BY EZHAN SHAREEF (CTIS/II)
Name: Aykhan Hashim-Zada
Department: CTIS/II
Country of Origin: Azerbaijan
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
When I first arrived in Türkiye on August 30th, I found myself in Kızılay, and honestly, I had no idea what I was walking into. I was completely unaware that it was National Victory Day, so suddenly I was surrounded by these massive crowds—bigger than anything I’d ever experienced before. It was quite the introduction to Türkiye! I also quickly noticed that smoking seemed very common here, and I was surprised by how frequently prices seemed to change.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
Bilkent has this amazing environment that really reminds me of my family’s summer house back home—there are so many trees and birds everywhere, which creates such a peaceful atmosphere. The education quality is excellent, though I have to admit it’s definitely challenging. One thing I really appreciate is the transportation system between campuses—it’s free and usually comes on time, which makes getting around so much easier.
Are there any similarities between Türkiye and your home country?
Oh absolutely! The similarities are remarkable, actually. The food is essentially the same—dishes like mantı and dolma are staples in both our countries. Our traditions are very similar too, and even our mythological stories have much in common. It’s been really comforting to find these connections, especially during my adjustment period.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Türkiye?
Definitely the people I’ve connected with here. Sure, I’ll be able to stay in touch through social media, but it won’t be the same as seeing them face-to-face, especially when we all end up scattered across different countries after graduation. The relationships I’ve built here are really special.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
Without a doubt, it’s Bilkent Lake on the East Campus. I discovered it during my very first week here, and it immediately became my sanctuary.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
I absolutely love dolma with meat because it reminds me so much of home. I’m also really impressed by how well prepared the meat is in Turkish restaurants. These dishes help me feel connected to home.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I have a very specific goal: I want to be working at Lockheed Martin, developing AI-integrated drones. It’s ambitious, but I believe I can achieve it.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
The thing that’s impressed me most is how genuinely people want to help others. When I was struggling with my İkamet forms, my friends spent hours helping me through the process. The International Office staff went completely above and beyond to assist with documentation and other challenges I faced as an international student. This spirit of helpfulness is really beautiful.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
I’ve spent time in Kızılay, where I lived for a week when I first arrived. The hotel staff there was incredibly friendly and helpful—they showed us around the city and recommended some beautiful parks nearby. It really set a positive tone for my experience and is my favorite place in Türkiye.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
Oh, you constantly hear the classic Bilkent phrases—things like “Bilkent çok zor” (Bilkent is very hard), “Bilkent’te hiç hayat yok” (There’s no life at Bilkent) or “Sınav kötü geçti” (The exam was a disaster)—especially among us CTIS students. On the other hand, I love how people here always wish you well with phrases like “Geçmiş olsun” (Get well soon), “Afiyet olsun” (Enjoy your meal) and “Çok yaşa” (Live long).
Describe yourself in three words.
Charismatic, smart, outgoing.
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
My first year was quite complicated because I was still adapting to the educational system—everything felt new and challenging. But this second year started much more smoothly, and I feel really confident that I’m going to accomplish great things. I can see how much I’ve grown academically and personally since I arrived.
