Discover of the Magıc of turkey

 

Discover the magic of Turkey

And here we are, the first month as a volunteer here in Ankara comes to an end. I want to share with you my impressions, feelings, and emotions about volunteering and about this country. Let’s start. These months passed so quickly that I wouldn't know where to start talking.

I left without many expectations, because one thing I have learned from past experiences is, don't have high expectations because they can disappoint. Better to start with low expectations and then live the imaginable. I must say that the first month here has more than fulfilled my (NOT) expectations, even more so after living during the month of Ramadan. I set off to discover a new country, its culture, and its people.

I was struck by Ankara's energy and vibrancy. What I loved the most was getting to know this country during the holy month for Muslims all over the world because it provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural traditions while making a positive impact on our lives.

We have enjoyed many Iftars during this month, in the city’s mosques like Kocatepe Mosque, in the dormitory with the other girls and one last Iftar at the Geleneksel Sporlar Gençlik ve Spor Kulübü. Volunteering during Ramadan fosters ties with people of different religious origins and sharing experiences. During this month, you are overwhelmed by a sense of community and generosity that makes you appreciate the simple things of life; you also cultivate personal growth and understanding.

Together with the other volunteers, we also had the opportunity to explore the city of Ankara: we visited Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, considered to be Turkey's national hero and the father of modern Turkey. We visited Iş Bank, Turkey's largest private bank, Ulus branch. Isbank is the first national bank of the Republican era. We took a nice walk to Hacı Bayram in the Altındağ district and from there we climbed up to Ankara Castle, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view over the whole of Ankara.

Bayram, celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan, ended a few days ago. It's one of the most important religious holidays in the Islamic calendar. During these holidays with the other volunteers, we organized a trip to Izmir. Izmir is for now my favorite city, close to the sea where you feel happy and relaxed. You can visit the sea, the ancient Agora, the main square with the Clock Tower, the large bazaar, and admire the city from the top of the Historical Lift.

Moreover, I will remember this holiday because I met a wonderful girl on the bus on my way to Bodrum. Arriving at Bodrum’s station she, her friend (who lives there), and her friend’s mom asked me if I wanted to spend the day with them. At the end of the day, they invited me to eat something at their house and let me taste the typical Turkish coffee. So, thanks to them I was able to visit part of the coast and the beautiful city of Bodrum in one day. I am so grateful to these wonderful people. I wish everyone, at least once in their lives, to be able to meet such people. Everyone should have the chance to meet such people, at least once in their lifetime. The activities during this first month were varied and many. We went to the Gazi Üniversitesi where we had several speaking clubs with the chemistry faculty.

We had the opportunity with the amazing organization of “Damla Gönüllülük Hareketi” to go to the Hamamonu district where we wandered around the various street stands and chatted with the local people. At the end of the day, we all returned to the central square where we sang and danced with the children.

We had the opportunity to go to Haymana Yenice Elementary school, where we did various activities with the children. We did various sports activities, face painting, and the girls also tried to teach us traditional Turkish dances. The way they tried to communicate with us, even though we are not speaking Turkish and they are not speaking English, is mind-blowing. It was amazing to see that sometimes speaking is not important at all and it was enough to see a smile from them or to see them approach you to somehow make you fulfilled and happy. Working with them always feels special, they give so much love for every one of us and appreciate our work in a way that is indescribable. Before the Bayram holidays, we went to ANKARA MAMAK GENÇLİK MERKEZİ where we spent our time playing games with children in the mind of an intelligence games workshop day. I am thankful that I had the chance to experience this kind of work because it gave so much perspective and truly amazing memories.

Some days we stayed in the association office, where we had workshops on what it means to be a volunteer, what volunteering is, expectations, and emotions. I am very happy to have this opportunity to improve creativity and technological skills, which are essential to share our experience and ideas with more people. We also have a Turkish class once a week and it is very nice to have the opportunity to use what we learn in class in our daily lives.

In the coming weeks, we will have several cultural evenings that I will talk about in the next blog. It is difficult to describe in words the thousand emotions experienced during this month. So, a new month awaits us, full of new activities, experiences, and trips. So, stay tuned for the next and last blog of my volunteering in Turkey.

Big kisses and hugs.

Kateryna Selivonenko