Romanian students fascinated by nature of Kurdistan
NEDİM TÜRFENT
HAKKARİ (DİHA) - After the solution process, more tourists are visiting the cities of Northern Kurdistan day after day. A group of Romanian students, visiting Yüksekova district, said they were fascinated by the nature, climate and mountains of the district.
After the peace and solution process initiated by PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan, Kurdistan, where tourism is underdeveloped, has become one of the stamping ground for both domectic and foreign tourists. The tourists, who come to Kurdish regional cities are uncomfortable with the presence of military blockade and vehicles, but they are fascinated by the unique nature of the region.
A group of Romanian students travelled from Romania's 7th big city, Galati, and came to Yüksekova district of Hakkari. The high school students told DİHA about their observations and feelings in the district.
The group, including only one male tourist, came to the district through EU-supported "Today is For Tomorrow" project. Most of the group members are in Turkey for the first time. The group has visited Lake Van, Akdamar Island and Hosap Castle in the eastern province of Van, and they visited Oremar (Dağlıca), Şemdinli and Esendere.
'We didn't expect to be like that'
The Romanian students worked out nature sports like hiking, swimming, mountaineering, climbing and riding horse. "We are excited to be here. This is the first time I'm in Yüksekova. We are so happy about that. Everything is so beautiful here. People are so nice with us. In fact, we didn't expect to be like that. Yüksekova is a really beautiful city. There are a lot of mountains around us. The view is so nice. We loved the bazaar of the city, and the local people are so kind. We will look forward to visit here again," told 17-year-old Biamca Mumtiamu.
'People are full of energy'
Nica Maria Isabella (17) is paying a visit to Turkey for the first time and she is at the excitement of that moment. Isabella said she loved Yüksekova so much, adding: "This is the first time that I am in Turkey. I liked very much. The people are very very kind and full of energy. I liked the food very much, they are similar with the Romanian foods. We have also çorba, soup. We drink tea every day, and I learnt that the tea is somehow national drink here. Nature, mountains and view are wonderful. The mountains are very high. The climate is so nice. It is neither too hot, nor too cold. It's very good."
Dudu amazed by religious tolerance
Another 17-year-old Romanian high school student, Biamca Dudu, travels rarely and so she is quite excited. Dudu told about her feelings, "I am here in Turkey for the first time. Actually, I never travelled even in my country. This's a big step for me. This country is very very beautiful. The view and mountains are beautiful. I was amazed by them. Our mountains are not made of stones. But here is different. We did hiking at high mountains". Dudu said she was astonished by the tolerance of the people towards their religion. "Some people said me they respect in Bible. I was amazed by it. I did not think like of that. It's lovely, and also thee people. I was skeptical about this, but now I was fascinated. The local people fast, but if you feel bad or sick, they don't. They present us even fruit juice. They are so so kind," concluded she.
Romanian student named Mihaela Latu confessed, "Our city Galati is far from here. It was the first time I flew with plane. It was an amazing experience. We visited Lake Van, Akdamar Island and Hosap Castle, and also the mountains. The people are very hospitable and nice. They tried to make us feel at home. We ate traditional foods here. We liked them very much. Our languages are similar. There are lots of close words. We want to come back us".
The group of students chanted "We love Yüksekova" all together and called on worldwide tourists to visit Yüksekova.
(nt)
