BY AMNA KARA (MAN/IV)
Name: Ali Mammadov
Department: Industrial Engineering/II
Country of Origin: Azerbaijan
What do you like best about Turkey?
I love the rich and great history of Turkey and the Ottoman Empire. History is something that illustrates everything about the country.
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
For sure, there are many similarities because of being Turks, Muslims and so forth. Our languages, cultures and traditions are all very similar.
What will you miss most about Turkey/Bilkent?
I will miss the memories that I made at Bilkent and in Turkey; my friends; and Bilkent itself. There are so many things that maybe even the whole newspaper wouldn’t be big enough to cover all of them.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
I really love to walk around the campus, so I like a lot of places, but above all, I really like the lake that’s situated on the road to East Campus; it’s very beautiful, and also there’s a small hill there with a great view of Ankara.
Why Turkey?
As I mentioned before, I really love Turkey’s history, culture and interesting places. In addition, Bilkent is one of the best universities in the world. Those are my reasons for choosing Turkey.
What’s your favorite Turkish food/favorite part of Turkish culture?
I really love Turkish desserts and various confections. The unity of the Turkish people is an aspect that inspires me a lot!
Where do expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
I hope to become a politician in order to change the world for people who need it to be changed for the greater good.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
Overcoming various faults in order to become a strong individual and a good student.
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
In addition to Ankara, I have visited Istanbul, Bodrum and Antalya. I like Istanbul and Bodrum the most!
Do you have any hidden talents?
From my point of view, my hidden talents are my interest in psychology and medicine. In addition, I can play the piano, and I really love to think about life; those are my hobbies.
What’s a question you’re asked frequently, or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
“Which courses are you taking this semester?” I think that’s the question I hear the most.