BY EHSAN SHAREEF (CTIS/II)
Name: Adib Adnan Hoque
Department: (CTIS/I)
Country of Origin: Bangladesh
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
I liked the weather in the fall here, which is cool. It makes it nice to study here without humidity and UV9. I need to say that Türkiye is really beautiful—from the food to nature to the people.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
The best thing about Bilkent is that it is organized and accommodates for international students; luckily, I felt English was sufficient here. The people here are very nice and friendly. I really like the culture and customs. They have simple sentences like “afiyet olsun” or “iyi dersler”—these little things make you feel friendly and allow you to connect quicker with people.
Are there any similarities between Türkiye and your home country?
The first thing that came to mind when I thought about studying in Türkiye was that it would be easy for me to adapt. In Bangladesh, we see mosques often, and I saw many here as well. The food back home is generally halal, and so is it here. Many religious traditions are very similar too. There are many common words and sentence structures between Turkish and Bangla, which makes it easier for me to adapt. In Bangladesh we have many, many sweets, and it’s the same here.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Türkiye?
The first things would be nature, the weather and the people I have met.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
Seat number 503, free study lab [CTISL5] with my back facing the window at the corner of C Building. I go to the lab every day at 7:30 a.m. (first to open the door), and most of my day is spent in that lab. From time to time, I look out of the window, and I can see people playing in the sports fields, the east campus grass field and the view of Ankara city.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
I love baklava! As a medal winner at a sweet-eating competition (my first medal at age four), I can verify it’s good.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I expect to see myself working on something I like, that makes me happy, and is satisfactory. I see myself living with my family, especially my parents. I want to find myself helping people in private.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
I have learnt to say some phrases and words, which are few yet meaningful, like wishing everyone I see working “kolay gelsin.” This makes me share my gratefulness. I want to see this culture not just in my country but everywhere around the world.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
I am rarely the traveller, but I really liked Ulus with its old houses and markets. They have an antique vibe. The markets there are very similar to my country.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
As a new student, I hear this often: “Why Bilkent? Why Türkiye?” especially as there are lots of options elsewhere.
Describe yourself in three words.
Punctual, hardworking, average.
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
The instructors in CTIS are very friendly. They try to find the simplest way to explain things. I had a modular picture of teachers back home, where they are strict, with a stick. Even though I never missed a day during high school, many teachers didn’t know my name or face. Here I was able to get expressive and active with the professors. Going to classes has become very fun for me now. Though I am well versed, I get to learn more every day.
