I’d love to come back one day

 Unfortunately, I started my last month here a bit under the weather. I can say that the only thing I still haven’t gotten used to in Ankara is the cold. This month has been a truly fulfilling one, full of wonderful experiences and valuable life lessons.

One of the new volunteers was from Tunisia. We got along very well from the very first day and had a lot of fun together. Thanks to her, my perspective on Tunisia has broadened, and I’ve learned many beautiful things about their culture. Moreover, being the first Azerbaijani she had ever met held a special meaning for me.

I’ve completed most of the items on my “Things to Do in Ankara” list. During this time, I had both relaxing and enjoyable experiences. I finally found and read that book I’d been searching for so long—it made me feel incredibly good. And tasting my favorite Turkish dish, Iskender, again was a separate joy on its own.

One of the most meaningful moments of this month was our visit to a school. Spending time with the children made me feel like I’d gone back to my own childhood. Their warm hearts and kind words touched me so deeply that I can honestly say I forgot all my tiredness.

One evening, while walking with other volunteers, we passed by a restaurant in Hamamönü. Seeing the Azerbaijani and Turkish flags hanging side by side on its wall filled my heart with emotion. I hadn’t seen the Azerbaijani flag that often in Turkey, so that moment was truly special for me. When the café owner learned that we were from Azerbaijan, he had a sincere and friendly chat with us, which made our night even more memorable.

This month, I wanted to live not as a tourist, but as someone from Ankara — and I think I succeeded. I realized that I now know Ankara almost as well as I know Baku, and I couldn’t help but laugh when I noticed that I even knew things some locals didn’t.  

Walking through the streets with my camera in hand, listening to my favorite songs, while the setting sun painted everything in shades of orange… Capturing memories, getting lost in those moments… These became my small but precious hobbies that filled me with energy again.

This month, I went to Gazi University for the first time and revisited Hacettepe University. Being in a university environment, surrounded by young people, is such a unique feeling. Observing student life outside my own country made me reflect and bring small but meaningful changes to my future plans.

As the month slowly came to an end, I began to feel homesick. Yet even before leaving, I knew I would also miss Ankara. I think I’ve developed a special bond with this city. Although I was born in Baku, Ankara has been the place that pushed me to grow and truly discover myself.

I’d love to come back one day… I don’t know when or how, but I have a feeling I definitely will.

See you, Ankara.

Goodbye, Ander family. 

Exploring Ankara More

 My Second Month with ESC: Exploring Ankara More

In my first month, everything was new: the city, people, the environment. But in the second month, I got more used to the city, the people, and our projects. Daily life felt more familiar and I felt more comfortable.

This month was very colorful for me. A new volunteer came from Tunisia. She became my roommate. I am very happy to meet her because I learned about a new culture and made a new friend. She told me many interesting things about Tunisia – their traditions, music, and food. One day, we decided to cook something from Azerbaijan for her. We made Qaralı plov, and she really liked it. She even said she would try to cook it in Tunisia Amal also loved our Azerbaijani tea. Every evening, we had a “tea time” with the volunteers. We all sat at a table, drank tea, and had long, interesting talks. Sometimes we talked about our cultures, sometimes about our plans, and sometimes about daily life. These moments are some of my most precious memories.

This month, we visited many schools – both public and private. We played games with children and presented Azerbaijan. The children were curious and full of energy. At the private school, the staff welcomed us very warmly. Both the teachers and children enjoyed spending time with us.

I also explored more places. We went to the Central Library of Ankara. It was quiet and beautiful. I also tried different Turkish foods – each one was special. I liked Hamamonu and Kurtuluş Park. Hamamonu has historic, colorful streets. Kurtuluş Park is peaceful and full of nature.

One day, we went to Tulumtaş Cave. It was far, but very beautiful. Nature there was amazing. Later, we visited Mogan Lake in Gölbaşı. The view was wonderful – the silence, nature, and sunset looked like a scene from a movie.

One of my favorite places in Ankara was the Botanical Park. Being in nature there and having a calm day gave me peace and energy.

This month, I also visited universities. We went to Hacettepe and Gazi University. We talked about the ESC program and met students. I shared my experiences. It was interesting and motivating for me.

The second month showed me that every city has its own rhythm and beauty. Every day I learned more and grew a little more.

These two months were very valuable for me. I am glad I joined the ESC program, I am glad I came here. I met wonderful people, and most importantly, I made a friend and roommate, Amal from Tunisia. This experience will stay in my memory for a long time.

One of the reasons why Ankara

 Living My Happiest Days in Ankara 

Hi everyone, I’m Saliha! 

I don’t say this lightly, but right now I truly feel like I’m living through one of the happiest chapters of my life.

If someone had told me a while ago, “You’ll be living in Ankara for two whole months,” I probably would’ve laughed it off and never believed them. Yet here I am, and surprisingly, from the very first day I arrived, I didn’t feel like a stranger at all. Even though I had never lived here before, it felt natural, almost as if I had always belonged to this city.

One of the reasons why Ankara feels so special is the balance it offers. Despite being the capital, it’s not overwhelmingly chaotic. There’s life, movement, and energy, but it doesn’t swallow you whole like some big cities do. Instead, it gives you space to breathe, grow, and enjoy.

Work has been such a big part of this journey too. Every morning when I wake up and head to the office, it doesn’t feel like a responsibility anymore — it feels like something I look forward to. And I think a huge part of that is thanks to our mentor, Ms. Sena. She welcomes us every single day with her warm smile and endless positive energy. She doesn’t just give us random tasks; instead, the projects she assigns are meaningful, engaging, and always push us to learn something new.

Since coming here, I’ve realized how much I’ve grown in the digital field. Whether it’s designing posts, editing videos, or even shooting them, every task has been like a little stepping stone. I can already see how these experiences are shaping my skills and confidence. And beyond the professional growth, one of the most exciting parts has been how much my English has improved. From speaking clubs to casual office conversations, I’ve been able to practice in such a natural and fun way.

Another thing that makes this whole experience unforgettable is the people I’m sharing it with. The girls I spend time with have become more than just colleagues — they’re like family. We live together, we work together, and somehow, instead of getting tired of each other, we’ve built this beautiful balance of closeness and respect. We laugh a lot, support each other, and even when we’re all busy, there’s always a sense of harmony. That kind of bond is rare, and I feel really lucky.

Now, let me share some of my favorite places in Ankara that made this month extra special:
        •       Anıtkabir: This was a childhood dream of mine. I had always imagined visiting, but what I didn’t expect was how emotional I would become once I was actually there. I couldn’t hold back my tears — I wasn’t even sure if it was from happiness, pride, or both. It felt as if Atatürk himself was there, watching over us. That moment was beyond words.
        •       Kuğulu Park: A peaceful escape in the middle of the city. The swans, the calm atmosphere, the little details all create such a comforting environment.
        •       Tunalı: This area has such a youthful energy. The shops, the cafés, the charming streets — everything about it feels lively and full of character. It’s the kind of place you can spend hours just wandering around.
        •       Aspava: Because let’s be honest, no Ankara experience is complete without it! Delicious food, cozy atmosphere — it’s simply a must.

Looking back, this month has been full of unforgettable moments — laughter, growth, new friendships, and discoveries. And honestly, it makes me excited about what the next month will bring. If the coming days are anything like the ones I’ve just lived, I know I’ll continue to carry these memories with me for a long time.

Until then, I’ll keep soaking in every little detail of this city, because Ankara, in its own unique way, has stolen a piece of my heart. 

With love,
— Saliha

My First Month with ESC:

 

My First Month with ESC:

I came to Ankara with the ESC volunteer program. It was a very interesting decision for me. I studied and worked before, but I never did volunteering in another country. My sister was a volunteer in Ankara some months before me. Her stories made me excited. I said, "Why not?"

I arrived in Ankara in the evening. I saw the city from the plane. It was between mountains. It looked beautiful. People met us in Kızılay. I remember the steep streets and clean roads. One thing surprised me: supermarkets close at 9 PM. In my country, they close later.
I live in a house with other volunteers. We clean the house together. We cook food and plan our money. I learned that living together is not only sharing a house. It needs teamwork, respect, and care.

We also visited other places. We went to Istanbul, Büyükada, and Cappadocia. I liked Istanbul. It was big, busy, and full of history. I enjoyed the ferry. Büyükada was quiet and peaceful. The streets were colorful and the food was good. In Cappadocia, I saw hot air balloons in the sky early in the morning. It felt like a dream. The nature was amazing.

We ate at a restaurant called Aspava in Ankara. I liked many Turkish foods, but Aspava was special. The food and service were great.
This month, I learned many things. I became more responsible. I learned how to plan. I also learned how to live in new situations. I started to understand myself better.

I have a small tip for new volunteers:
Before you come, make a plan. Read about Ankara and Turkey. Write the places you want to see, the food you want to try, and the things you want to do. A small list will help you. It will save your time and make your experience better.
This was my first month, but it felt very full and special. Coming here with ESC changed me a lot.

Hello again

 Hello again, Ander family,

This is my second time coming here. It hasn’t been that long since I left, but my longing for this place outweighed everything, and once again I found myself in this beautiful place, surrounded by warm-hearted people. The experience I had last time gave me so much in such a short period. I had taken important steps for myself on the path of learning. This time, I hope to grow even more through this valuable experience.

Walking through the familiar streets again—yet as a slightly different person and alongside new volunteer friends—reminded me once more of how quickly time passes. Strolling through the colorful night lights of Ankara, walking from Kızılay to Tunalı towards Kuğulu Park, standing once again in the unique serenity of Anıtkabir… all of these were truly special moments for me. Meeting again with the friends I had made here was an entirely different joy, an indescribable feeling.

Although climbing up to Ankara Castle was a bit challenging for me, sharing the experience with my new volunteer friends made it much easier. This time, I was able to look at everything from a new perspective.

One of the places I discovered for the first time this month was Saraçoğlu Neighborhood. It has such a calming atmosphere. Reading a book while sipping my coffee amidst the greenery quickly became one of my favorite activities. Holding our English conversation clubs at the youth center in this beautiful neighborhood made it even more meaningful to me.

Towards the end of the month, we also traveled to Istanbul and Cappadocia with my volunteer friends. We had fun, we learned, we relaxed, and we came back with wonderful memories.

Istanbul was a city I was visiting for the second time. Although the crowds were a little overwhelming, the deep blue beauty of the Bosphorus, its historical buildings, and its views captivated me once again. Especially the Galata Tower… every time I see it, it stirs something different inside me. Staying at a place where I could see it often was a big advantage this time. Its glowing silhouette under the night lights was truly mesmerizing.

Visiting Büyükada for the first time gave me a completely different energy. The liveliness of the locals and tourists, the island’s colorful atmosphere—it was so refreshing. The two-hour ferry ride, the new Turkish dishes and desserts we tried, the historical buildings of the island… all became memories I don’t want to forget. If I ever had the chance to live in Istanbul, I would probably choose this place. The spirit and energy of the island feel like such a perfect match for me.

Something both funny and a little disappointing also happened to me in Istanbul. I happened to run into an actor from a TV series I like at the ferry terminal. I recognized him and got excited, but since he didn’t want attention in the crowd, he refused our request for a photo. At the moment I felt a little sad, but now when I think about it, it’s just another fun and unique memory.

Cappadocia, on the other hand, was like stepping into another world. Experiencing that mystical and romantic atmosphere I had only seen in TV series, movies, and on social media was unforgettable. But a small note: don’t be fooled by the beauty—you might get caught unprepared for the cold mornings (like me ). The sight of colorful balloons floating across the sky makes you feel as if you’re living inside a fairy tale. You can truly feel like a princess there. But Cappadocia is not just about balloons; its history and natural formations are also worth exploring. I especially recommend visiting the Fairy Chimneys and enjoying a cup of tea while taking in the view before you leave.

This month, we also said goodbye to a volunteer friend whose energy had given us so much. It was a little hard emotionally to see him off. But I think having someone whose farewell feels so heavy is actually a blessing—it means you’ve built a meaningful connection. Knowing that I’ll meet him again is comforting.

Being able to experience all of this for the second time in the same year was truly a privilege for me. The month passed by so quickly and so full that I didn’t want it to end. The energy of Turkey, especially Ankara, holds a very special place in my heart. I hope that the coming month will be even more joyful, enriching, and unforgettable—for me and for my friends.

As our two-month adventure comes to an end

 

As our two-month adventure comes to an end, I can’t believe how quickly time has passed. This last month has been full of unforgettable moments, from exploring Cappadocia, Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul, to the beautiful experience in Van for “ESC On Arrival Training”. Each place we visited left a mark on my heart, but more than that, it was the people who made everything so special.

We continued our usual activities and also tried new ones, always learning, laughing, and creating memories together. Every day brought something meaningful, whether big or small.

Now that it’s time to say goodbye, I already miss my fellow volunteers. This project wasn’t just about volunteering, it was about building friendships, sharing cultures, and growing together. I know that even though the project ends, the connections we made will stay with me forever. 

Thank you to everyone who made this journey so beautiful. You will always have a special place in my heart, and I’ll carry these memories with me wherever I go.

August in Ankara

My last month in Turkey as an ESC volunteer was intense and full of experiences, despite the initial difficulties. After attending the meeting in Van with the National Agency, the other volunteers and I returned to Ankara with the aim of addressing and solving some issues we had noticed. The first weeks were not easy at all: there were several misunderstandings and miscommunications that made me feel very bad and not fully understood by the organization. It was a rather difficult and stressful period, during which I felt deeply frustrated. Fortunately, with time and dialogue, these problems were clarified and resolved, which allowed me to regain peace of mind and to continue my volunteering experience in a more positive and relaxed way.

Once that phase was over, the month was filled with meaningful and stimulating activities. I organized several workshops and games with the children at the youth center: some psychological activities were particularly touching, as the children opened up a lot, sharing personal stories and showing a sensitivity that moved me. It was truly a privilege to be allowed into their world, even just for a short time.

One of the most unusual and special experiences was harvesting tomatoes in a state-owned field, where the produce was distributed to people in need. It was a beautiful but also tiring activity: under the burning sun, picking and carrying heavy bags of tomatoes was not easy at all. Yet, this effort was exactly what made it so meaningful: for a day, I could put myself in the shoes of people who do this work every day to make a living. I couldn’t help but think of the foreign workers in my country who carry out this extremely hard labor and are paid barely €4 an hour. This experience made me more aware and grateful: when we go to the supermarket, we find tomatoes already displayed and ready for us, but we rarely stop to think about the hard work behind them. Living that experience firsthand opened my eyes to the reality we often overlook and made me realize how privileged I am.

Another activity we often carried out was Ebru workshops, a fascinating traditional Turkish art that consists of creating designs on water with colors. It was a very interesting and creative pastime, though I must admit that the paints had quite a strong and unpleasant smell, which made the experience a bit less enjoyable from a practical point of view.

A truly unforgettable moment of this month was taking part in the International Youth Day, organized by the United Nations. During the event, we had the chance to listen to motivational speeches, meet young people from different cultures, and also encounter prominent figures such as the mayor of Ankara, the ambassador of Venezuela, the ambassador of Singapore, and several UN representatives. It was enriching to hear their perspectives and stories. As volunteers, we had our own stand, where we presented the Ander association, European values, the European Solidarity Corps, and Erasmus projects to the young people who visited us. Besides the presentations, we also joined games, met new people, made friends, and attended a spectacular performance of traditional Turkish dancers performing with swords. The day ended with a direct exchange with UN representatives, during which we were able to share our ideas on current issues such as healthcare and its connection with young people. It was moving to be able to express our views on such important topics.

Of course, there were also lighter and more fun moments: one evening, for example, we all went together to the amusement park. It was great to be outside the work context, just laughing and having fun, which also strengthened the bonds between us volunteers.

During my free days, I also had the chance to travel to Istanbul to attend a project on sustainability. The initiative was interesting and well organized, but above all it allowed me to meet new people who were truly kind and friendly, with whom I shared some wonderful moments. I also had the opportunity to revisit Istanbul: I had already been there the previous year, but returning was still exciting. The city struck me again with its unique beauty and charm, though I found it extremely chaotic. After a few days there, I almost felt the need to go back to the calm and quiet atmosphere of Ankara, which by then I had come to see as my temporary home.

Looking back, I realize that this month has been like a journey within a journey: from the initial difficulties, which challenged me, to the moments of growth, discovery, and personal reflection. It has been a period that taught me a lot, not only about volunteering and about Turkey, but also about myself.