BY AMNA KARA (MAN/IV)
Name: Sarah Zapf
Department: International Relations and Management/Erasmus
Country of Origin: Germany
What do you like best about Turkey? Why did you decide to come here?
I really do love the fact that Turkey is right between Europe and Asia and combines the cultural aspects of both. The neighboring Middle Eastern countries make the whole geographical position even more interesting, so I enjoy the “clash” of different influences here in Turkey. I’d never been to Turkey before, which was another reason for choosing the country for an Erasmus semester and getting to know the Turkish way of life more closely. Also, Bilkent is quite an excellent university to study at and offers a lot of opportunities for a student.
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
Honestly? I can recognize barely any similarities. Germany is known for its efficiency, punctuality and bureaucracy; maybe just the last point applies to Turkey ;-). In general, I find less organizational structure here in Turkey but far more hospitality. Also, the majority of Turkish people in rural areas aren’t able to speak English, which is the case in many German villages as well. In addition, Turkish people love meat, and Germany is also known for a high rate of meat consumption, which might be a similarity in cuisine.
What will you miss most about Bilkent?
The people, the campus, and all it offers! It’s been really nice to simply walk to the supermarket on campus or get a haircut in the dormitory. Also, using the gym and swimming pool for free is a unique benefit that not every university offers. I have appreciated all the small things – like getting a quick coffee at Coffee Break or something from the vending machine. (At my home university in Germany we strangely don’t have any vending machines!) And being right on campus, it’s been easy to arrange spontaneous meetings with others – cooking evenings, walks on campus or a çay at Bilka.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
It’s probably the grass field right beside Bilka, where you can spend hours simply sitting on a bench – alone or chatting with friends – and enjoying the view of the city when the sun goes down.
What’s your favorite Turkish food/favorite part of Turkish culture?
I have honestly had enough of kebap, since (all Turkish persons reading this part, please don’t take offense) German-Turkish kebap is simply better, healthier and has more variety. Also, the difficulty avoiding bread when ordering food will surely continue for the rest of the semester. But I always enjoy künefe, börek, pide and of course Turkish cheese! What I also like is ayran and lots of kefir!
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Academically and professionally, I most likely see myself in the field of development work or European studies. It’s my utmost wish to achieve a small personal purpose in my life, where I can look back without regret or too much idealism, but rather with satisfaction and happiness in what has been accomplished.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
For the most part, it’s been overcoming prejudices and biases regarding people and their way of living by simply accepting differences and finding a way to cope with them in a contributing and life-enhancing manner. Personally, I’ve grown in the sense of finding the right balance between trust and mistrust of other people. Bad experiences can also strengthen and shape your personality in a positive and meaningful way. That’s a striking life lesson I’ve learned in Turkey.
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
I have so far been able to visit a few – of course İstanbul, as well as Eskişehir, Beypazarı, the Black Sea coast and Fethiye. My next places to travel to are Konya, Bursa and Gaziantep.
What’s a question you’re asked frequently, or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
I am constantly asked over and over why I chose Turkey, of all places, for study abroad when there are places like the US, England or France available. Well, everybody wants to go there, and it’s just how it is. Sometimes other options will bring you further than you would have imagined.