Hello everyone!
This month has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. What began as a volunteer project quickly turned into a journey of learning, discovery, and personal growth. I arrived from Azerbaijan not knowing exactly what to expect, but I am leaving with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the people and places that have become part of my everyday life.
For most of this month, Ankara has been my home. Since my project was based there, I had plenty of time to explore the city. The more time I spent in Ankara, the more I appreciated it. Every neighborhood has its own atmosphere, every street has a story, and every day seemed to reveal something new. Ankara may not always be the first city people think of when they imagine Türkiye, but it has a unique charm that grows on you over time.
The highlight of my experience has undoubtedly been my work with the children. Throughout the month, we taught English, played games, organized activities, and shared stories about our cultures. Watching their curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm was inspiring. Although I came here to contribute and help, I soon realized that the learning went both ways. They taught me just as much as I taught them.
One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering was seeing how cultural exchange happens through the simplest interactions. Sometimes it was a conversation about traditions, sometimes a game, and sometimes just sharing a laugh together. These moments reminded me that genuine connections can overcome any language barrier.
Outside of the project, I continued another passion of mine: reading. During my stay, I discovered several interesting books, but the one I was most excited to find was Nutuk by Atatürk. Finding quiet place to read and adding new books to my collection became one of my favorite routines in Ankara.
Of course, no experience in Türkiye would be complete without talking about the food. Over the past month, I had the opportunity to try many traditional dishes, including mantı, içli köfte, sütlaç, kuru fasulye with pilav, balık ekmek, and şalgam. Every meal felt like discovering another piece of Turkish culture. I also developed an unexpected love for maden suyu and Uludağ Limonata. If someone had told me before this trip that sparkling water would become one of my favorite drinks, I probably would not have believed them.
Another thing that surprised me was daily life in Türkiye. Coming from Azerbaijan, I expected the cultural differences to be minimal. After all, our countries share many similarities. Yet I still experienced moments of culture shock. Every day brought a new observation, a new conversation, or a new experience.
During my stay, I also had the chance to visit Istanbul. Walking through the city felt like stepping into a place where history and modern life exist side by side. I visited Beylerbeyi Palace, the Maiden's Tower, Galata Tower, and the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque. I also visited a church and spent time exploring different parts of the city.
Yet, despite how much I enjoyed Istanbul, I often found myself thinking about Ankara. Perhaps it was because Ankara had become more than a city to me. It was where I built a routine, where I met incredible people, where I worked with children every day, and where I created memories that I will carry with me long after this project ends.
Looking back now, I realize that this month was about much more than volunteering or traveling. It was about stepping outside my comfort zone, connecting with people from different backgrounds, and discovering new parts of myself. The experience taught me the value of cultural exchange, empathy, and openness.
More updates soon.✨️