Travel to China changes Turkish woman's misconceptions

Overseas students perform at a cultural festival in Beijing Language and Culture University. Photo: CFP

"Friendly, cozy, warm, culturally rich, historically rich, that's what comes to mind when I think of China and Chinese people," said a Turkish woman in her 50s, as she enthusiastically showed off souvenirs she had bought in China to her colleagues in Istanbul.

Elif Pervane, director of corporate relations at the Turkish-Chinese Cultural Association, spoke wistfully of the colorful chopsticks, handbags, tea sets, Chinese storybooks, and jewelry and the memories behind them.

Pervane traveled to Beijing in July to attend classes at Beijing Language and Culture University for over a month to improve her Chinese. She had as much contact with the Chinese people as possible during her stay, made friends, and traveled a lot.

"What impressed me most was the kindness of the Chinese people, that warmth, touch, gratuitous benevolent feeling they have," said Pervane, showing two tea packets she received as gift from her newly established Chinese friend. "They act generously, without any thought of personal gain or expectation."

Before traveling to China, Pervane had many prejudices, many of which were based on false reports from some Western media. 

But after experiencing the local culture, the daily life, and the people, she saw that all were baseless.

"I thought I would find a huge air pollution problem," Pervane pointed out. "I didn't notice any pollution. I always had my mask in my pocket to be on the safe side; I didn't use it even once, neither in the subway nor in the open air."

She also had read some articles that the Chinese are hostile to foreigners. "This is also a completely false perception," Pervane said, noting that she established perfect friendships with many Chinese people, and they are always in contact with each other on social media.

"This intimacy touched me in today's world, where people are increasingly alienated from each other and become more and more lonely."

Xinhua