The International Chronicles
BY ZOHA TASNEEM (IAED/III)
Name: Benedicta Ogunjide
Department: International Relations
Country of Origin: Nigeria
What do you like best about Turkey?
The food! I think Turkey has such a great variety of dishes, and the food always keeps you wanting more.
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
Well, there are very few similarities. The one similarity that does come to mind is the close-knit family ties.
What will you miss most about Turkey/Bilkent?
My friends from Bilkent University and the beautiful Bilkent University campus.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
The hill in front of Dorm 76, because it provides a scene of relaxation with a view of some parts of Ankara that makes me admire the beauty of nature.
Why Turkey?
My dad had a job transfer to Turkey and he did not want the family to be apart, so we moved here and voila!
What’s your favorite Turkish food/favorite part of Turkish culture?
İskender.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I hope to be working in the United Nations, trying to make the world a better place.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
I came here at a very young age, and I had to deal with the culture shock and integrating into the society.
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
İstanbul, İzmir, Efes, Kuşadası, Cappadocia, Çanakkale, Gallipoli, Hatay, Aksaray and Amasra. My favorite was Çanakkale because of its historic significance.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I’ll spoil the fun if I tell you.
What’s a question you’re asked frequently, or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
“Senin saçın mı?” (Is that your own hair?), and I always get compliments about my hair.