BY AMNA KARA (MAN/IV)
Name: Khaled Arabiyat
Department: ECON/I
Country of Origin: Jordan
What do you like best about Turkey?
What I like the most about Turkey is the rich history and culture that all Turks share! Also, I absolutely love the fact that all Turkish people share the same love and passion toward both football and, of course, food!
Are there any similarities between your country’s culture and Turkey’s?
There are actually many similarities between the Jordanian and Turkish cultures, starting with the love of meat, and various historical events due to the Ottoman Empire’s invasion of the Arab world.
What will you miss most about Turkey/Bilkent?
I’ll miss the fact that you can be sitting at Bilka with a group of friends, and just an hour after that you can be sitting at the exact same table but with entirely different people from various distinct backgrounds, which is always interesting!
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
Definitely the grass area in front of Dorm 76. I particularly love the grass because it’s the best place to get some fresh air and enjoy a good book under the sun.
Why Turkey?
It all started when my college counselor introduced the idea of Turkey, and I applied to Bilkent simply because all the documents were ready to be uploaded. Surprisingly, it was the option that worked out the best!
What’s your favorite Turkish food/favorite part of Turkish culture?
I personally love all Turkish food, but my favorite, for sure, is ciğer.
Where do expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Hopefully in a different country, discovering a different culture.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve overcome in Turkey?
I wouldn’t say I’ve overcome it yet, but the language barrier is always a hard thing in any foreign country.
What cities have you visited in Turkey? Which one do you like the best?
Konya, Mersin, İstanbul and Antalya. My favorite up to now is Antalya. But I’ve heard a lot about İzmir, which is hopefully my next stop.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I would say writing and poetry.
What’s a question you’re asked frequently, or the most interesting comment you’ve heard at Bilkent/in Turkey?
Why Turkey?!