BY MAHİR HASSAN MİAN (ECON/III)
Name: Malika Ishanova
Department: Economics junior student
Country of Origin: Kazakhstan
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
As a child, I visited Türkiye for the first time with my family as a tourist. I was impressed by the wonderful nature and delicious food.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
Türkiye is a beautiful mix of history and modern life, with warm and welcoming people, making it a special place to go through my essential years. At Bilkent, I’ve met amazing people from different backgrounds, and the professors make learning exciting and meaningful. Being in Türkiye and studying at Bilkent gives me the best of both worlds—an excellent education and a fun yet challenging life.
Are there any similarities between Türkiye and your home country?
Like Türkiye, my country of origin—Kazakhstan—deeply values its history and traditions. Kazakhs take great pride in their nomadic heritage, just as Türkiye reveres the Ottoman Empire. In my country, there are also national holidays that emphasize our historical struggles and victories.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Türkiye?
One of the things I love most about Türkiye is its diverse and beautiful nature. Being at the university makes it easy to meet people with shared interests, which helps build meaningful connections. This applies to social life and academics—I enjoy attending professors’ office hours, where they willingly share their knowledge and life experiences.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
Well, every place on campus has a special meaning for me. I like to go to the gym to distract myself from studying for a good reason, or when I need to concentrate, I want to go to the library. Since the Cafe Mozart is on the basement floor, the lighting is not intense, which creates the perfect soft atmosphere for my slow mornings.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
Sütlü Soğuk Baklava. I was hooked by the milky and mild flavor of the dessert sprinkled with chocolate. Combined with Turkish tea, it’s the perfect combo for me.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Ten years is a long time, and while I can’t be too specific, I hope to have a strong family, excel in my field, travel often and learn more languages. The key is to start taking small steps now to build the future I want.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
One thing I’ve learned from Turkish culture is the strong sense of community. People genuinely look out for each other, whether strangers, neighbors or friends.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
We have been to several cities and towns. My friend and I especially loved Mermerli Beach.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
It is always connected to cultural background! When I first meet someone, I make assumptions about them regarding their nationality as well, but some are concerned whether Kazakhs are addicted to horse meat consumption…to some extent, it is possible, but have you seen prices for it back home?!
Describe yourself in three words.
Communicative, fun, open-minded.
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
The university offers a high-quality education focusing on critical thinking thanks to the electives offered, and the professors are highly knowledgeable and approachable.