Name: Faraz Rafiq
Department: Management
Country of Origin: Pakistan
What do you like best about Turkey?
The thing I like most is that the Turkish people respect Pakistanis a lot. They don’t generalize or believe in stereotypes about Pakistanis. I’ve been to several countries, and the respect my Pakistani friends and I have received in Turkey has truly been amazing.
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
Yes.
What will you miss most about Turkey/Bilkent?
To be honest, I’ll miss the friends I made here the most. They are what makes this university life entertaining and worthwhile. Next, I’ll miss Bilka’s Bazlama Karışık. Say what you want, but this is the best sandwich any human has ever created. If you haven’t tried it, you’re missing a piece of heaven.
What is your favorite place on campus, and why?
No particular place, actually. I just like to hang out with the people I know, be it in class, Marmara, or even the dorms. I like to chitchat with my friends and just be with them. Being alone creeps me out.
Why Turkey?
To be very, very honest, this is the only place that gave me the scholarship I desperately needed. Trust me, 90% of the Pakistanis are here because of that. Lol
What’s your favorite Turkish food/ favorite part of Turkish culture?
Turkish food is quite similar to that of my own country, so that doesn’t matter much. The only difference is that there’s no spice. And, as one famous writer said, “What is life without spice?” As for the second part of the question, I don’t know if this is Turkish culture, but I’ve been to several restaurants, and they serve you food with free buns (ekmek, as they call it). Whatever that is, it is a very cool thing and I love it.
Where do expect to see yourself in 10 years?
If things go as planned, I’ll be playing a leading role in one of the top hit TV shows or an Oscar-nominated movie. Yep, that’s the dream.
What is the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
The language barrier. You know the feeling when you see amazing food and can’t get it because you have no money? This is similar to that. You see a beautiful girl, but you can’t talk to her because… well…Türkçe bilmiyorum, hocam.
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
I’ve only visited Safranbolu and Eskişehir up to now. I really want to visit Antalya, though. I’m pretty sure I’ll like Antalya more than the other two.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I have the ability to be bro-zoned by every girl I know. :’) Not sure if that’s a talent, though….
What is a question you are asked frequently or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
“Can you help us with our English assignment?” Back in Pakistan, we were nowhere close to having “perfect English.” Here, people come to us for help. That’s a sharp U-turn.