BY AMNA KARA (MAN/IV)
Name: Rukham Masood Khan
Department: Management/IV
Country of Origin: Pakistan
What do you like best about Turkey?
I like Turkey’s infrastructure and social organization in comparison to Pakistan’s. This comparison is something I’ve learned a few things from, which I wish to apply in Pakistan’s context.
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
A lot; sometimes I refer to Turkish people as “fairer” versions of Pakistanis. They have the same religious and cultural orientations. I like drawing comparisons between them.
What will you miss most about Turkey/Bilkent?
I will miss the freedom I’ve had as an individual to experiment and develop myself, but mostly, I will really miss the amazing friends I’ve found over the years; I love them all.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
My favorite places are the library and the sports hall. The library because they have an amazing collection and you can always order a book, free of charge, if they don’t have it. The sports hall because they have three beautiful squash courts, which have been my lifeline over the past four years.
Why Turkey?
Um, let’s say destiny led me here.
What’s your favorite Turkish food/favorite part of Turkish culture?
İskender, tavuk pilav, durum, Aspava places—the list is endless!
Where do expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Working for myself, having established a company that thrives on creativity as its core product.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
I’ve learned to wake up on time (actually, I’m still working on it).
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
İstanbul, Alanya, Antalya, Tekirdağ, Isparta. I would say Alanya holds the fondest memories for me as I had the best three days of my life there, surrounded by my best friends.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can do bad imitations of Jamaican and Irish accents.
What’s a question you’re asked frequently, or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
“You don’t look like a Pakistani.”
I still haven’t figured out how to answer this question.