Host Family of Izmir

When I walked into my host family’s house for the night, I cannot deny I was slightly hesitant. I was worried it would be awkward and concerned that only one member of the house was able to speak English. I’m happy to say I was completely wrong and it has become one of my most cherished experiences since coming to Turkey.

Upon arriving in Sinan’s house we walk to the back porch where Nate and Sinan chat freely. He assures us we can ask him anything about Turkey and himself, because he will not hesitate to answer any question. I notice Sinan’s amazing hospitality. He is constantly making sure we are comfortable, I feel totally at home.

Conversation stays pretty light for the whole night, except for a couple of comments regarding the election later. We talk about his hometown of Izmir, his conscription in the military at age 20 (he is now 25), his girlfriend of three years, and his siblings who are married, as well as, his twin brother who also lives at home. We asked when he might move out of his parent’s home and he replied that most people do not move out until they marry. When we told him the majority of people move out at age eighteen in the United States, he seemed very surprised.

A little later Sinan’s mother calls. Sinan rushes downstairs to assist his mother with the groceries and he carries them all for her without effort; refusing any help we offered. His mother, Songul, is short and friendly and when she enters she hugs Nate and I right away like we are old friends. She holds Nate’s face for some time and mutters many compliments in Turkish.

As she starts to cook dinner a neighbor shows up unannounced and walks right in. She greets Nate and I, but then joins Songul in the kitchen to help her cook while they listen to Turkish music. While they cook, Sinan turns on football and, upon learning I know nothing about it, he tells me excitedly about his favorite team and other good teams worldwide.

Their neighbor leaves and the food is almost finished. Sinan paces between the kitchen and the living room complaining that he is ‘starving to death,’ and can’t wait for dinner. When dinner is ready, we all sit down together and eat. Although Songul does not speak English, she talks as though Turkish the only language we know. She treats us like her children.

My experience with my host family was one of great value to me. Not only did I make a very genuine connection with these people, but they showed me that many of the differences we expect, actually do not exist. In fact, if the food had not been Turkish I might have forgotten I was in a different country and thought I was at a friend’s house for dinner instead. My experience was different from an American dinner in all of the right ways (food, language, beverages, etc), but the same in all of the important ways (a feeling of connection and family).

I know that if I ever return to Turkey I will, without a doubt, revisit my host family of just one night. I also know that if they visit the United States, I will happily return their hospitality in every way. Before this experience I thought I couldn’t possibly fall more in love with Turkey and its people we know as Turks. I was wrong.