BY NAUSHERWAN AZIZ (MAN/III)
Name: Muhammad Faran
Department: Computer Technology and Information Systems/II
Country of Origin: Pakistan
What do you like best about Turkey?
I would say the people. I lived on East Campus for my first semester and therefore had the opportunity to interact mostly with Turkish students, since there were no other international students living there at the time. I felt warmly welcomed every time I hung out with my Turkish friends, and I’m happy to say that I share a deep bond with many of them.
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
There aren’t many similarities that I can point out, except for the majority of people following the Muslim faith and the abundance of beautiful mosques in both Turkey and Pakistan. The lifestyle, food, public transport, etc. are all quite different from what I was familiar with back home, and I consider myself lucky to be having this experience.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
I’m definitely going to miss making spontaneous plans with my friends, rushing to catch the next bus to the city, and spending some quality time exploring there while enjoying delicious street food and desserts.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
The hill in front of Bilka, especially when the weather is nice. One can just sit there with his or her friends, look at the glimmering city lights, have a cup of chai, and enjoy quality conversations.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
İskender kebap is definitely my favorite Turkish dish. I absolutely love the rich flavor of the meat and the generous amount of hot butter poured on it. I could have it all day, every day!
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
It’s hard to imagine where I’ll be 10 years from now. I just hope I’m surrounded by my friends and family in a happy place.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
The language barrier. Learning enough Turkish in the first few weeks in order to be able to buy things, ask for directions or help, etc., was a challenge I perhaps share with most international students. Other than that, my time in Turkey has passed quite smoothly.
What cities have you visited in Turkey?
For one reason or another, I haven’t been able to travel much, although I intend to do so soon. Besides Ankara, I’ve only been to İstanbul, and I loved the city. A person can find whatever they’re looking for there. Having read so much about İstanbul in many books, I was happy to be able to visit the older parts of the city, and they were just as the books described them.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can’t think of any, but I play the rabab, a folk instrument known for its soft, soothing sound. I hope that counts!
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Turkey?
People back home keep asking me if I can find Pakistani food and spices easily.
Describe yourself in three words.
Motivated but lazy.
If you could master any skill, which one would you choose, and why?
Although I’m still working on it, I’d like to master the skill of looking at life events with an outside or a macro view, and be able to see and understand their positive significance.