BY YAREN SAĞLIK (TRIN/IV)
Name: Araz Hasanzaadeh
Department: Management
Country of Origin: Iran
What do you like best about Turkey?
In short: the culture, hospitality and food. I love Turkish people’s warmth and hospitality, and I’ve made great friendships here. Also, there’s not a single Turkish food I’m not a fan of!
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
The Iranian and Turkish cultures are pretty similar to each other in many senses. That’s why I always feel like I’m at home rather than in another country.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
Campus life for sure, because it’s a really pleasant experience, and everything is different on our campus. It’s like entering a different city the moment I enter the Bilkent campus.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
I like our campus a lot. My favorite places are the area between G and L Buildings, the Coffee Break near A Building and also the Spring Fest area, because those are the places where I hang out with my friends most of the time.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
That’s a tough question! I can’t choose only one, but my top-of-the-lists would be: çiğ köfte, İskender kebap and different types of börek.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
In 10 years I hope to see myself having started my own managerial consulting company, after receiving a master’s degree.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
Changing what country we live in is always challenging and tough in general, but since the culture wasn’t really new to me, I would say my main challenge was the language. Especially in the first three months it was really difficult to communicate. However, now my friends say I’ve nailed it! And I’m proud for having learned Turkish.
What cities have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
Other than Ankara, I’ve visited İstanbul, Antalya and Trabzon. I would say İstanbul is the best place for a good holiday, but my favorite city is Ankara because I really enjoy living here.
Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, emotional, hardworking.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently about Bilkent/Turkey?
“Everyone at Bilkent is rich.”