BY YAREN SAĞLIK (TRIN/IV)
Name: Zarina Yelshibek
Department: Computer Engineering
Country of Origin: Kazakhstan
What do you like best about Turkey?
The beauty and diversity of the culture, the unique and incredible history, the architecture combining that history with modernity, the breathtaking natural wonders, the food – there are lots and lots of things I like and love about Turkey.
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
Turkey and Kazakhstan have common historical bonds, which, as Turkish people always tell me, make us kardeşler (brothers). This shared history is also a reason for similarities in our languages, which is supposed to make my Turkish language journey easier (I probably should be trying way more).
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
I definitely can say I won’t miss the weather in Ankara, although it should take credit for making my evenings in the dormitory cozier. I’ll miss people the most, the friends that I made and am still making at Bilkent, as well as walking in the evenings, taking Bilkent buses and having çay at Bilka.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
The road from East Campus to Main would probably take first place. The 30-minute walk to East and back is one of the most refreshing activities that (almost:)) always keeps me on track with life.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
I’ll go with lahmacun for the favorite food, with ordering it from Sözeri a special memory. I love the huge energy and colorfulness of Turkish culture; somehow it’s easy to feel welcome in this country.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
In a place where I’m always motivated to continue going forward in every field that interests me.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
Being completely new somewhere new, it’s quite an experience not knowing anybody, forcing yourself to not be shy and to say “hi” to other people first.
What places have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
I’ve been to several places in Turkey; some of them are small cities like Ereğli, on the Black Sea coast. Credits for being the favorite I’ll give to Antalya, for the beach, the weather and the beauty of the natural landscape around the city.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently about Bilkent/Turkey?
It’s probably hot there, isn’t it? (The city where I’m from gets down to -25°, -30°C in winter.)
Describe yourself in three words.
Ambitious, straightforward, joyful.