BY AMNA KARA (MAN/III)
Name: Bana Maskoun
Department: MAN/II
Country of Origin: Syria
What do you like best about Turkey?
I like Turkey’s culture and nature the most. That might also be one of the main reasons why I chose Turkey.
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
Although I haven’t lived in my hometown for a long time, I do find lots of similarities between the Syrian and Turkish cultures. I think this is due in part to the fact that my country is close to Turkey; we share a common border. I also have so many Turkish relatives as well as relatives who reside in different cities in Turkey. There is no significant difference between our cultures except for the fact that we speak different languages.
What will you miss most about Turkey/Bilkent?
The lifestyle. I think I’ll miss Bilkent and university life in general.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
The Main Campus, because it’s always full of life.
Why Turkey?
At first, I wasn’t planning on Turkey at all. But when I finally came around to deciding, I chose Turkey because it seemed very close to my own culture. I also like the weather and the natural landscape; it reminds me of my hometown.
What’s your favorite Turkish food/favorite part of Turkish culture?
I think my favorite part of the culture is Turkish cuisine. My favorite dish is köfte. I also like Turkish music. I have found some similarities between Turkish music and old Arabic music in terms of rhythm and beat.
Where do expect to see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully, I will learn Turkish and decide to work here. If that happens, I would be working in Turkey and living a peaceful life.
What is the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
The language barrier. Although I haven’t learned proper Turkish yet, people here are very welcoming and have made overcoming this barrier much easier.
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
I haven’t gone to many places yet since it’s only my first year. I’ve been to Antalya and Istanbul. I liked Antalya more, maybe because it’s less crowded and busy. I’m planning on visiting more cities, hopefully in the summer.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I think I’ll work on discovering those while I’m at university.
What is one question you are asked frequently, or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
The question I get most frequently is, “Why Turkey?” This is what most Turkish peopIe I meet ask me. The other is, “Do you like Turkey?” I really like it when people ask this question. I feel their welcoming and warm spirit, and that makes me like Turkey even more.