BY AMNA KARA (MAN/II)
Name: Nashiha Ahmed
Department: Computer Engineering/I
Country of Origin: Pakistan
What do you like best about Turkey?
I like how Turkey is a crossroad. It has brought together people of different nationalities and cultures.
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
There are loads, especially with southern Turkish culture. Some are a similar sense of social relations, such as respect for elders and patriarchy as a value. We also have some similarities in wedding traditions. Lots of words are the same or sound the same in the Turkish and Urdu languages, such as “kitap/kitab,” “kalem” and “masa.” Turkish culture has been changing quite dramatically, so the cultures are not as similar as they used to be.
Were you to leave, what would you miss most about Turkey/Bilkent?
I would definitely miss the people I have met. Also, as odd as this sounds, I would also miss my academic life at Bilkent: late nights studying, rushing around on campus to do last-minute work, the stress in labs and tests, and even lectures.
What is your favorite place on campus, and why?
In cold weather, it would be the Library. When it’s warm enough, I like to go somewhere deep in the small wooded areas, where no one is around.
Why Turkey?
I was born and raised here, so I didn’t have much of a choice. But if I could choose, I would still choose Turkey. I love how Turkey has a good balance between being rooted in its culture but also uprooted.
What’s your favorite Turkish food / favorite part of Turkish culture?
I love Turkish breakfasts! Specifically, my favorite meal is doner, pilav and ayran.
Where do expect to see yourself in 10 years?
Rock climbing.
What is the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
Having a sense of belonging. It’s hard to be a three-cultured kid, because I will never completely relate to any culture.
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
I’ve visited Bodrum, Antalya, Konya, Istanbul, Amasra, Adana, Trabzon, Rize and some others. I love Trabzon the most. It has lots of trees!
Do you have any hidden talents?
Singing. I’m insecure about doing it around other people, so it may stay hidden forever!
What is a question you are asked frequently or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
I am asked how I know Turkish so well on almost a daily basis. The most interesting comments I’ve heard about myself are “kara böcek,” “kara kız” and “kara prenses,” which translate to black/dark bug, girl and princess. I find it interesting that these are compliments.