Could you tell us about yourself?
My name is Akanksha and I have just left Istanbul and moved to Seattle with my husband and son to pursue my PhD. I am 35 years old, my parents are from India, and I have lived and grown up in various locations across the globe. I am an engineer and an educator and Istanbul is one of my favorite places on this earth!
Why did you come to Istanbul? What has changed in your life since you arrived?
I first came to Istanbul for various personal reasons, the most important one of them being that I wanted to find a place where I could live closer to both the geographical East and West and Istanbul was perfect for it! I went through many personal and professional changes here, started and completed a Masters, and met and married my now husband who is from England, and had my son! So Istanbul is definitely a life changing and defining city for me.
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when we say Istanbul?
Istanbul has a vibrancy like no other city I have experienced. The chance of meeting people from across the globe, the streets and sounds and smells, the food culture, the youthful energy and historical prowess- everything existing side by side is the beauty and most exciting thing about Istanbul for me.
Which aspect of Istanbul excites you?
This is an entirely personal question and preference but I can definitely say- when in Istanbul, don’t miss the ferry ride along the Bosphorus- and oh- unlimited ‘Chais’ by the sea 
Could you tell us a memorable moment in Istanbul?
Meeting my husband, which led to having my son!
