BY MAHİR HASSAN MİAN (ECON/III)
Name: Sara Elfadil Hassan Abdelhalim
Department: Architecture senior student
Country of Origin: Sudan
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
When I first arrived in Türkiye, the cool weather and green landscapes stood out to me most, in stark contrast to the hot desert climate of my home country. I found the weather and lush greenery here in Türkiye refreshing.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
One of the things I appreciate the most here is the natural beauty of the country. Another aspect that I like is the public transportation system. I was raised in Saudi Arabia where public transportation was nonexistent so getting around without a car was always a challenge. Here, the ease and accessibility of public transport make it so much easier to navigate and explore new areas.
Are there any similarities between Türkiye and your home country?
The main similarity I can think of is that Turkish and Sudanese Arabic share some similar words, which makes understanding the language a little bit easier for me. There is also a sizable group of Sudanese people who settled in Türkiye (particularly İzmir) during the time of the Ottoman Empire; I find this sort of cross-cultural contact and shared history to be interesting.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Türkiye?
What I will miss the most is definitely the people I’ve met here. The warmth and friendliness of those around me have made my experience at Bilkent so much richer. I will also miss Ankara itself, particularly the cafes of Bahçelievler, the historic scenes of Ulus and a number of parks too.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
It may be a bit cliché, but my favorite spot on campus is Bilka Hill. The panoramic view of Ankara from there is breathtaking, especially during the golden hour when the sky is painted in beautiful shades of pink and orange.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
I’m a fan of both savory and sweet dishes in Turkish cuisine. For savory foods, I particularly enjoy pide and kebab. When it comes to desserts, fırın sütlaç and baklavas are my favorites.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
In ten years, I hope to be working in an Arab Gulf country, perhaps in an architectural firm or a related field. I also hope to have my own family and be living a fulfilling life.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
One thing I’ve learned from Turkish culture is how well it balances tradition and modernity. There’s a deep respect for the country’s history, culture and tradition as well as a strong drive toward progress, development and innovation.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
I’ve visited Polatlı, İstanbul and İzmir. İzmir is definitely my favorite. I absolutely loved the food scene and the artistic atmosphere of the city.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
I often get asked whether I’m an Erasmus exchange student, particularly from France or the UK.
Describe yourself in three words.
Reserved, ambitious, idealistic.
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
Studying at Bilkent is challenging. The workload is demanding, and expectations are high. However, I believe that the effort is well worth it, especially considering the reputation and high ranking of the university.