Time flies, and it has now been almost seven months since I moved to Türkiye. After getting used to life in Izmir and exploring the southeastern part of the country, I had the opportunity to visit Istanbul at the end of February. This trip, along with other recent experiences, has once again shown me how diverse and multifaceted Türkiye is.
The Return of Warmer Days in Izmir
With the arrival of spring, the weather is changing, and you can feel Izmir coming back to life. The days are getting longer, the sun is shining again, and the atmosphere is becoming more vibrant. Terraces are filling up, the Kordon promenade is buzzing with picnics and impromptu concerts. After the winter months, this renewed energy feels great and makes me want to enjoy the city even more.
Ramadan: A Lesson in Sharing
This month, I also got to experience Ramadan in a more tangible way. Even though I don’t fast, I had the opportunity to take part in a meal distribution for iftar, the breaking of the fast. One evening, along with other volunteers, we helped prepare and hand out food trays to those in need. It was a truly enriching and moving experience. Seeing so many people come together to share this moment allowed me to better understand the significance of Ramadan in Türkiye —not just as a time of spirituality but also as a period of solidarity and togetherness.
The Energy of Istanbul
Istanbul is like no other city. As soon as I arrived, I was struck by its energy —bustling streets at all hours, a unique mix of cultures, and an atmosphere that shifts from one neighborhood to another. Of course, I visited the must-sees like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, but what left the biggest impression on me were the walks through neighborhoods like Kadıköy and Balat. Watching the sunset over the Bosphorus, sipping tea on a terrace while observing the city that never stops… Istanbul has this way of captivating you.
Back to Izmir: A Routine That Keeps Changing
After this trip, returning to Izmir marked a new phase of adaptation. In terms of my volunteering work, my activities are more diverse than ever. I’ve had the chance to participate in new projects, which have helped me step out of my comfort zone. However, there are still challenges — especially when it comes to learning Turkish. After seven months, I realize I’m still far from holding a fluent conversation, and I really need to put in more effort.
What’s Next?
With only a few months left in Türkiye, I’m starting to think about what comes next. I want to make the most of my remaining time here, explore even more regions, and, most importantly, continue learning. This experience has already taught me so much, and I’m curious to see how it will continue to shape me.