interview & photography: MK
Every Saturday we’re spotlighting remarkable local females who could change the way we look at the world. This Saturday is Müge Ugur’s turn, a Turkish digital nomad, who never leaves home without her camera, in love with Trieste.
Where are you from?
I am from Samsun, Turkey which is one of the largest cities in the Black Sea region of the country. I have always lived in Samsun, where I got my Bachelor’s degree in Statistics and then Master’s degree in Business Administration and Industrial Relations. I had the opportunity to work for various companies back in Samsun after the graduation.
Hobbies?
I have always loved traveling and taking pictures. I always try to reflect and share my perception of details from all around the world via my camera (you can find me on Instagram as @mubigram).
Where else have you been besides Trieste?
I visited Florence, Rome, Capri, Verona and could have never imagined that one day I would get to live in one of the most beautiful cities – Trieste. My interest in Italy was ignited by watching the movies of the famous Turkish director, Ferzan Ozpetek many years ago. This summer, together with my husband, I had the opportunity to take a road trip down to Puglia. It was a unique experience to see the shooting locations of the movie “Mine Vaganti” directed by Ozpetek.
Why Trieste? Why did you decide to move here?
When my husband came home one day and told me he got a job in Italy, in Friuli Venezia Giulia region, I was ecstatic. The decision of changing our settled down life in Samsun after many years and accepting the challenge of making an international move has definitely been a game-changer, both for myself and my husband. Having said that, we were looking for this type of opportunity in the last few years. We took the decision – which was not easy – and it has felt right ever since. The “Expats in Trieste” group meetings and events have definitely helped us a lot to make a smoother landing to the city, thanks to Maria and Francesco.
What do you like about living here?
What I like the most about Trieste is by far the architecture and how the historical essence of the streets and buildings could be preserved in centuries. When I take a stroll, the smell of coffee in the streets and seeing people walking their dogs makes me happy. Nowadays, my biggest struggle is with the famous wind – Bora – which will be my first experience during winter time. Who knows, maybe one day I will start to love this cold wind.“
