As a graduate student in the Turkish Studies MA Program at Sabancı University, Esra conducted an oral history interview with Fatih.
Esra:
"I think that as a first experience, I had a valuable interview. We developed a calm and close relationship with the interviewee. I learned that it is special to understand the things beyond the words. As far as I can tell, my interviewee spoke without fear or self-restraint. On the basis of this interview, I can say that one of the most important and crucial aspects of the interview is to be able to listen. My interviewee was able to display his emotions and feelings.”
From the interview:
“…it has two dimensions: even though I think that it perhaps isn’t right, I am able to compare and say ‘I am as good as anyone else’. Secondly, the fact that I am thinking about and curious about the opportunities out there. Seeing how much others have accomplished, I thought that I too should do something like this. Whether it is living in Jerusalem or London, or studying to get an M.A. or a Ph.D. in the U.S. When I look at the experiences of my friends, I see how indispensable studying abroad is. I had therefore begun to pursue various opportunities here. My friends were a motivating force.”