of places to eat and drink coffee on campus. This does not exist to the same extent in Germany and makes it really nice to spend time on campus.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
When it’s sunny, in front of Coffee Break in T-Building. It is perfect for sitting in the middle of campus, meeting friends and just enjoying the atmosphere with lots of students around.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
Really good Menemen! I generally like to start my day with a good chill breakfast, and Menemen is perfect for that. But the Turkish cuisine in general is just amazing.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Hopefully somewhere warmer than Germany.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
You would rather start a fight than let someone pay.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
I’ve seen Antalya, İstanbul, Alanya, Adana, Pamukkale, Cappadocia and Eskişehir. They all have their own beauty. If I had to choose, I think I would say İstanbul. There is something magical about taking the ferry from the European to the Asian side, even though I need a week’s holiday after three days in İstanbul.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
I often hear that Germany is so much colder than Türkiye. I’m not sure if people are aware that we have summer there too…
Describe yourself in three words.
Open-minded, active, versatile.
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
Great. The workload is a bit crazy sometimes, but overall, I am learning a lot from the classes and even more from the people and culture. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be here.
