BY AMNA KARA (MAN/IV)
Name: Abdullah Wali
Department: CS/III
Country of Origin: Lebanon
What do you like best about Turkey?
The expressions that Turks use to convey surprise or awe, like “Oha,” “Haydaa,” “Vaay be,” “Adamsın,” etc., are quite expressive and fun to use.
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
There are probably a lot of similarities in terms of culture between Lebanon and Turkey due to their location in the same region and the history of the countries; however, the similarity that interests me most is that of language. In terms of grammar, Arabic and Turkish are completely different, but when it comes to vocabulary, the Turkish language borrows a lot from Arabic (and other languages), and it’s always fun to discover new Turkish words that have Arabic origins.
What will you miss most about Turkey/Bilkent?
Definitely the friends I’ve made here. Throughout my years here I’ve met people whom I’ve come to value greatly. I think the friendships you form in your university years are very unique and special. At this time you are suddenly an “adult” and are faced with difficulties and tough life choices all the time; having great, supportive friends is the one thing that will make the difference between having to struggle through your life, and actually enjoying it and being happy. The faster I approach the end of my university years, the more I realize how much I’ll miss being around friends I truly love and care about.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
It depends on my mood and the weather. In early fall and late spring, my favorite place would be the green field in front of Bilka, whether for lying down in the sun reading a book or having tea and çekirdek with friends. During the colder parts of both semesters I prefer being at the Coffee Break on the upper floor of the library.
Why Turkey?
My decision to come here was mostly because of the university and not the country. I wanted to study in a university that was globally recognized and that would make the time I spent studying for a degree worthwhile. However, the fact that I was accepted into such a university in Turkey was a plus, since it’s close to my country and I have relatives who have studied or lived here as well.
What’s your favorite Turkish food/favorite part of Turkish culture?
The traditional Turkish breakfast, especially menemen. Also İskender kebap and Türk kahvesi.
Where do expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I don’t even know who I’ll be 10 years from now; every single cell in my body will have died and been replaced by another one by then. So there’s really no point in trying to guess where I’ll be then. I’d rather focus on my life now and hope to get the best out of it.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
Becoming fluent in the Turkish language – which is not a challenge that I have overcome, but one that I am trying to and hope to overcome sometime soon. It makes it easier to hang out with Turkish friends without them being forced to speak English, and it definitely helps in forming new friendships with Turks, but it’s not an easy thing to accomplish.
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
I have visited İstanbul, Eskişehir, Bolu, Akçakoca, Konya and some towns such as Kızılcahamam. I really liked Eskişehir, and I’m looking forward to visiting Fethiye and camping in Trabzon someday soon.
Do you have any hidden talents?
No matter how much I eat, my weight remains the same…for now at least.
What’s a question you’re asked frequently, or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
“How do you not have a president in Lebanon?” (at least for the past three years). Well…it’s complicated.