Discovering Turkey: Journey with Burak!
Welcome to a captivating journey through the enchanting land of Turkey! In this episode, we invite you to join us as we embark on an exploration of Turkey’s rich tapestry of beauty, culture, and tradition. Burak, who is not only an alumnus of UNI but also a passionate ambassador of his home country, Turkey.
Meet Burak!
Selam, ben Turkiye’den Burak. UNI mezunuyum ve finansal analizci olarak çalışıyorum. Mayıs 2021’de muhasebe bölümünden mezun oldum ve şu anda Macy’s Inc’de finansal analist olarak çalışıyorum. UNI’ye New York’tan uluslararası transfer öğrencisi olarak geldim. ABD eğitim sistemi tecrübesi olan biri olarak UNI çalışanlarından aldığım destek sayesinde transfer sürecinde hiç zorlanmadım. UNI, geçirdiğim süre boyunca çok sayıda gönüllülük fırsatı ve akademik rehberlik sağladı. Uluslararası öğrenci organizasyonlarında ve bölümümle ilgili organizasyonlarda aktif olarak yer aldım. Fırsatları da bu şekilde öğrendim. Danışmanlarım, profesörlerim ve meslektaşlarım yüksek öğrenimimi başarıyla tamamlamamda ve sonrasında iyi bir işe girmemde bana yardımcı oldular. Mezun olarak hâlâ Panther ailesinin büyük bir parçasıyım. UNI Mezunlar Derneği, toplumu meşgul edecek etkinlikler düzenlemektedir.
Hi, I am Burak from Turkey. I am a UNI graduate and work as a financial analyst. I graduated in May 2021 with an accounting degree and now working as a financial analyst at Macy’s Inc. I came to UNI as an international transfer student from New York. As someone who has experience in the US educational system and with the assistance I received from UNI staff, I didn’t struggle at all during the transfer process. UNI provided handful of volunteer opportunities and academic guidance throughout my time. I was an active participant of international student organizations and organizations that are related to my major. That’s how I learned about opportunities as well. My advisors, professors and peers helped me to complete my higher education successfully and land a decent job after that. I’m still a big part of Panther family as an alumni. UNI Alumni Association organizes events to keep the community engaged.
Ahmed Burak Cil – UNI Alumni
Where is Turkey?
Turkey, known as the Republic of Türkiye. A unique transcontinental nation situated at the intersection of Southeast Europe and West Asia. The majority of its territory lies on the Anatolian Peninsula in West Asia, with a smaller section known as East Thrace situated on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe.
It shares its borders with the Black Sea to the north, Georgia to the northeast, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, Iraq to the southeast, Syria and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Aegean Sea to the west, and Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest.
Places you should visit in Turkey
Istanbul as the culture center of Turkey
Istanbul, referred to as the heart of Turkey, holds a prominent position as the country’s economic, cultural, and historical hub. Commonly hailed as the capital of Turkish culture. This vibrant city spans the Bosphorus Strait. Where Europe and Asia Minor intersect, creating a unique blend of eastern and western influences, both in geography and culture.
Istanbul stands as one of Turkey’s top tourist destinations, boasting a wealth of renowned historical and cultural landmarks. UNESCO-recognized treasures such as Hagia Sophia, Sarayburnu, and Topkapi Palace located in Turkey. These iconic monuments exemplify the rich heritage that draws visitors from around the world to this remarkable city.
Hagia Sophia – A Christian church that became a mosque.
Hagia Sophia, also known as the Church of the Divine Wisdom, is a historic Byzantine structure in Istanbul. Built as a Christian church in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I. It has transitioned between being a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again over the centuries. The building showcases a blend of Islamic inscriptions and Christian mosaics, reflecting the region’s changing religious influences.
Hagia Sophia
TopKapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, situated in Istanbul’s Fatih district, is a museum and library with a rich historical significance. It served as the royal residence of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries. From the 1460s until the construction of Dolmabahçe Palace in 1856.
Cappadocia – Historical Region in Turkey
Cappadocia, which translates to “the land of beautiful horses” in Persian. Has a deep-rooted history in horse breeding and equestrian culture.Characterized by volcanic rock formations, caves, and hidden underground cities.
Ankara – Capital of Turkey
Ankara, previously known as Ancyra and Angora, serves as the capital of Turkey. Positioned in the heart of Anatolia, the city boasts a population of 5.1 million within its urban core. And 5.7 million in the wider Ankara Province, solidifying its status as Turkey’s second-largest city.
Check the link for more information!
Antalya – City of Turkey
Antalya, the fifth-most populous city in Turkey. And also the capital of Antalya Province and It is seen as the “capital of tourism” in Turkey. Learn More
Some of Turkey’s traditional food
Baklava
Baklava, a delectable pastry dessert composed of delicate filo pastry layers, generously filled with finely chopped nuts, and sweetened with a luscious syrup or honey. This delightful treat was a beloved staple in Ottoman cuisine and remains a cherished traditional dessert among Turkish people. Baklava – Wikipedia
Simit
Turkish simit is a circular bread that’s commonly accompanied by either tea or ayran (salted yogurt drink) and consumed for breakfast with fruit preserves or in savory combinations with cheese, pastırma (salt cured beef), and fresh vegetables.
Kebab
Kebab presents a dish of meat, fish, or vegetables, which are grilled on a skewer or roasted using a rotisserie.
In Turkey, the word kebab extends to include any of these dishes cooked over, or next to, a flame because It consists of both small and large cuts of meat, as well as ground meat.
Traditional Costumes in Turkey
Traditional Attire and Festivals in Turkey
Ramadan
So Ramazan, is the most religious festival in Turkey because It marks the anniversary of the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and during this time, Muslims all over the world practice fasting from daybreak to sunset.
Istanbul Tulip Festival
During spring is full of vibrant tulips and Turkish community every March celebrates the Tulip Festival to show the love of the tulips.
International Izmir Festival
The International Izmir Festival is one of Turkey’s largest and most popular events. Held in the beautiful city of Izmir between May and June, this festival brings together musicians, dancers, and performers from all over the world for a unique celebration of art and culture.
Traditional arts and crafts
Fun Fact about Turkey
Cats are everywhere in Turkey as they are an important part of Turkish Culture. The place hosts a sizeable feral cat population, with estimates ranging from a hundred thousand to over a million stray cats.
“Every time I see people from Balkan countries, I feel like I see a friend from home!”
Ahmed Burak Cil
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