BY YAREN SAĞLIK (TRIN/IV)
Name: Jennet Charyyeva
Department: International Relations
Country of Origin: Turkmenistan
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
There are some similarities between Turkmenistan and Turkey. Both Turkey and Turkmenistan are Muslim countries. The language, dishes and some traditions and holidays are somewhat similar.
What do you like best about Turkey?
What I really like about Turkey is Turkish people. I find them very friendly and ready to help, especially if one is a foreigner. Another thing that I really love is Turkish cuisine. It’s very diverse and delicious.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
I will miss some of my professors and my friends.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
I like East Campus. There I can find peaceful and uncrowded places, where I can be alone.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
İskender kebab is my favorite Turkish food. Even in Turkmenistan I used to eat it a lot.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
In 10 years, I see myself as a person who is very satisfied and happy with herself, regardless of where I might be or what I might be doing.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
Public transportation and the streets. I always struggle whenever I’m in the city, trying to find the right bus stops and the correct bus that I need.
What places have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
So far I’ve only been able to visit Ankara and İstanbul. Ankara is my favorite, since I don’t like crowded places. I really hope I’ll visit more places, especially Cappadocia.
Describe yourself in three words.
Moody, chatty, and an ambivert.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently about Bilkent/Turkey?
Before coming to Bilkent, I used to hear that it was nearly impossible to finish university in five years in Turkey.