Sudanese doctor recalls fond memories in Turkey

Sudanese doctor Wahij Ibrahim, the first Sudanese national to undergo medical training in Turkey, told Anadolu Agency on Thursday how grateful he was for all the professional opportunities he now had as a result of the training.

Ibrahim, 54, who now lives in Sudan, said that when he first dreamed of studying abroad -- particularly in the U.S. and Europe -- his father had objected to the idea because of cultural and religious differences.

"My father was bursting with happiness when he heard that I had received a scholarship for an education in Turkey," Ibrahim said, adding that his father was particularly happy that his son would reside in a Muslim country.

Ibrahim currently serves as vice-president of the Association of Turkish University Graduates; chairman of the Turkish Medical Assistance Association; and is a member of the board of directors of the Sudan-Turkey Friendship Association.

He completed his training in gynecology and obstetrics at Istanbul University's faculty of medicine in 1988, where he specialized in perinatology and maternal-fetal medicine.

"I love Turkish; it runs counter to Arabic in terms of subject and verb," he said. "I regard the Turkish language as Ottoman heritage and am impressed by it."

"Turkey's cities and nature are enchanting," he added.

Emphasizing how he felt "at home" in Turkey, Ibrahim said: "I have visited many Turkish cities: Adana, Kayseri, Konya, Izmir, Bursa, Trabzon. I have collected lots of memories."

"I never felt like a stranger in Turkey," the doctor added. "On the contrary, I felt at home. I got used to Turkish cuisine. Turkish people are friendly, hospitable and enjoy helping others. They are reliable."

Praising Turkish development projects in Sudan, especially in the health field, he said: "The recent opening of hospitals in Khartoum and Nyala and the provision of medical treatment for Sudanese people in Istanbul and Ankara -- this clearly demonstrates the close affinity between the two countries."