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.