BY YAREN SAĞLIK (TRIN/IV)
Name: Waleed Qutob
Department: Industrial Engineering
Country of Origin: Palestine
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
The food, the culture, and many other such things are similar in Turkey and Arabic countries in general, not just my country. However, life in general here is totally different.
What do you like best about Turkey?
Mainly the people; the friendships I’ve made here are priceless. Also, the beautiful cities and the hospitality that Turkish people display, which can make anyone feel at home.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
Mainly my friends and my daily life. Living on campus will definitely be missed; living only two minutes away from most of my friends is amazing.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
There are many places on the campus that I love, such as the areas around EA Building and the İhsan Doğramacı statue, where I used to spend most of my time between and after classes. But my favorite place has to be the lawn in front of Dorm 76, as we spent most of our free time and celebrated special occasions there.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
My favorite Turkish food has to be the mixed kebap dish that many Turkish restaurants serve.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I’m hoping that in 10 years I can be an executive in a financial services company.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
Starting a new life in a country where I didn’t know anyone and didn’t know the language was definitely the hardest challenge; however, I had a blast doing it.
What cities have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
Apart from Ankara, I’ve visited İstanbul, Antalya, Marmaris and Eskişehir. İstanbul will always be my favorite destination by far, as it has a combination of old traditional places, modern urban life and of course the Sea of Marmara.
Describe yourself in three words.
Straightforward, ambitious and dedicated.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently about Bilkent/Turkey?
“You’ve been in Turkey for four years; how come you don’t speak Turkish fluently yet?”