Hey! My name is Gülsüm!
This is my November blog.
Currently, I am continuing my volunteering journey in Ankara, Türkiye. Yes, finally, I am an ANDER volunteer! I am extremely happy that I was accepted by the ANDER organization and that I completed such an amazing month here.
It has been a month full of unforgettable and beautiful memories, new friends, new places, cities, and valuable experiences. My project period will end on December 30, and I will return to my home country, Azerbaijan. To be honest, saying “I don’t want to go back” would be more accurate. Saying goodbye to Ankara, its people, its air, the delicious and unique food I enjoyed so much, and most importantly to ANDER and its wonderful family will be very difficult for me.
ANDER, you are simply perfect!!
Let’s take a look together at how my November experience went 
During the first week, we had our wonderful orientation sessions. I would like to sincerely thank the ANDER family for being so thoughtful and supportive during our first days and for always being by our side. Thanks to the orientation, my fellow volunteers and I had the chance to get to know each other better, improve our communication, work together, and exchange ideas. As a result, we became much closer
Every week, we had a “Discover Ankara” day. My fellow volunteers and I truly valued these moments and enjoyed visiting the must-see places of Ankara. One of the first places I visited was Hacı Bayram-ı Veli Mosque. It was impossible not to admire this mosque. It was so beautiful and historical that I enjoyed every moment of looking at it. There were many people there, some praying and others visiting—just like me. Every stone and every fine detail seemed to whisper, “I am history. Look at me. I still have many hidden stories for you to discover.”
I completely fell in love with the atmosphere of the mosque and its surroundings. It was such a meaningful and peaceful place, where even with many people around, the silence during prayers brought a deep sense of calm and serenity.
The staff valued us volunteers greatly; they provided us with delicious meals and even played our favorite songs by request to make the work more enjoyable. We worked while dancing 
and often lost track of time. Everything was simply wonderful.
Altınköy Open Air Museum amazed me with its nature, beauty, fresh air, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere. I honestly wanted to live there It is impossible not to fall in love with the people, village life, and the museums inside. When I entered the museums, I fell in love with the handmade crafts and didn’t want to leave. Time passed without me realizing it.
And finally, I would like to talk about the place that touched my heart, life, and emotions the most, leaving deep and unforgettable memories: Anıtkabir.
Anıtkabir, how beautiful and meaningful you are. Every detail carries a purpose. It is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye. Seeing people’s respect, appreciation, and constant visits to honor the Great Leader was deeply moving. Standing silently during the National Anthem, feeling its power, and witnessing the soldier march and the changing of the guard was absolutely breathtaking. Everything was perfect—you can’t help but admire it more and more as you watch.
I am extremely excited for the new experiences that await me next month.
With love,
Gülsüm 