Becca: My First Impressions of Adana
As my two months in Adana come to a close, I wanted to share a few things I have loved seeing, experiencing, and sharing with my dear friends here. I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit Antioch, Mersin, and Istanbul during my time here, but I think the moments spent in Adana have been some of my favorites.
Adana is known for being a little village with a not so little population of nearly two million people. The city bustles with activity while maintaining a hospitable environment that welcomes impromptu visits and long conversations over çay. The city felt even more like a village during my time here because people vacation frequently during the hot Adana summers, leaving the city feeling a little emptier. The way that Adana most resembles a village culture is by the simple kindness of those you encounter. I have scarcely faced strangers in Adana that have not communicated in a gracious, sincere manner. Strangers quickly turn into precious friends when people are committed to a posture of kindness, even in light of my broken Turkish and humble efforts to understand cultural norms. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness to gain a glimpse of this precious city, full of village simplicity and thoughtfulness.
Another aspect of Adana that quickly jumped out to me is the reality of its long history. Just by driving through the city, you will find ancient mosques, churches, and other significant structures. It wasn’t until I visited the archeological museum that I recognized how much history lies in the heart of Adana. The modern city is situated in the ancient region of Cilicia, one of the longest settled areas in existence. In its long lifespan, Adana has experienced rule under the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. The sheer number of treasures recovered from the ground of Adana’s land is of inexhaustible value. Coming from a country that has yet to reach its 250th birthday, I am wide-eyed with awe to learn of Turkey’s profound historic beginnings.
Throughout this summer, I have become increasingly aware that I have barely scratched the surface of what Turkey has to offer. I have undeniably relied on my friends that live here for help in doing the simplest of things. It has been daunting to fly to a new country, attempt language learning, figure out public transportation, and meet friends that lead such different lives from my own. But my experiences in the East have shown me that the beauty in trying new things far outweighs the unfamiliarity I may encounter along the way. I hope I keep on looking East, gaining a deeper understanding and love of culture!
To our friends in the West, keep looking East!
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Becca Conner
Becca spent her childhood between Virginia and California, before settling down in Huntsville, Alabama. She attends school in Louisville, Kentucky, where she is pursuing a degree in Global Studies. Becca loves learning about different cultures, and spending time with people from all different backgrounds. She can frequently be found watching Gilmore Girls, eating granola bars or apples and peanut butter, or on a hike with her little brother/best friend, Charlie. She is obsessed with musical theater, particularly Newsies, and has been known to burst into song at completely random times. Becca is as adaptable as they come, spending four months living in Guatemala before she was even 18. She is always down for a new adventure, whether it involves exploring a new place or meeting new people.