WHAT I EXPERIENCED DURING THIS MONTH OF VOLUNTEERING

 

Hello! I’m Aytan Aghayeva!

I am from Azerbaijan and I’ve just completed my first month as a short-term ESC volunteer in Ankara, Türkiye. It’s also my first time living abroad, which makes this journey even more meaningful and unforgettable for me.

A month ago, when I first arrived in Ankara from Azerbaijan, I was filled with a mix of emotions — excitement, happiness, and a touch of nervousness. But those feelings gently faded away as I was welcomed into a warm and heartfelt environment. From the very beginning, I began building meaningful friendships, especially with my wonderful roommates, who made this new place feel like home. Living in a sister nation made the transition feel smooth and natural — the familiar culture, the kindness of the people, and the sincerity I encountered reminded me so much of home. Each day, I continue to be pleasantly surprised by how deeply connected yet beautifully unique our cultures are. Noticing those small, heartwarming similarities brings me a sense of joy and comfort that words can hardly describe.

I also had the chance to explore some incredible places and take part in unforgettable events.

One of them was the “İş Bankası” Economic Independence Museum — not just a museum, but a journey through Türkiye’s economic history. Walking through its old vaults and historical halls gave me goosebumps. What touched me most was the presence of Atatürk — his vision for economic independence was powerfully reflected through photographs, documents, and his inspiring words. It It felt like I had formed a silent, invisible bond with the past.  Later, I visited Ulus, one of the oldest districts in Ankara. The atmosphere there felt frozen in time. Walking past the Atatürk statue built in 1927, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history and the pride of a nation’s transformation. After that, I made my way to the Ankara Castle. Standing on its ancient walls and looking over the city from above was truly breathtaking. It gave me a different perspective on the city’s rich layers of history and culture.

One weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Bursa. This city is full of life, but also deeply connected to its Ottoman roots. One of the most impressive places I saw there was the Panorama 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum. Its immersive panoramic structure, period costumes, and authentic weapons made me feel as if I were standing right in the middle of a historic battle. After that, I explored the Ulu Cami, admired its peaceful atmosphere and stunning calligraphy, and wandered through the ancient Bursa Castle, which offered beautiful views and a strong sense of the city’s rich past. Every step in Bursa felt like walking through the pages of history.

Of course, after visiting so many places, it was impossible to come to Ankara without going to Anıtkabir. The moment I set foot there, I immediately felt the powerful and special energy of the place. Watching the ceremonial change of the guards was especially moving — their discipline and seriousness left a deep impression on me. As I walked through the museum and seeing Atatürk’s personal items, reading about his journey, and learning about everything he did for his country truly left me in awe.

I also participated in the Engelsiz Ankara Festival, a truly special event held in Gençlik Park. It was my first time joining such an inclusive celebration. From concerts to dance shows, awareness stands to workshops — the atmosphere was full of love, equality, and energy. One of the stands was specially organized for us, the volunteers. It was a space where we engaged with visitors, played fun games, and helped run various interactive activities. It was not only enjoyable but also meaningful, as we contributed to creating an environment where everyone felt welcome and included. I met so many inspiring people and felt like I was part of something much bigger than myself.

During my trip, I had the wonderful chance to explore Gaziantep — a city rich in culture, flavor, and history. I visited several historical sites, including the Şehit Şamil Museum and the impressive Panorama 25 Aralık Museum, both of which brought the region’s past and spirit vividly to life. And finally, one of the most breathtaking places I’ve seen so far was Rumkale. The dramatic landscape, nestled between cliffs and water, truly took my breath away. With its deep historical roots and natural beauty, it felt like standing at the intersection of nature and legend. We also were invited to one of the local schools, where we joined the students in various fun activities. One of my favorites was trying Ebru painting — a beautiful and delicate traditional art I had never tried before. It was such a special experience that they even gifted me one of the pieces I made as a keepsake. The days I spent here are memories I will cherish forever.

One of the most beautiful experiences for me was visiting local colleges and educational centers. Spending time with students, joining various activities, meeting different young people, and learning about their thoughts and future plans brought me so much joy. One day, we were also invited to Lokman Hekim University, where we had the chance to speak and share our experiences. That visit was something different and very interesting for us. These moments will remain some of the most precious memories of my life.

As a final note, every week, I look forward to our Friday and Saturday conversation clubs, where people of all ages gather to practice English through games and stories in a relaxed atmosphere. These meetings not only boost language skills but also create meaningful connections. Alongside this, our Friday food-packing initiative holds a special place in my heart—preparing and sharing meals with those in need reminds me how powerful solidarity can be. Giving back like this is truly one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

As I complete my first month here, my heart is filled with gratitude and excitement. Being an ESC volunteer has truly opened my mind in so many ways, and I know that the coming month will bring even more discoveries, new experiences, growth, and unforgettable memories. I’m really looking forward to what’s next!