My Last Month of Volunteering in Ankara: People, Experiences, and Little Joys

    As I entered the final month of my volunteering program in Ankara, I carried a strange mix of emotions: a little disbelief at how fast time had passed, and a big sense of gratitude for everything I had experienced. This month turned out to be the most colorful, lively, and unforgettable period of my stay.

One of the highlights of this month was definitely meeting many new people. Each person brought a different story, a new perspective, and fresh energy into my days. Especially the new volunteer who came from Tunisia we connected so easily from the very first moment. Exploring the city, working on projects together, sharing tea breaks… even introducing Ankara to her became something I really enjoyed.

Spending time with the students at the school and the course was another joyful part of this month. Teaching them, making learning fun with games, and sometimes laughing so hard together in the classroom… Every lesson felt like a chance not just to teach, but to grow together. Their curiosity and warm energy made this whole experience even more meaningful for me.

Another beautiful aspect of this month was that I spent the entire month in Ankara. Staying here allowed me to truly settle into the rhythm of the city. I explored new streets, discovered my favorite coffee spots, and even the paths I walked every day started to feel familiar. Ankara’s calm but cozy spirit was exactly what I needed.

And of course… the food adventures! One of the iconic moments of the month was definitely trying tantuni for the first time. That warm, juicy, incredibly delicious wrap was enough to make me say, “Yes, this was absolutely worth it.” Sometimes the little flavors make the biggest memories.

We also had the chance to visit several universities this month. Among them, Hacettepe stood out the most for me. The campus, the atmosphere, the energy of the students… Walking around there made me wonder what it would be like to study at such a place. The other universities were beautiful too, but Hacettepe definitely left a special impression.

And maybe the most special moment of all: being in Ankara during Republic Day . The lights across the city, the celebrations in the streets, the pride on people’s faces… The atmosphere was unforgettable. It felt as if 29 October is celebrated with a different warmth and intensity in Ankara. I felt like I was living inside a moment of history.

With such a full and meaningful final month, this volunteering experience has taken an even more valuable place in my heart. The memories I carry aren’t just about the tasks I completed—they are about the people I met, the flavors I tasted, the places I visited, and the emotions I felt. Ankara is no longer just a city for me; it has become a chapter, a story, and a warm memory.

One of the reasons why Ankara

 Living My Happiest Days in Ankara 

Hi everyone, I’m Saliha! 

I don’t say this lightly, but right now I truly feel like I’m living through one of the happiest chapters of my life.

If someone had told me a while ago, “You’ll be living in Ankara for two whole months,” I probably would’ve laughed it off and never believed them. Yet here I am, and surprisingly, from the very first day I arrived, I didn’t feel like a stranger at all. Even though I had never lived here before, it felt natural, almost as if I had always belonged to this city.

One of the reasons why Ankara feels so special is the balance it offers. Despite being the capital, it’s not overwhelmingly chaotic. There’s life, movement, and energy, but it doesn’t swallow you whole like some big cities do. Instead, it gives you space to breathe, grow, and enjoy.

Work has been such a big part of this journey too. Every morning when I wake up and head to the office, it doesn’t feel like a responsibility anymore — it feels like something I look forward to. And I think a huge part of that is thanks to our mentor, Ms. Sena. She welcomes us every single day with her warm smile and endless positive energy. She doesn’t just give us random tasks; instead, the projects she assigns are meaningful, engaging, and always push us to learn something new.

Since coming here, I’ve realized how much I’ve grown in the digital field. Whether it’s designing posts, editing videos, or even shooting them, every task has been like a little stepping stone. I can already see how these experiences are shaping my skills and confidence. And beyond the professional growth, one of the most exciting parts has been how much my English has improved. From speaking clubs to casual office conversations, I’ve been able to practice in such a natural and fun way.

Another thing that makes this whole experience unforgettable is the people I’m sharing it with. The girls I spend time with have become more than just colleagues — they’re like family. We live together, we work together, and somehow, instead of getting tired of each other, we’ve built this beautiful balance of closeness and respect. We laugh a lot, support each other, and even when we’re all busy, there’s always a sense of harmony. That kind of bond is rare, and I feel really lucky.

Now, let me share some of my favorite places in Ankara that made this month extra special:
        •       Anıtkabir: This was a childhood dream of mine. I had always imagined visiting, but what I didn’t expect was how emotional I would become once I was actually there. I couldn’t hold back my tears — I wasn’t even sure if it was from happiness, pride, or both. It felt as if Atatürk himself was there, watching over us. That moment was beyond words.
        •       Kuğulu Park: A peaceful escape in the middle of the city. The swans, the calm atmosphere, the little details all create such a comforting environment.
        •       Tunalı: This area has such a youthful energy. The shops, the cafés, the charming streets — everything about it feels lively and full of character. It’s the kind of place you can spend hours just wandering around.
        •       Aspava: Because let’s be honest, no Ankara experience is complete without it! Delicious food, cozy atmosphere — it’s simply a must.

Looking back, this month has been full of unforgettable moments — laughter, growth, new friendships, and discoveries. And honestly, it makes me excited about what the next month will bring. If the coming days are anything like the ones I’ve just lived, I know I’ll continue to carry these memories with me for a long time.

Until then, I’ll keep soaking in every little detail of this city, because Ankara, in its own unique way, has stolen a piece of my heart. 

With love,
— Saliha