From Somalia to Samsun: Where a New Journey Begins

On October 14, 2025, I traveled from Somalia — my very first flight. It was a new experience and a life-changing step forward. It’s never easy to leave your country, your family, your friends, and the people who have always been part of your daily life. It was emotional, even heavy at times, but I was full of ambition and excitement for this new chapter.



Around 5:40 a.m., I left home for the airport. I went through many checks before reaching my flight counter. After passing the visa and boarding pass desks and completing passport control, I finally sat down and ordered a cup of coffee. It felt like everything was finally falling into place — I was moments away from beginning this long-awaited journey.


While sipping my coffee, I thought to myself, “This might be the last one before everything changes.” I finished it, paid the bill, and headed to the boarding gate. A girl from Kenya, as I guessed, started a short conversation with me — a small but nice moment before takeoff.

After another security check, I waited for about an hour and a half. When the boarding started, I saw my sister Sumaya come to say goodbye. It was a very emotional few minutes — leaving your loved ones behind is one of the hardest parts of any journey.

My seat was 17F. Sitting there for the first time, I realized flying is more than travel — it’s a classroom of its own. I learned about airplane meals, the use of seatbelts, onboard toilets, and how people behave during flights.

Around 4:30 p.m., we landed at Istanbul International Airport — another unforgettable experience. The airport was massive and impressive. After passport control, we looked for the domestic flight gate to Samsun. It took us about half an hour to find our way.

At 8:30 p.m., we boarded our flight to Samsun, landing at Çarşamba Airport around 9:30 p.m. The moment I stepped outside, I felt the cold weather — a totally new experience compared to Somalia’s warmth. A team was waiting for us at the airport. After collecting our luggage, we got into a car and headed to our dormitory.

I arrived at my residence in Körfez, Atakum, Samsun. Everything felt new — the weather, the people, the rhythm of life. The food was familiar in some ways but tasted different. Everything around me had changed — a new life had begun.

The next morning, I took my first train ride — another exciting experience. A day later, I went downtown. Samsun looked completely different from my hometown: clean, organized, modern, and full of life.

One of the most memorable places I visited was the Atatürk Statue, one of the city’s great symbols. Standing before it, I felt the weight of history and the pride of the Turkish people.





As I explored further, I discovered how well the city’s infrastructure was built, how disciplined people were in following the rules, and how beautifully organized everything looked — from public transport to parks, cafés, and streets. Samsun blends modern living and natural beauty perfectly.




The next day, I went to Ondokuz Mayıs University and the Language Center (TÖMER) for registration. I also visited my Faculty of Agriculture — it’s huge, and you need to take a tram or a minibus to get there! 

Now, a new life has started. I am back to the book and pen mood — ready to study, research, and grow. A new journey, new goals, and new experiences await me here in Türkiye.

Insha’Allah, I will make the most of every moment


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