A teacher in Istanbul

Teaching in Istanbul, where the majority of students hail from conflict-ridden Arab nations, has been both a rewarding and challenging experience. Despite holding double masters in Information Technology and Business Studies, the struggle lies in motivating students, with only a small percentage genuinely interested in learning.

Navigating through the complexities, I find solace in the proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child." In this case, the village extends beyond the classroom to the broader community, acknowledging the collective responsibility in nurturing these young minds. As I persist in my mission, I am reminded of another proverb, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is now." Each effort, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter future for these students.

The impact of war is palpable as students grapple with disrupted lives and parents facing the daunting task of rebuilding in a new country. The burden on these families, exacerbated by Turkey's high inflation rate of 110%, leaves little room for dedicated parental guidance. Yet, amid these challenges, a resilient few emerge as shining examples of transformation.

Right now I'm teaching at Manara International School in Basaksehir, Istanbul, As I continue to inspire change, I reflect on the words of Confucius: "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." It is in the resilience of both students and educators that true success is found, transcending the hardships of the past.

Moreover, the disconnect between managers, school heads, and the daily challenges faced by teachers is glaring. Despite their awareness of the students' academic caliber, there seems to be a lack of empathy or action. Admission processes in many high schools and colleges lack rigorous assessments, contributing to an environment where genuine interest in education takes a back seat.

Compounding the issue, a substantial number of private international schools are under Arab influence. Unfortunately, the emergence of lobbying systems among staff has created a concerning trend. Nationality discrimination is prevalent, overshadowing the significance of education and skills. In this environment, lobbying often triumphs over merit, raising questions about the fairness and integrity of the educational system.

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Exploring the Rich Cultural Heritage of Turkey

Turkey is a country that boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a history that dates back to ancient times. From the Hittites and Persians to the Byzantines and Ottomans, Turkey has been home to a variety of civilizations, each of which has left its mark on the country's culture and traditions.

One of the most prominent examples of Turkey's cultural heritage is its architecture. The country is home to a number of iconic structures, such as the Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque that is now a museum, and the Blue Mosque, which features distinctive blue tiles and is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Other notable examples of Turkish architecture include the Topkapi Palace, the Dolmabahce Palace, and the Yildiz Palace.

Turkey is also known for its rich cuisine, which features a variety of spices and ingredients that reflect the country's history and geography. From savory kebabs and stews to sweet baklava and Turkish delight, Turkish cuisine is both flavorful and diverse. Istanbul, in particular, is a foodie's paradise, with numerous restaurants and markets offering a range of delicious dishes.

In addition to its architecture and cuisine, Turkey is also renowned for its music and dance. One of the most popular forms of Turkish music is traditional folk music, which is played on a variety of instruments, including the saz, a long-necked lute. Turkish dance is also an important part of the country's culture, with traditional dances such as the horon, halay, and zeybek reflecting the unique traditions of different regions.

Despite its rich cultural heritage, Turkey is also a modern and vibrant country, with a bustling art scene and numerous festivals and events throughout the year. For example, the Istanbul Biennial, a contemporary art exhibition, is held every two years and showcases the work of artists from around the world. Other notable events include the International Istanbul Film Festival, the Izmir International Fair, and the Istanbul Jazz Festival.

If you're looking to explore Turkey's cultural heritage, there are numerous places to visit throughout the country. Istanbul, with its mix of ancient and modern architecture, is a must-see destination. Other notable sites include the ancient city of Ephesus, the fairy-tale landscape of Cappadocia, and the historic town of Safranbolu.

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Turkish street food: A delicious journey through the country's flavors

Turkey is a country known for its rich and diverse cuisine, and the best way to experience it is through its street food. From savory meat dishes to sweet desserts, the streets of Turkey are filled with mouth-watering delicacies that will leave you wanting more. Join me on a journey through the streets of Turkey as I explore its most popular street foods.

Istanbul

Istanbul, the cultural capital of Turkey, is home to some of the most delicious street food in the country. The first stop on our journey is the iconic simit, a circular bread covered in sesame seeds. This crispy and chewy bread is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on the go.

Another must-try food in Istanbul is the balik ekmek, a grilled fish sandwich. This sandwich is made with fresh fish caught from the Bosphorus and served on a bun with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. For a sweet treat, head to the Eminönü district to try some Turkish delight, a gelatinous candy flavored with rose water, lemon, or pistachio.

Ankara

The capital city of Ankara is known for its delicious kebabs. One of the most popular kebabs in the city is the döner kebab, made with layers of meat that are slowly roasted on a vertical spit. This delicious kebab is served in a wrap or on a plate with rice and salad.

For a spicy snack, try the acılı ezme, a spicy tomato and onion dip that is perfect with bread or crackers. Another popular street food in Ankara is the kumpir, a baked potato that is stuffed with a variety of toppings like cheese, vegetables, and meat.

Izmir

Izmir is a coastal city known for its fresh seafood. One of the most popular street foods in Izmir is the midye dolma, a stuffed mussel that is filled with rice, herbs, and spices. These delicious mussels are served on a paper plate and are the perfect snack to enjoy by the sea.

Another popular street food in Izmir is the kokoreç, a dish made from lamb intestines that are wrapped around sweetbreads, seasoned with spices, and grilled. The meat is then sliced and served in a bread roll with tomatoes, onions, and parsley.

Antalya

Antalya is a popular tourist destination on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, and it's no surprise that its street food scene is just as impressive as its natural beauty. The first food to try in Antalya is the pide, a Turkish pizza that is topped with cheese, meat, and vegetables.

For a sweet treat, try the künefe, a dessert made with shredded phyllo dough that is layered with cheese and soaked in a sweet syrup. The dessert is then topped with pistachios and served warm.

The street food of Turkey is a feast for the senses, with its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and intoxicating aromas. From the crispy simit of Istanbul to the sweet künefe of Antalya, there is no shortage of delicious street foods to try in Turkey. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, exploring the street food scene is an essential part of experiencing Turkish culture. So pack your appetite and hit the streets of Turkey for a culinary adventure you won't forget!

 

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The earthquake in Türkiye

On Monday, February 6, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook Turkey and northwest Syria, leaving a devastating aftermath in its wake.

• The earthquake struck near Nurdağı in south central Turkey at 01:17 UTC, with a magnitude 7.5 aftershock following 11 minutes later.

• Hundreds of aftershocks have been recorded between the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Malatya.

• The earthquake caused the collapse of nearly 3,000 buildings in Turkey and killed more than 3,000 people.

• President Tayyip Erdogan declared the disaster a "historic" and the worst earthquake to hit the country since 1939.

• Poor internet connections and damaged roads between the worst-hit cities hindered efforts to assess the impact.

• Temperatures in some areas were expected to fall to near freezing overnight, making the situation even more difficult for those trapped under rubble or left homeless.

• Rain fell on Monday after snowstorms swept the country at the weekend, making the situation even more challenging for those already suffering from the aftermath of the earthquake.

• The Turkish government and international organizations have been providing relief efforts to help mitigate the effects of the disaster.

• Pakistan dispatches rescue team, relief goods to Turkey.

• Third plane carrying winterized tents, blankets to take off today from Pakistan.

• Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif to travel to Turkey to condole with Turkish president. 

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Turkiye, Istanbul and Okan University

Ten years ago when I was entering university from college. Had to enroll. The result was to come then the intention, the wish was to go to Turkey and study. 

This wish of mine is fulfilled this year in 2022. I did my undergraduate and then my masters in computer science from a university in Pakistan. Now came to Turkey with the intention of doing another master's in business. 

Turkey is home to both Islamist and anti-Islamic races. The system here is completely different from Pakistan. My luggage was two bags. One big bag and one small, small bag weighed eight kilograms. The big bag, however, was thirty kilos. Wheels are also installed to run it. But since the journey was too far, I came to know after leaving the airport. 

On October 18, I was at Istanbul Airport. My flight was from Lahore Pakistan to Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi to Istanbul. The journey was very tiring, but when you see a new environment and you have to manage everything by yourself. You don't remember the fatigue, the fatigue is felt only when you reach your destination. 

My university, Istanbul Okan University, was six hours away from the airport. Which I had to cover by bus travel and train then taxi. Had to wait for half an hour and walk for half an hour. 

I don't like the transport system here in Turkey. You should manage a train. Which connects the whole country. In Pakistan, the train system is very extensive. India is running the best train system. I stayed in UAE 2019, The metro line there was fantastic. Turkey has a large bus system. Traffic on the road is a huge waste of time.

Well, after the journey, when I came to my university, I intended to stay here for a year. I will complete two semesters here (First thoughts). And one for the rest, I will spend the rest of the semester outside somewhere with friends since my degree will be completed in a year and a half. There is a two-year visa. I will also work together with study.  

Then I realized Job is not possible now because the teachers are doing so much work that I have to give full time to study. There will be only one project in the final semester. Then time will be available for me to do a job. 

The food that my university "Istanbul Okan University" serves to its students. As such, we are provided with facilities such as gym, swimming pool, games (including snooker), high speed Wi-Fi, computers and modern libraries. But in this post. I will mention the food. 

Three meals a day are provided to those staying in the hostels. But those who do not live in the hostel can also eat. At half the price compared to the outside market; This is the reason why most of the students prefer Okan food. 

Everything is made in olive or canola oils. Here.. I have not seen unnecessary use of oil. Take food, willingly; Two dishes are made for each meal (whether it is lunch or dinner). There is a beef dish a day, with vegetables; Now the fish season started, yesterday was the best fish, with chicken and white rice. Breakfast: boiled egg, salad, chocolate, jam and bread. Bread You can take as much as you want with every meal. Because here, Bread is made as an alternative to “Roti” i.e. Chapati.

If you want to add black pepper, cumin, hot sauces, olives, ketchup to the food.. add as many things as you want. It's all free. Pepper, salt, water and tissue paper are always present on the dining table. 

Students are given exceptional respect here. No one is lined up. In addition, there are vending machines throughout the university; Add coins and take out whatever you want to eat. 

You can have cold drinks, lassi, pudding, custard or fruit with your meal at a nominal price. The system here is a paperless system, you only need to place your university card on the scanner, not currency.

 

But the hostel system of my university told me that you stay outside bro. Their rent is very high.  $3,450 a year; Now I planned to stay here for one semester only. And I will say goodbye to them by giving 1700$ and something. Anyway, the university is far away from city in Tuzla Istanbul. I love walking around and meeting people which is not possible here. We are in middle of no where. Only, university mates are people around me.

My friends here from class are from Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. My roommates names Ata and Tüçan are from Turkey. Both are under grad’ students. Nice in overall, Their families are good actually. They both stay busy in playing video games and study.

I’m also attaching pictures with this post, to be memorable. November 22, three days later, our first semester midterms begin. My first semester subjects are Financial Accounting, Marketing, Business Economics and Marketing and Organization. 

Now that I am in the new country, I will continue to write about it, that's all for now. Bye bye 

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