The International Chronicles
BY TASNEEM AL-GHAMDI (COMD/IV)
Name: Sally Badjie
Department: (IR/I)
Country of Origin: Gambia
What do you like best about Turkey?
First of all, the food is really amazing here, the people are really friendly, and my favorite thing would have to be the amount of mail I receive here.
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
Maybe how welcoming and respectful the people are, and how important their religion is to them.
What will you miss most about Turkey/Bilkent?
In the case of Bilkent, I would say meeting/being with so many people from different countries.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
Right now I would say Coffee Break, because that’s where my friends and I hang out most of the time; also, it’s close to all my classes.
Why Turkey?
Mainly because of Bilkent, because of all the recommendations that I received, and also, my father works here, so that would be the reason why I’m in Turkey in the first place.
What’s your favorite Turkish food/favorite part of Turkish culture?
I would have to say my favorite food so far is İskender kebap, and my favorite part of the culture would be how much people love and respect their flag.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I hope to be working in a Gambian embassy in any country in the world, while also owning a business or businesses.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
So far it would have to be learning the language, and in fact I haven’t overcome it yet.
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
None so far; I’m planning on going to Istanbul, but everyone is telling me how nice Antalya and Bodrum are, so I hope I’ll also be visiting those places soon.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Apart from cooking, unfortunately none.
What’s a question you’re asked frequently, or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
I’ve had lots of questions, like how did I get here and how come my accent doesn’t sound African. Comment-wise, I would say how people always try to guess where Gambia is.