Name: Nafisa Agha
Department: International Relations
Country of Origin: Pakistan
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
So many — language, food, religion. The language part’s the most fun. Sometimes when I can’t figure out how to say a word, I say it in my language, Urdu, and luckily it just happens to fit from time to time.
What do you like best about Turkey?
The diversity imparted through its history as the center of various empires, like, especially, the contrast between the Christian Byzantine Empire and the Islamic Ottoman Empire.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
Meeting people from various backgrounds and cultures.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
East Campus, because the walk there is very scenic and peaceful.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
I love the Turkish tea culture; I’ve literally been drinking tea more than water. I’ve been experimenting with mixing teas like papatya and black tea or gül and black tea.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Completing my pre-30 travel bucket list.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
The language barrier, for sure.
What places have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
I’ve only visited Eskişehir and İstanbul, but İstanbul is definitely my favorite.
Describe yourself in three words.
Restless, friendly, indecisive (it literally takes me 15 minutes to decide whether I want tea or coffee).
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently about Bilkent/Turkey?
People are always asking me if I’ve met any of the cast members of “Ertuğrul” or “Aşk-ı Memnu.”