BY NAUSHERWAN AZIZ (MAN/III)
Name: Hammad Khan Musakhel 
Department: Computer Engineering/I
Country of Origin: Pakistan
What do you like best about Turkey?
Turkey is a country that I had from a very young age wanted to experience. I like the Turkish people’s take on democracy, secularism and the sustenance of their culture. I really admire the society they have; it allows one to grow in many different aspects of life. And, I love their passion for the game of football.
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
Being from the southwestern part of Pakistan, I hold Turks’ hospitality in high regard. The culture is somewhat similar as well, which has been an integral part of my ability to settle into this society. Moreover, we – the Pashtoons – love eating meat, and the kebabs here are, not to my surprise, amazingly delightful.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
I’ll miss the beauty of this campus, the diversity of this country, and the friends I’ve made here – with whom I shall be in contact till eternity.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
My favorite place on campus is the Bilka hill. I have a friend who plays our traditional instrument, the rabab. Gazing at the historic city of Ankara from the hill, with the rabab being played and a couple of friends around, allows me to feel a world of joy.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
So far, the kebabs are my favorite, followed by çig köfte.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
It’s so hard to answer this question, because three years ago I never expected myself to be here. However, I plan to work for my people, for their rights, and to help them grasp the knowledge this world has to offer; in essence, I want to inspire people back home and help make a united nation out of the ashes of its current state.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
I had experienced a bachelor’s life before coming to Ankara, but the language barrier seemed really hard to overcome. Thankfully, I can now understand and speak some Turkish.
What cities have you visited in Turkey?
I’ve visited İstanbul and Antalya. Antalya stands out as my favorite. It’s a nice, cozy, beautiful place to spend leisure time.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m really diplomatic, if that counts as a talent.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Turkey?
“Why does Bilkent have only four engineering departments?”
Describe yourself in three words.
Friendly, social, and accepting.
If you could master any skill, which one would you choose, and why?
I would love to master the skill of coding. It’s really cool, and to me it’s the only superpower I can have as a human.