MY ISTANBUL LOVE

“The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” M. Proust 

 »Why Turkey?« they all asked. 

I sighed. »Why not Turkey? It's the most interesting country with the most thrilling city – Istanbul. The cradle of old civilisation, historical events and one of the oldest trading paths on the sea. The metropolis of art, music, films, parties, business – a mixture of all good things from East and West. And last but not least: the city with the most delicious food and the nicest people ever.« I replied over and over again. 

While sitting on my window shelf and trying to think of a way to summarize my time in Istanbul in one short essay, a firm smile insists to stay on my face, making my appearance a bit goofy. It all started with a big surprise that harshly threw me on the ground. Landing to Atatürk Airport at night looked very promising, but my exchange did not start the way I imagined. Unfortunately our university was stationed very far away from the city of Istanbul, in the middle of an artificially created area of villas which were falling apart because no one had ever bought them. No one ever moved there. And there we were – surrounded with silence, empty hills and falling-apart villas, with wild dogs barking at us, security men surrounding us and – no life at all. No shops, food, cafés, bars, music, people, dancing, meeting, talking, socialising. There was nothing. It was not what I had expected to find in the magical city of Istanbul. But I refused to settle, because I was in search of love, life and joy. After some deep breaths I decided to face the problem and find a flat in the centre, so that I could experience all the things Istanbul was so delightfully famous for. 

Staying in Turkey and continuing with my Erasmus program was the best decision I have ever made. You know what they say: The best things aren’t always the easiest ones. And so after two weeks I found a flat with a great Turkish flatmate and my adventure started with a promising look down the street I lived in: it was full of food stands, shops, people and sounds. It's hard to believe, but at the very beginning this exchange in Istanbul already taught me so much more than any other school did. It gave me new eyes and changed me unimaginably. I was not so confident, brave and fearless before. Being forced to take care of my things, arrange university agreements, and get myself everything I needed to spend quality time in the city, including meeting new friends, organizing social activities, getting around the city and in the end also being a tour guide for friends and family who visited me. It is funny to remember yourself in two different periods of life - who you were and how you behaved before the exchange and after it. The effect of this experience on a person is so perpetual, that it shapes you into someone you wouldn't recognize before; but now you absolutely adore it. It changes you for the better. I often find myself wondering: »Would my life ever be the same, if I hadn't taken the decision to go for an Erasmus exchange? « Then a smile turns up on my face and I get lost in daydreaming about the feelings of my time in Istanbul. 

My free-from-university days mostly consisted of simply absorbing all the feelings the city had to offer. Walking past endless tea places, barber shops and wandering between small side streets with second hand shops, where you can find vinyl records, old postcards, jewellery, lamps, photographs of unknown people with inscriptions on them ... you name it – that made my days perfect. One can find everything that represents the flow of life here, in this city. Like time here stopped and kept the precious things that make the atmosphere so different and special but, at the same time it’s a roller coaster of new happenings and new modern ideas. One could call me a bit of a hedonist if he would see me walking around – my amazement upon life in Istanbul could not have been bigger. I pulled myself out of the comfort zone and rediscovered a long-forgotten passionate side of my personality. And I loved it. Every day I received fair amounts of inspiration, which still shapes my daily life and makes it more interesting. 

What impressed me most was that it is possible to find warm-hearted people, typical traditions, colourful shops, smell of different street food, live music nights all over city centre, art exhibitions, dancing, socialising – all of it – in one place! I became fearless and very open, so I found new friends and they became my family for four months. For sure there is one thing we all had in common: being in love with so much diversity of the city. Because it is impossible to replicate sounds, smells, colours and people of Istanbul anywhere else. To me it's a magical city since the moment I was flying over the countless mosques and roads, still in the air and waiting to land. It was something glorious in the size of the city and its many lights in the night – like nothing can be completely still at any moment of the day. And that's what I was searching for, that's what I was hoping to find. And I found it. So there it was. Love at first sight. 

Istanbul is full of Erasmus students and other foreigners, who have found their new home in this city. It is a perfect city for a young enthusiastic Erasmus student, waiting to experience the new culture in all its dimensions; especially it’s a heaven for music, food and film lovers. It is a place so diverse that everyone can find a favourite spot for himself.

“Turkey has the most hospitable people – they take you to their home and welcome you with such warmth that is rarely seen in any other European culture,” is the most frequent characteristic you read in tourist guides and magazines. And it couldn’t be more true. The celebration of Kurban Bajramı in November was spent with my flatmate’s openhearted family, who was willing to show me their tradition and welcomed me with real warmth. Sleeping in their house, eating breakfast together and showing me around their home town - they gladly share everything with you. It went beyond my expectations and I will never forget how nice and friendly they were. I think we can all learn a great deal from Turkish people and their incredible hospitality. And remember: If a Turk offers you tea (and they most certainly will, as drinking tea together is the most popular activity during the day), you should always accept it with a smile. 

Istanbul has many universities and mostly they are, unlike mine, actually located inside the city, which is perfect. And even though I was not happy with my university at all, this did not affect so many other great things I gained through Erasmus experience. One thing is certain: My love for the city – I call it »my Istanbul love« – will last for a lifetime. I am doomed, but in a happy way. 

I feel the need to say so many THANK-you’s. I must say my biggest thank-you to the University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies Portorož - Turistica the Erasmus program, which have made all this adventure and learning abroad possible. I thank all the helpful Turkish people that searched my way whenever I got lost in the streets. I thank my friendly Turkish flatmate, who always helped me with everything, and to all Turkish and Erasmus friends, who made my stay in Istanbul incredible and unforgettable. I thank all musicians on streets and in bars. I thank all artists and kebab sellers. I thank my first yoga teacher. And finally – here’s to the city that helped me get to know myself better and to define what I am looking for in life. 

Although I do not recommend Istanbul Arel University for your Erasmus choice, I do encourage everyone to take the opportunity and go for an Erasmus exchange abroad. Get inspired and embrace the changes. It will build you up and enrich you in every possible way. 

If you have any questions regarding sim cards, residence permit, finding an apartment in Istanbul or things like that, don’t hesitate to contact me: galic.marusa@gmail.com 

Maruša Galič
galic.marusa@gmail.com