9 July 2018
DS: Last country where you were based before coming to South Africa
HE: I was the Consul-General of Turkey in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
DS: Most interesting place in South Africa
HE: So many…But a breathtaking experience is when you are at the very tip of the continent, at the Cape of Good Hope! Very exciting, very exhilarating.
DS: Your impression about South Africa in 3 words
HE: Beautiful, graced by God, a most fertile, and rich piece of land.
DS: One place you would like to be posted to or visit
HE: I like the Middle East, a neighbouring region of Turkey full of similarities with my home country; people, food, music, etc.
DS: Most memorable appointment thus far
HE: My first posting; Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan and the people of Pakistan have a special place in my heart.
DS: Most challenging situation that you had to handle thus far
HE: Whilst being a counsellor in charge of military operations at the Turkish Mission to NATO, the military operation started in Libya and I was 8 months pregnant!
DS: My inspiration is/comes from.
HE: My three naughty sons! Everyday a different story.
DS: Place in your country that you love to visit.
HE: Istanbul, a formidable city of the known and unknown beauties, everytime a new thing to explore and to fall in love with...
DS: Most interesting place to visit elsewhere
HE: Venice – anything that a tourist would ask for!
DS: Favourite dish of your country
HE: So many…but for one, the Turkish Breakfast is unique! A real feast for the morning time! Not just a meal, it is a culinary experience
DS: Tastiest dish of another country.
HE: Butter chicken and biryani! Common to the Indian and Pakistani cuisines, I love!
DS: The best book I have ever read.
HE: My favourite book is “Forty Rules of Love: A Novel of Rumi” by Elif Shafak.
DS: At the moment I am reading
HE: “Bare” by Jackie Phamotse
DS: I enjoy listening to……
HE: Turkish music
DS: I spend my leisure time
HE: With my boys and family.
DS: One sentence describing a lesson that you have learnt from being a diplomat
HE: Always be positive and think pink but better take your precautions in advance against all odds!