'It was difficult to accustom initially'

EXPATSPEAK

It’s been ten years since Osman Unalan, an expat from Turkey, has been living in Delhi. And after facing initial difficulty in getting accustomed, he now belongs to the City whole-heartedly.

Born and brought up in an Euro-asian country, Osman came to Delhi to pursue higher education in the field of political science. After finishing his education from Osmania University in Hyderabad and Master from IGNOU, he is presently working as chief of bureau in Delhi for a Turkish news agency Cihan.

Ask him how he deals with the not-so-good attitude of the City with outsiders, he says, “Eventually, when I was a student, it was difficult to accustom myself to the City, but after few months, I got used to it.”

Osman, who stays in Lajpat Nagar with his wife and two kids, says that though the national Capital has everything to offer, but multi-culture Hyderabad fascinated him more than Delhi.

“I stayed in Hyderabad for the first time but I found it much familiar than Delhi and I didn't face any difficulty. I don’t know why, maybe because it is multi-cultural like Istanbul. It has a combination of people and they are very friendly,” he tells Metrolife.

Osman feels that it is not just about Delhi, but other cities like Mumbai too are not very warm to outsiders initially, but people start accepting you after a while. He says, “Initial period is definitely a bit difficult, but if you are working here and pass few months comfortably, then you get used to the cities like Delhi and Mumbai. My family or I don't face any problem now.”

While Osman has a penchant for beautiful architecture, he is particulary fascinated by of buildings in Old Delhi, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Jama Masjid and Qutub Minar. Osman says that the City is way too populous, but it’s fine as long as it is giving you bread and butter.

“Real Delhi is north Delhi and Old Delhi. I often visit these places, sometimes alone and sometimes with my family. Overall Delhi is very populated, but that is everywhere, even in the US and the UK, or Istanbul where I was brought up. But if you are working here and the place is giving you bread and butter, then there is no problem,” he adds.

Osman informs that there is a small Turkish community in Delhi and he and his family are part of their regular social gatherings.

“We come together and meet at least once a week. Indians, including women, are also a part of our meetings.”