Can you introduce yourself?

I am Aisana Sman, Doctor of Law, Professor of Turan Astana University in Astana, Kazakhstan. I specialize in international law.

What are you doing at AYBU right now? Which program did you come within?

I am currently undergoing a scientific internship at the Yildirim Beyazit University. I am undergoing a scientific internship under the international program of our country "Bolashak".

What does this programme mean to you?

This is an international program founded by the First President of Kazakhstan N. Nazarbayev. According to this program, citizens of the country are sent to leading international universities to study. This program has been in existence for over 20 years. More than 2,000 people have been trained on it. The second President of the country K. Tokayev initiated to send 500 scientists of Kazakhstan to the leading universities of the world for scientific training. I was among them and came for a scientific internship at Yildirim Beyazit University.

Can you tell us about the process from university to your current position, including this program?

In Kazakhstan, i went through the process of selecting candidates for the Bolashak program. I went through several stages of selection, passed the tests and was sent for a scientific internship.

How was the process with our international relations office? How was there approach towards you? Were you satisfied with the process?

I arrived in Ankara. At the university I was met by the department of international relations by Mr. Shemsetdin Tabur, appointed professor of jurisprudence Mr. Yezhel Azher. There was a meeting with the dean of the faculty. I express my gratitude to them.

Was there a procedure that you were not aware of before that you learned during this process that shocked you?

In my view, used to think that Turkey is a country of seas and beaches. During the time in Ankara, the idea of the country has completely changed. Turkey is a magnificent country, a modern country, a republic that Ataturk created. Ataturk established the foundations of the state, politics, economy, education, culture, and science. Turkey in 2023 will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the state. Turkey is a modern, developed country. I lived here, communicated with the citizens of this country, studied the language, culture, history. Was on trips, archives, libraries, universities, museums, concerts, theaters. I visited many historical places and cities. Everything is admirable. Well, Ankara is a modern city, a city created by Ataturk, when he created the republic. Ankara is always in my heart! I appreciate the very friendly attitude of Turkish citizens towards me. They always greeted me warmly, and when they found out that I was a teacher, they treated me even more warmly. Calling me "Aysana Teacher". The development of transport and hotels in Turkey is striking. Everything is created for people and a small city has all the conditions, like a big city. A huge amount of transport: planes, trains, fast trains, buses, subways, trains in the city, TV sets, local buses, dolmushi, taxis allow you to move around and feel comfortable. Everything is very organised.

Is there any information that you found useful to you, that you would like to recommend?

In my country, I could recommend the attitude towards the Teachers. In Turkey, teachers are treated with great respect. They have very good working conditions. I also appreciate the attitude of teachers to students. And I was also fascinated by the students who read books, libraries, bookstores in Turkey. Lots of books to read. I was surprised by the library built by the President of the country. I think it's a world class library... In my country, it is necessary to change and introduce a respectful attitude towards the Teachers! And support the country's libraries!

What were some of the interesting things you observed in/about Turkey?

I was interested in everything! It was interesting to study Turkish at the University Language Center. Many thanks to my Turkish teacher, Mr. Semih! He introduced me to the world of the Turkish language! It was a great time when we went together for picnics in nature, to concerts, to exhibitions, to museums. Very interesting time!

How was the profile of the students and educators? What are the differences with your own country? What did you like? What would you recommend for changing?

The level of teaching and teachers is very high. The education system is quite developed, and the teachers are professionals in their field. A very developed teaching methodology, which is followed by both the teacher and the students. In Kazakhstan, the conditions for education are approximately the same, but there is not enough individualization in education and there is no such close connection between the teacher and the student. Their communication is not so close and friendly, more official. I think that this can be changed in my country.

What have you done during this process that you've never done before?

In the process of scientific internship and research, I, not only as a scientist, but also as a citizen, stand for the creation of the “Turan” state, for the unification of the Turks. Representatives of the Alash party, the current presidents of Turkey, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, and Ukraine spoke about this. The created Turkic community contributes to this. And as a specialist, I think that a single Turkic language and a single law and legislation will only strengthen the creation of the state of Turan!

Can you talk about the features of Ankara?

Ankara is a beautiful, modern city that was created by Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. I admire this man and the first president who defended the country with weapons in his hands, founded the republic and its system. Ankara has wonderful museums, theatres, parks and universities. And what a wonderful presidential symphony orchestra! Bravo to the orchestra! Beautiful Yildirim Beyazit University, its buildings and libraries! Ankara will always remain in my heart! There were no difficulties, and the best thing was all the time that I spent in Ankara. Conducted scientific research, lived like an Ankara, visited interesting places in Ankara!

What were the experiences you gained?

Experience is always useful. This experience is invaluable! I learned to appreciate both my homeland Kazakhstan, its steppes and mountains, its people, and Turkey, its seas, its mountains, lakes, forests...

Can you evaluate your experience in AYBU?

The university is wonderful, its teachers, scientists, students are very wonderful people, they are always ready to help. There was a great exchange of views on the study, scientific articles were written, common approaches were developed, participated in scientific seminars, conferences, scientific schools! A monograph on the Turkic community has been prepared. Thank you!

Would you recommend Turkey/AYBU to someone who wants to go to this programme?

I will always recommend the University as the leading university in Turkey! It was established in 2010 and has taken its leading position among the universities in Turkey.

What was the best part of living in a foreign country?

I think that the process of science and education cannot stand still. He is always on the move. Therefore, you should always strive to apply, participate in competitions, win. And the university is always ready for cooperation.

Is there a memory that you would consider unforgettable that you would like to share with us?

A lot of wonderful memories! The most beautiful memory is connected with the teachers! They are the achievement of education and science and modern Turkey!

Are there any messages you would like to convey to those who listen to this interview and/or the ESN AYBU family and/or AYBU International Relations Office?

The time spent at the university is a great time and I will not forget it. Many thanks to the department of international relations, the faculty of law, my teachers, the university. See you on Turkish and Kazakh soil. Welcome to Kazakhstan!