“Have you heard the legend of Bilkent Pond?” I ask, my voice echoing slightly across the still surface of the water.
“A legend?” My group of tourists leans closer. The Bilkent Pond itself is unremarkable, but the story behind it adds layers of intrigue.
“Yes,” I say. “This pond wasn’t always here. It was created as a part of the Bilkent University project – a grandiose city of knowledge. In the 1960s, a vast expanse of land was purchased to the west of Ankara, and from this, a thriving university was built for a new generation of students. The pond was part of this grand design – an oasis of tranquility in the midst of academic hustle and bustle.”
“It looks peaceful,” one woman murmurs, looking out at the water, where a family of ducks glides by.
“It’s more than peaceful, it’s symbolic,” I explain. “The founder, İhsan Doğramacı, wanted the university to be a refuge for learning and research. The pond was designed to reflect this – a place where students could come to think, to relax, and to find inspiration.”
“And what about the legend?” a young man asks, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
“The legend? Well, it’s said that the pond is a place of wishes. If you throw a coin into it, your heart’s desire will come true.” I spread my arms. “Of course, it’s just a story, but there’s something about this place that makes you believe, isn’t there?”
We all gaze out at the water, letting our imaginations run wild. “Some say that if you’re lucky, you might even see a glimpse of a magical creature lurking in the depths,” I add conspiratorially.
“A creature?” My group is captivated.
“They call it the Bilkent Serpent,” I say, my voice dropping to a whisper. “A protector of the pond, a guardian of knowledge.”
The sun dips lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the water. The light dances across the surface of the Bilkent Pond, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. And as the day draws to a close, we all stand in silence, contemplating the story that has been shared and the magic that may lie hidden beneath the surface of those serene waters.