BY ADA KILIÇARSLAN (ECON/IV)
Name: Saad Khan
Department: Management
Country of Origin: Pakistan
What do you like best about Turkey?
There are a lot of things to admire about Turkey. It’s aesthetically beautiful, the people are helpful and kind, but perhaps what I love most of all about Turkey is the respect and kindness they show to their animals. I love seeing cats around the campus, and I love how they’re so smart and playful.
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
It’s like two whole different worlds. Turkey is more liberal and developed, and the culture is worlds apart.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
The friends I’ve made, being independent and the snow.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
The place I love most is the balcony outside of Bilka Café. I love standing out there alone and looking at the city lights at night. Taking it all in, I think about how this huge city is made of thousands of different stories. Someone out there might have gotten a promotion while another person might have gotten their heart broken. Someone might have lost someone dear to them while another person might have made a new friend. It’s a city of endless possibilities.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
Döner. Straight up.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I see myself working as a parliamentarian and successful entrepreneur.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
The language barrier is by far the hardest thing I’ve had to face. It’s hard to have a meaningful conversation with anyone because of it, and hence it’s harder to make good friends.
What places have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
I haven’t visited any cities other than Ankara so far.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Turkey?
“Is their national bird a turkey?”
Describe yourself in three words.
Easygoing, loyal and confident.