BY YAREN SAĞLIK (TRIN/III)
Name: Suleyman Hanyyev
Department: Computer Engineering
Country of Origin: Turkmenistan
What do you like best about Turkey?
Well, there’s a lot I can talk about. Mainly the food, definitely. The kebabs and çiğ köfte here are amazing!
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
Actually, yes, there are some. One of them is language. Many people think that the Turkmen language is similar to Turkish, and all I can say is that it actually is. The interesting fact that I’ve noticed about this is that it’s relatively easy for Turkmen people to learn Turkish, but this doesn’t work vice versa (I have no idea why this happens; it’s just my personal observation).
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
It’s only my second semester at Bilkent, so I still have three years to experience everything. I haven’t even thought about graduation yet, so I have no idea what I’m going to miss. Maybe çiğ köfte.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
My bed (no explanation needed).
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
Turkish food is generally very delicious. I used to think that I’d never like soup. However, mercimek çorbası changed my mind. I can now say that it’s definitely my favorite Turkish food.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
In 10 years, I see myself as a computer engineer… no way. Actually, I have no idea what will happen in that great a length of time. I’m studying computer engineering only because I’m not that bad at math and I’m interested in computers. There are lots of things in life that I want to try before making a decision about my path, my own way.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
My first semester was so chill that I can’t even remember if I had any struggles besides academics.
What places have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
As far as I can remember, Antalya is the only place I’ve visited… oh, no, also İstanbul. I think Antalya would be my favorite because of the views and the sea. One of the things that made me happy was the basketball courts near the sea (I’m kind of a basketball player). It kind of gives you motivation to continue playing.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Eating and not getting fat.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently about Bilkent/Turkey?
“CS at Bilkent isn’t hard, you’re just not studying!”