Summary
Highlights
Indrani Kalkan, originally from India, has lived in Turkey for 24 years after marrying a Turkish gentleman she met in the United States. She shares her initial experience of moving to Turkey, highlighting that the primary challenge was the language barrier, especially in central Anatolian regions where Turkish is predominantly spoken and English is not common. She overcome this hurdle by actively learning Turkish in her first year, driven by a positive attitude and her first workplace being in an environment where no one spoke English.
Once the language barrier was overcome, Indrani found adaptation easier due to the warm and friendly nature of Turkish people, who are open to different cultures. She also discusses her religious situation, being Hindu and married to a Muslim. She practices her Hinduism privately at home and feels no pressure to convert. Her home is a blend of Turkish and Indian cultures, with Indian food, music, clothing, and decor coexisting with Turkish elements.
Indrani describes her professional life, teaching in Turkish and interacting with Turkish friends and students, where she often forgets she is Indian due to the lack of cultural conflicts. She emphasizes that Turkish people are appreciative of different cultures, fostering an environment where she can openly share and experience both cultures. She feels comfortable wearing Indian clothes and listening to Indian music at work, and her Turkish friends appreciate it.
Indrani talks about her 16-year-old daughter. While her daughter identifies more as Turkish youth, she is also fascinated by Indian culture. The family visits India annually, ensuring she remains connected to her Indian heritage. Her daughter enjoys aspects of both cultures, including food, clothing, and music, benefiting from a rich, mixed cultural upbringing at home.