Name: Ann Abukhalil
Department: IAED/III
Country of Origin: Egypt
What do you like best about Turkey?
Its weather and natural landscape.
Are there any similarities between Turkey and your home country?
Many traditions and foods like kebap, dolma, musakka and dürüm.
What will you miss most about Bilkent/Turkey?
Hanging out on the hill eating karışık bazlama with friends at 3 a.m.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
It has to be the fountain in front of B Building. Besides having a view of the fountain while sitting there with a good friend in almost the very middle of the different faculties, you get to see all the people passing by: some laughing, some in a hurry, some stressed out and some zoned out.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and/or favorite part of Turkish culture?
My favorite Turkish food is İskender; it’s the perfect weird mix of ingredients. My favorite part of Turkish culture is the weddings and how they’re traditionally celebrated.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Designing environmentally friendly buildings in whatever country I end up in, being the boss of many, perhaps winning an award, and having a family and two dogs.
What’s the hardest challenge you’ve handled in Turkey?
The language barrier.
What cities have you visited in Turkey, and which one is your favorite?
İstanbul, Akçakoca, Bursa and İzmir. My favorite would be İzmir; its beach is just magical.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Organizing the closets of any kind of room.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently about Bilkent/Turkey?
“Is it really as pretty as it is in their TV series?”
Describe yourself in three words.
Understanding, persevering, flexible.
If you could master any skill, which one would you choose, and why?
Boxing – it’s a fun way to stay in shape and release negative energy.