Gabriele from Bursa
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We would like to know you, please tell us about yourself.
I am Gabriele Hancı from Bremen. My mother is German while my father is Turkish.
Therefore I officially carry dual citizenship
What made to come to Turkey?
My husband and I move to Bursa with our children about 1.5 years ago. My husband
wanted to return his home country (he is Turkish) and we were both sick and
tired of our monotonous life in Germany. Since I was curious about a new culture
and life I accepted his offer. Our children were 7 and 13 and they would not
have difficulty in education.
Can you compare your first days in Turkey with today?
I married to a Turk in 1989 and lived in Bursa for one year. Those days are
not comparable with my life today. There was nothing in Bursa, that I was used
to have, no shopping malls, no metro, and no special food, which I long for
and that could only be found in Europe. Today, anything you can find in Germany
is also available in Bursa. Sports centers were opened and various activities
take place in down which help you feel better, meaning less homesick. Now it
is possible in Bursa to have all activities such as biking, you can have in
Germany.
Has living in Turkey influenced your approach to life?
No, I am still the same person I was. However of course my experience of life
increased.
Turkish language?
I began to study Turkish by myself when I was 15 because we have been coming
to Turkey for vacation once a year. I could not communicate with my friend living
next to our house and this was disturbing. Therefore I bought books and began
to study. Foreign language is my greatest hobby. I learned English, Russian
and Spanish until graduating. I was working in a forwarding
agency and it was a great benefit to speak those languages in my position. In
addition the number of interesting people increase with each language you learn.
My husband and I have been speaking Turkish with each other. Now although I
speak with accent my Turkish is fluent and everybody enjoys my accent.
How do you spend your days?
Sports, taking care of the children, giving private German lessons, research
for www.mymerhaba.com, writing, shopping, reading and spending time with friends…
24 hours are not sufficient J
Family and business?
It is easy to handle all since I work at home.
Have you traveled a lot in Turkey?
Yes, when I was a child, however I cannot remember much. We traveled along the
west coast of Turkey. There are many regions I want to see, Fethiye and Cappadocia
really attract me.
What is your preferred characteristic trait of Turks?
Their being warm, sincere, honest and helpful.
What is the annoying one?
Sometimes they are so curious. They ask so many questions to people who they
do not know well. You have to be careful with your dresses in summer to avoid
the disturbing looks of men. These things irritate me at times.
Turkish Cuisine?
I find Turkish cuisine very delicious. I only miss fresh Gouda cheese, which
I love very much. My children miss fish crocket and the frozen spinach, which
they were eating in Germany.
Any suggestions to foreigners who plan settling in Turkey?
I strongly recommend them to join among the members of www.mymerhaba.com and
follow their weekly newsletters. They should make a good research for the education
of the children. The school should be bilingual (Turkish and a foreign language).
They should meet with other expats regularly and frequently. These activities
lessen homesick and enable to exchange views. Try to speak your mother tongue
at home, order the newest books published in your country and exchange books
with the other expats.
Any suggestions to people planning to visit Turkey?
The southern parts of Turkey are very sticky in July and August. Ideal season
is June and September.