For this week’s article, I had the pleasure of speaking with one of my students, Nazlı. She is a 22-year-old English Language and Literature student at Ordu University. Born in Uzbekistan to Palestinian parents, Nazlı moved to Türkiye as an immigrant. Her name, "Nazlı," means "delicate" or "charming" in Turkish, reflecting her graceful personality. Although she studies in Ordu, her family lives in Trabzon, another beautiful city along the Black Sea. In our conversation, Nazlı shared insights into her background and her experiences as an immigrant, which have shaped her journey as a student.
Nazlı shared with me that her family has a diverse background, including Arab heritage, so she doesn’t eat a lot of traditional Turkish food at home. However, she really enjoys the Turkish dishes served at her school’s cafeteria for lunch and dinner. The cafeteria offers a variety of meals, and Nazlı finds the Turkish food there delicious.
When she eats out in Ordu, though, there isn’t much variety in the food options. Most places offer chicken and "dürüm," a popular Turkish wrap. Dürüm is made by filling flatbread with meat, vegetables, and sauces, then rolling it up into a convenient wrap. Although it’s simple, it’s a meal Nazlı enjoys, especially when she’s out with friends.
