Leaving, But Not Really — Turkey Will Always Stay With Me

As I enter my second month of volunteering in Ankara, I find myself not only growing through my work but also deeply moved by the experiences this journey has brought me. Volunteering has given me the opportunity to connect with new people, contribute to meaningful causes, and, unexpectedly, explore the rich beauty and culture of Turkey.

During this month, I’ve had the chance to travel and see some of the country’s most iconic and breathtaking places. My first trip took me to Istanbul — a city that truly lives up to its legendary status. From the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace to the vibrant energy of Taksim Square, Istanbul felt like a living tapestry of history, art, and life.One place that especially stole my heart was Karaköy. It was amazing to walk through a place I had only seen in movies — suddenly, it was all real: the charming streets, the creative spirit, the buzz of local cafes and galleries. It had this cinematic feel that made every corner worth exploring.

Another unforgettable stop was Ortaköy. Sitting by the Bosphorus, with the iconic Ortaköy Mosque framed by the bridge behind it, felt like something out of a postcard. The area was full of life — street vendors, music, and the smell of fresh kumpir filling the air. Eating that warm, overloaded potato while watching the boats pass by was such a simple yet special moment.

And then, there were the Turkish cats — dignified, independent, and strangely royal. They wander the streets like they own them, and perhaps they do. It’s hard not to smile when you see a cat lounging on a store counter or napping in a mosque courtyard, completely at ease.

My next adventure brought me south to Antalya, where the Mediterranean greeted me with endless blue. The sea was incredibly warm, perfect for relaxing swims, and the majestic mountains surrounding the coast created a breathtaking, almost surreal backdrop. The streets were lined with bright, blooming flowers, adding bursts of color to every step I took. But the true highlight was sitting on the beach, watching the sun melt into the sea. The sunsets here are a kind of magic that words can hardly capture — warm, golden, and soul-soothing.

Beyond traveling, this month was also full of educational and cultural experiences through the volunteering work itself. We organized festivals in schools and held meetings with parents to engage the wider community. One of my favorite parts was helping create interactive workshops for students. I led a session on study tips — sharing practical strategies to help students study more effectively and prepare for their exams. It was such a rewarding feeling to see them listening, asking questions, and feeling motivated.

Another highlight was my Georgian Cultural Day. I had the chance to introduce students and teachers to the Georgian language, share unique facts about my country’s history, culture, and traditions, and even teach a few traditional dances. It was heartwarming to see everyone so engaged — and the dancing part brought so much laughter and joy. Seeing people from different backgrounds enjoying and appreciating my culture was truly special.

This month has been more than just sightseeing; it’s been about growth, exchange, and connection. Every moment — whether volunteering, wandering through ancient streets, or simply sitting on the shore — has reminded me how enriching it is to step outside of your comfort zone and give a piece of yourself to others.

I arrived as a volunteer, but I’m leaving as someone changed by every sunset, smile, and story.

Savoring Stories of Türkiye

 

After days of discovering more and more about Türkiye and its rich culture, it’s finally time to reflect and share my experience.I’ve been living in Ankara for almost a month now, but it honestly feels like I arrived just a week ago. Time has flown by so quickly, probably because every day has been filled with new experiences, challenges, and moments of learning. This month has been one of the most enriching periods of my life—full of cultural exploration, personal growth, and opportunities to improve my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Let me start with my personal journey in the city. This is my first time in Ankara, and as with any new place, adapting wasn’t easy at first, I had to adjust new life, new culture and new people, but I believe that people who I met here helped me to overcome these difficulties and made an adaptation process easier. Fortunetly I have amazing roommates and from the very beginning, I felt supported and welcomed. I feel so lucky to be living with them—they’re not just roommates, they’ve become close friends and an essential part of my daily life here. I can’t imagine exploring the city, going out, or even spending a quiet evening at home without them.

Through our activities I’ve made friends from different backgrounds, some who share similar interests and others who have completely different perspectives. I truly enjoy engaging in conversations with them, whether we’re discussing shared passions or debating different viewpoints. It’s natural that not everyone will think the same way, but what matters is that we respect one another and find common ground. I really value the open-minded and friendly atmosphere we’ve created—whether we’re in the office with my hosts or relaxing at home with my roommates, the environment is always warm and welcoming.

The past month has also been packed with memorable activities. We’ve traveled to different cities, tried a wide variety of local foods, and participated in cultural events that gave us a deeper understanding of Türkiye’s history and traditions. Each experience was unique and meaningful in its own way. There are honestly too many to describe in full detail, but every trip and every new thing I tried has left a lasting impression. Whether it was walking through historic streets, joining traditional celebrations, or simply sharing a cup of tea with someone new, each moment added to this unforgettable journey.

One of the first places that we’ve visited is Anıtkabir one of the most powerful and symbolic places in Ankara. Anıtkabir isn’t only a place to visit, it is a national monument that reflects the spirit of Turkish independence, unity, and resilience.  The architecture is unique, a blend of modern and classical styles, combining everything in a way that feels inspiring.  Visiting Anıtkabir is not just a lesson in history—it’s an emotional experience that leaves a deep impression on anyone who walks through its gates.

Another important place that I believe I should mention is Bursa. Bursa isn’t just a city, it is a place where history, nature, mountains and tradition beautifully intertwine. As a person who loves history it was very special for me to visit the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Walking through its old quarters felt like stepping back in time—grand mosques, centuries-old bazaars, and beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture give the city a unique charm. Bursa is a place where every building, every corner, and even every stone carries a deep sense of history. Whether you are in the street, drinking tea in a centuries-old café or trying its famous İskender kebap there's always a silent reminder that you are standing on ground shaped by time and legacy.

One more thing that I found very interesting about Bursa is its nature. After visiting Bursa it got clear why it is called “Green City” (Yeşil Şehir). Surrounding beautiful mountains and green forest make it a city with a perfect balance between urban life and nature.

Next site visit was in Gaziantep. Gaziantep is a city where history and flavor come alive in perfect harmony. The city’s historic bazaars bustle with energy and filled with colorful spices. Gaziantep is famous worldwide for its baklava—a sweet treat that carries the tradition. And of course this blog won’t be complete without mentioning the majestic Rumkale, standing proudly on the banks of the Euphrates River. Gaziantep invites visitors to not only taste its rich flavors but also to explore its deep-rooted history and warm, welcoming culture.

But beyond the grand experiences, my daily life here is filled with small moments that bring the culture to life in the most unexpected and meaningful ways. As part of my organization, I’ve had the chance to work with students of different ages and backgrounds. As a future teacher, I truly value this opportunity—it’s been a kind of hands-on practice that has confirmed my decision to pursue this path. Meeting schoolchildren, receiving their warm smiles and hugs, has become an essential part of my weekly routine—something I genuinely look forward to every time. It’s a different but equally rewarding experience with university students, many of whom have already become good friends. We often engage in thoughtful conversations on a variety of topics, and they’ve introduced me to some of the hidden corners of Ankara that I might not have discovered on my own. I’m especially grateful that our relationship goes beyond the room—we continue our connection outside of conversation clubs, turning academic moments into lasting friendships.

Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Living in Ankara has taught me not just about Turkish culture, but also about myself—how to be more adaptable, more open, and more appreciative of the differences that make every person and every culture unique. I’m excited to see what the coming weeks will bring and to continue growing through this amazing experience.