BY AMNA KARA (MAN/IV)
Name: Ayah Helal
Department: Industrial Engineering/I
Country of Origin: Egypt/Dubai
What do you like best about Turkey?
The atmosphere is always so lively and the cities’ beauty is unreal; also I like how you can just take the bus any day, have street food and discover new places in the city.
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
Yes. The smell of fresh bread on the city streets, that person passing through the neighborhood with a cart at like 5 a.m. selling vegetables, and people’s crazy driving.
What will you miss most about Turkey/Bilkent?
The clubbing scene and the Pakistanis.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
The Spring Fest area. It just gives off really great and chill vibes; I could practically camp there. A blanket, pizza and some speakers, and I’m good for an entire week. Also, the most adorable dogs!
Why Turkey?
I wanted a change in lifestyle and decided to take a risk.
What’s your favorite Turkish food/favorite part of Turkish culture?
How they always provide you with salad and a bunch of other complimentary appetizers when you go out to eat. Also, the trileçe.
Where do expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Traveling, probably on some small island with coconut trees and baby turtles.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
Both the language barrier and the snow gave me a really hard time.
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
Cappadocia and Bolu; I liked Cappadocia more.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Yes, actually, I paint and play the piano.
What’s a question you’re asked frequently, or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
“Why Turkey?”