Turmush — The heroine of our section "Our People Abroad" is Medina Bekturova, who has been living in Naples, Italy, for over a year.
Medina was born in 2001 in the village of Temir-Kanat, located in the Ton district of the Issyk-Kul region. In 2023, she completed her studies at the Kyrgyz National University.
“In Italy, I do cleaning and take care of children. My move was driven by a desire to open new horizons and learn something new. At the time of finishing university, I didn’t have the means to travel, and if I had stayed in Kyrgyzstan, it would have taken a long time to save money. So I chose a job that allowed me to travel at the same time,” Medina shares.
She emphasized that Italy is famous for its well-known brands, delicious pizza and pasta, unique architecture, rich history, and stunning nature.
“Here, people are very friendly and open. In Kyrgyzstan, many people look grim, while in Italy even strangers smile, which I really like. The climate in Naples is humid due to its location by the bay, especially noticeable in the summer months,” she added.
Medina was amazed by both the nature and architecture of Italy. Even ordinary multi-story buildings have a special style. “When I first arrived, it seemed to me that everything around was palaces. Now I have gotten used to it and can distinguish the features. The nature here is incredible and makes a strong impression. And one more thing that surprised me is the narrow streets, which are no wider than the span of my arms, which can astonish anyone used to wider roads,” she shared.
Sometimes, when trying to greet Italians in the morning, she mistakenly says "good evening." “There have been times when, meeting acquaintances, I excitedly said ‘Hello’ (in Italian ‘Pronto’), after which I felt awkward,” Bekturova confessed.
“Every day is full of new discoveries for me. I study how the locals live, how they spend their day, raise their children, dress, and what they eat. It’s really fascinating,” she noted.
Although many Kyrgyz people live in Naples, it is difficult to gather them all together. “I meet with those I know during holidays. This really helps cope with the homesickness, as I can speak in my native language and feel better,” Medina added.
In her free time, she is passionate about blogging, spending a lot of time on filming and editing. She also attends language courses on weekends and explores historical sites. “In the future, I see myself as a blogger,” she said.
Medina plans to return to Kyrgyzstan to engage in entrepreneurship.
