BY NAUSHERWAN AZIZ (MAN/II)
Name: Aziza Javadova
Department: IAED/III
Country of Origin: Azerbaijan
What do you like best about Turkey?
I really like the fact that people who don’t even know each other can say “Have a good day (night, etc.),” but the best phrase for me is “kolay gelsin.” I think it’s very sincere and respectful.
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
Actually there are a lot, beginning with the language and ending with the gossip culture (#giybet).
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
Witnessing an amazing sunrise with my friends while chatting about strange things. Oh, and the moon; I’ve never seen such a mesmerizing moon anywhere else.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
There’s a place like a terrace on the way to the Odeon; it has a really nice view of the city. Actually not a lot of people know about this place, but now you do.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
I’m in love with döner; I even eat it in Azerbaijan. As for culture, the best part is the Anatolian dances, whose energy and rhythm I’ve seen and admired since childhood. If you haven’t seen them yet, you simply have to go to an Anatolian Fire concert!
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Hopefully with a diploma in my hand. But, speaking seriously, working on projects in my own design studio, having an impact on design education in my home country. And of course going down this path not alone, but with my own family.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
The main hardship was dealing with the official documents, like getting a residence permit, for which I went to the immigration office three times; I hadn’t expected that.
What cities have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
I’ve been to İstanbul, Marmaris and Antalya. Probably the one I like best is İstanbul; I like the atmosphere of European and Asian cultures meeting in one city.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Even though I don’t know Arabic, I perceive this language very quickly. Once I’ve listened to a song (by the way, I like Arabic songs a lot) only two times, I can sing it by heart. This seems really strange to my friends.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently about Bilkent/Turkey?
To be honest, I rarely hear questions about Turkey. Mostly I get questions about my own country; in particular, people are always interested to learn why I know Russian.
Describe yourself in three words.
I’m a sarcastic, funny and blasé (“don’t care”) person.
If you could master any skill, which one would you choose, and why?
Definitely teleportation. What could be better than escaping the hassle and having breakfast in Paris and dinner with real Italian pasta or mom’s “plov,” or just being near the sea, which Ankara lacks?