BY YAREN SAĞLIK (TRIN/IV)
Name: Yasmin Khadj Khasan
Department: Architecture
Country of Origin: Syria
What do you like best about Turkey?
From its natural beauty to the amiability of its people, there are obviously many things to love about Turkey, but what I love most are the beautiful mosques and the old sites rich with history scattered throughout the country.
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
Because of the shared history, there are many similarities, but the most obvious one is that both countries are predominantly Muslim. Both countries are also diverse, with multiple ethnic groups, and the people who come from different backgrounds coexist peacefully.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
Even though I’ve been at Bilkent for only a month, I’ve met people that I know I’ll be friends with for a long time, so I’d say what I’ll miss most is definitely all the friends I’ve made and will make.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
My favorite place (so far) has been the green area in front of Bilka. The rolling hills are a perfect place to relax and just chill with your friends. It’s also a place full of activity where people go to play fun games like Frisbee.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
My favorite dish is definitely çiğ köfte with ayran on the side, because it’s very similar to kibbeh nayyeh, a Syrian dish that I love.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I see myself working hard to achieve my goals of becoming a successful architect and leaving a mark on this world. While doing that, I hope that I will be a happy person who is content with her life.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
The hardest challenge was definitely leaving all the people I love behind and coming to a new country all by myself.
What places have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
Other than Ankara, I’ve only been to İstanbul, but without even having to see other cities I can definitely say İstanbul is my favorite. I’ve lived in Riyadh, a very crowded city, my entire life, so Istanbul reminds me of the place where I grew up, in that it’s a city thriving with culture, diversity and life.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently about Bilkent/Turkey?
The most frequent comment I’ve heard about Bilkent is how hard the courses are and how I’m going to have to say goodbye to my social life.
Describe yourself in three words.
I’d say that I’m a fun, ambitious, honest person.